LAWN OVERSEEDING

Is your lawn getting thin, turning brown or developing spots that just don’t look as good as they should? Over time, most soil becomes compacted or hard, and your turf has trouble filling in those thin and browning spots. Drought, disease and insects can also take their toll. If any of this sounds familiar, aeration and overseeding might be just what you need.

All lawns, regardless of their condition, can benefit from some level of renovation every year or so. One of the best means of rejuvenating turf is to combine the power of professional aeration with overseeding. During aeration, a machine known as a core aerator pulls plugs of soil and thatch up from the lawn to break up compacted soil and create more room for air, water and fertilizer to reach the roots. This results in expansion of the root system for thicker, healthier grass. Aeration also helps to break up thatch, which can prevent water, fertilizer and insect controls from reaching the soil if it gets too thick.

Following up aeration with overseeding is a great way to thicken up a thin lawn or add a hardier, more drought-resistant grass variety to your property. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential for seeding success, and the new grass seed will have an easier time growing in the holes left behind by aeration. Keep in mind that if your lawn has been seeded, the soil should be kept moist with light, frequent sprinklings until the new grass is well established.

AFTER OVERSEEDING

Now that your lawn has been seeded, you may be wondering what you can do to help the new grass along. The first step is to provide water, and plenty of it!

With new seed, you should use light, frequent watering (at least once a day). You should water enough to keep the top 1″ to 2″ of soil continuously moist. if seedbeds are allowed to dry out, germination can be reduced considerably.

Keep up the frequent watering even after you see the first grass. if your seed mixture contained several kinds of grasses, you may be seeing the first kind. The other grasses will continue to germinate for three to four more weeks. Plus, young grass seedlings without many roots still need your help with water.

Other than watering, here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • Weed controls should be avoided until the lawn has been mowed three to five times.
  • Mowing at normal height (removing no more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time) will help the new grass to fill in.
  • Regular fertilization with a balanced starter fertilizer is a great way to give young grass plants an extra boost.
  • enjoy your new turf, and if you have any questions about caring for your newly seeded lawn, please give us a call.