How To Prepare Your Lawn For Aeration and Overseeding
Whether you have had aeration and overseeding done in the past or if this is your first season – Prep work can make a world of difference in your results. Giving each seed the best chance to sprout is a guaranteed way to achieve the lush lawn of your dreams.
Follow these extra care steps and learn how to get the most out of your aeration and overseeding:
- Know Your Lawn: Knowing what you have is the first step in finding what you need.
- Grass Type: Different grasses have different needs. Identify your current grass type to determine the right seed and care. How has your current lawn performed over the years? Maybe it’s time for a change.
- Soil pH and Fertility: A simple soil test reveals your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Adjusting these ensures a healthy soil for optimal seed germination and growth.
- Season: Timing is everything! Early fall is generally ideal for aeration and overseeding in most regions, as the soil is still warm and the cooler air temperatures promote growth.
- Preparation Care: When preparation meets opportunity it is what some would call luck.
- Mow Low: Cut your grass shorter than usual before servicing to allow for better seed-to-soil contact and reduce competition.
- Water: A day before thoroughly soak the lawn, do not over water but allow for the soil to remain moist for aeration.
- Rake: This is an optional method to help improve the efficiency of aeration and overseeding. It removes debris like leaves and thatch to create a clean seedbed and loosen the soil.
- Mark Obstacles: Flag sprinkler heads and any hidden obstacles to avoid damage during aeration.
- Fertilize and Compost : An optional step that boosts your long term soil health.
- Fertilizer: Once servicing is complete lightly rake starter fertilizer into seeds
- Compost: After aeration but before overseeding it may be beneficial to add about a fourth of an inch of compost to the lawn.
If you would like the most from your lawn services keep these tips in mind and don’t forget; Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success”.
