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Why Should I Aerate and Overseed my lawn?
Have you been following your mowing/watering practices and still continue to see brown spots in your grass that seems to be thinning? Have you seen a few weeds in that thinning grass? That’s when you start hearing about aerating and possibly overseeding depending on your lawn type. Notice the difference between your neighbors lawn, an even nice green little to NO WEEDS, and your lawn? You have the opportunity to take advantage of aerating and overseeding to get that thick, beautiful lawn you work for.
What’s Aeration and Overseeding?
Aeration is the process of adding air to a substance, usually soil, to improve its oxygen content. In soil, aeration allows plant roots to get more oxygen, helping them grow better. Essentially, it’s like letting air in to make something healthier or more efficient. Let us explain. When you see a mower-like machine pass in the lawn creating holes called “plugs” that creates an immediate space for the lawn to breath and promote new root growth. This increased the transfer of water, nutrients and air down into the direct root zone. This process is done for all lawn types. No matter if you have cool or warm grass. Aeration is a one for all.
So what about overseeding? Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed over an existing lawn to improve its thickness and health. It’s usually done to fill in bare spots, make the grass grow stronger, or introduce a more durable type of grass. You must make sure to aerate first before overseeding to ensure the seeds fall directly within the roots. The new seeds mix with the old grass and help create a fuller, greener lawn. Overseeding is normally done for cool season grass. Do know which grass you have, just continue learning.
- Cool season grasses also known as “shade grasses” is very common in Oklahoma. If you notice grass still green during cold, freezing weather then that is considered cool season grass. Grasses like fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, etc, are highly recommended during the fall to sustain the cold. That is when you would overseed after aerating to fill in any spots or simply providing more air and nutrients to your grass.
- Warm season grasses that grow best in hot summer weather. Notice those luscious, vibrant green grasses that practically look like carpets? Those are Bermuda, which is most common, Zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass. These grasses are heat and drought resistant which are considered low maintenance. These grasses do not normally need overseeding, but can upon request with any professional.
Most specialist always recommended aerating for Bermuda. Aerating the lawn always shows positive results.
How do I know if I need Aeration and Overseeding?
Are you the party house? Does your lawn have all the foot traffic from kids playing or dogs enjoying the run outside? That’s when you should start to consider aerating. Most grasses are noticeable when the foot or paw traffic is heavy. There’s always ways to check your soil. Grab a screwdriver and stick it in the ground. Did you struggle to push it in? When the ground is too hard and even for a screwdriver to go in then there’s your sign to call a professional.
When Should I Aerate and Overseed?
Timing is always important when it comes to your lawn. Just as much as temperatures are a crucial factor in maintaining your lawn. It’s important to check time and weather for the best results. For cool season grass, aeration and overseeding fescue should be done in the fall. For warm season grass, aeration for Bermuda should be done in the Spring. Remember this helps prevent lawn issues and promote growth for your lawn.
Heres a look at Aeration
When do I treat over-seeded fescue again?
- Fertilizer can be applied immediately after overseeding since fertilizer helps the seeds germination. Thats extra benefits your lawn receives. We recommend waiting 4 weeks after over-seeding to apply any herbicide.
- Remember over-seeding fescue can take up to 30 days to fully germinate. If you don’t see anything before don’t be alarmed, it is perfectly normal to give your lawn time.
Ask a Professional
Although aeration and overseeding is done as DYI for many, there are several reasons why you may want to considered a specialist like 5 Star Lawn Solutions. We have the knowledge, the experience, the right tools and products to get the job done right. We offer customized plans for you and your budget because we understand.
By working with a specialist, you can be sure that your services are being done effectively and tailored to your lawn needs. Contact 5 Star Lawn Solutions or call 405-887-2059 today for any questions or just simply information for our services.
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