Why Your Jamison, PA Lawn Needs Aeration and Overseeding + Plant of the Month

Summer heat and dry conditions stress cool season lawns in eastern PA. You may notice that the soil underneath the grass line feels very compacted—almost like walking on concrete.

Then, you need to call us at Jamison Lawn Care to aerate and overseed your lawn in August.

What Are Aeration and Overseeding? And Why Your Bucks or Montgomery County Lawn Needs It

Aerating a lawn is like a farmer tilling a field. It opens up the soil and gets it prepared for the seed.

But aeration also restores balance to the soil. For example, Pennsylvania has clay soil that gets compacted—especially during the summer when there is more foot traffic, and we have heatwaves with little rain.

While clay soil holds in moisture, it also gets compacted—that’s why it may feel like you’re walking on concrete in the backyard.

When we come to your property to aerate the soil, we’ll use an aerator to take tiny plugs of dirt out of the ground. These plugs will dissolve back into the soil when it rains.

The aerated holes release carbon dioxide from the soil, allowing oxygen, sunlight, and water back into the ground. Aeration also helps with prepping the ground for overseeding and weed control.

Is lawn aeration necessary? Does lawn aeration work?

Yes, aeration works wonders for the soil. Turf roots can go deep into the ground to develop a robust root system, and your grass grows healthier and denser when the soil is aerated.

For example, plantain weeds grow well in compacted soil. When your lawn is aerated every two years, you should notice fewer plantains popping up in your yard.

Overseeding Is Part of the Aeration Package

Since aeration prepares the soil for grass seed, it makes sense to overseed your lawn at the same time. The seeds will go deep into the aerated holes that help with faster germination and the development of strong turf roots.

Why does it matter if turf roots grow deep in the soil?

Turf roots grow deep into the soil over the winter and store nutrients and moisture. Plus, you’ll have a healthy, dense lawn that greens up quickly come the following spring. Deeply rooted grass has better resistance to insects and diseases than lawns with more shallow roots.

One other note: Ensure you lightly water the lawn after overseeding to help grass seeds germinate. You will need to sprinkle your overseeded property daily until seedlings emerge.

If you want a healthy lawn that can stand up to hot, dry conditions, then call us today at 267-621-4747 or fill out our contact form to set up your spring lawn and landscape cleanup appointment.

We serve homeowners and commercial properties in Buckingham and Warwick Townships, including these Pennsylvania towns: Chalfont, Doylestown, Furlong, Hatboro, Horsham, Jamison, Southampton, Warminster, Warrington, and Warwick.

Plant of the Month: Coreopsis

Did you know that coreopsis has 80 varieties available for you to choose from?

This native plant to North America brightens any Bucks or Montgomery County landscape. Coreopsis has daisy-like blossoms and various leaf types. Coreopsis grows in clumps, and you can grow coreopsis varieties in a container or directly in the ground.

Most varieties are hardy for Pennsylvania. Coreopsis is a short-lived perennial that grows in your landscape for up to three years.

Coreopsis is a self-seeder, and its seeds look like ticks, which is why coreopsis’s other name is tickseed. The birds will happily eat the tickseeds from your garden. Also, deer and rabbits won’t munch on coreopsis.

Learn more: Flourishing Roses & the Importance of Mulching

At Jamison Lawn Care, we’ll plant your coreopsis after the last frost in spring. Coreopsis grows to 2’ to 4’ tall and 1’ to 2’ feet wide, which varies per species. Coreopsis prefers well-drained soil that’s neutral to acidic and in full sun.

Flower colors range from red to orange to yellow to pink to white. We can cut your coreopsis after the primary flowering time since they can look leggy after they bloom.

Here are eight popular coreopsis varieties:

Large-flowered Tickseed, Coreopsis Grandiflora, perennial

Heliot, Coreopsis grandiflora ‘Heliot,’ perennial

Rising Sun, Coreopsis Grandiflora ‘Rising Sun,’ perennial

Lanceleaf Coreopsis, ‘Coreopsis lanceolata,’ perennial

Moonbeam Threadleaf Coreopsis, ‘Coreopsis verticillate ‘Moonbeam,’ perennial

Golden Showers, Coreopsis verticillate ‘Golden Showers,’ perennial

Pink Coreopsis, Coreopsis rosa, perennial

Limerock Ruby, Coreopsis x ‘Limerock Ruby,’ annual in our growing zone.

If you need us to split your coreopsis that’s outgrown its spot in your flowerbed or cut back spent blooms, call us today at 267-621-4747 or fill out our contact form.

Sources:

TheSpruce.com, 8 Varieties of Coreopsis for Your Flower Garden.

Ibid, How to Grow and Care for Coreopsis.