Core Aeration and Overseeding
Core aeration is a mechanical method of removing cores or plugs from the turf allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots of the turf. The cores remain on the surface of the lawn and eventually break down and return to the soil.
Why do it? Some lawns do not thrive as well as they should due to compaction from traffic or abundance of clay in the soil. Compacted soils don’t allow the grass plant to take up the proper amount of water and nutrients that they require. Aerating a lawn provides a means for water and nutrients to reach the roots. For lawns that have too thick of a thatch layer, aerating can help reduce it to prevent grass from rooting in it.
When to aerate? Late summer or early fall is the best time. The grass is not stressed from summer heat and is also prime time to overseed if the lawn needs some help thickening up.
How often? It’s a good idea to have it done on an annual basis if your lawn has frequent foot traffic or has clay in the soil.
Can the lawn be seeded as well? Core aeration is a great opportunity to overseed the lawn. We can overseed after aeration and apply a starter fertilizer. Late in the summer or early fall is the best opportunity for good seed germination.
What does the homeowner need to do? For effective aeration the soil should be moist but not saturated. A very dry lawn would not benefit as well as one that is watered on a regular basis. Sprinkler heads need to be flagged prior to service or we can mark them for an additional charge. If the lawn is overseeded it needs to be watered three times per day for ten minute durations for about three weeks.
What does it cost? Click here for a quote!
Hope we can help improve the health and look of your lawn this fall.