Benefits of Core Aeration, Seeding, and Fertilizing Your Lawn
Similar to the benefits seen after repotting a weary root-bound houseplant, aeration and overseeding keeps your lawn young and actively growing.
Core aeration creates small holes in the ground by removing plugs of thatch and soil and depositing them onto the surface of the lawn. As the soil plugs decompose over time, they release beneficial nutrients back into the lawn that help control thatch buildup. The holes also open up turfgrass roots to easier access to water, air, and nutrients, resulting in a stronger, healthier turf.
Overseeding a lawn is the process of spreading new grass seed over the top of an existing lawn in order to thicken it or fill in bare spots.
The benefits of core aeration, seeding, and fertilizing are indisputable, so here are some tips to help prepare for aeration & overseeding.
DIY Aeration and Seeding or Hire a Professional?
First, determine whether core aeration and overseeding is something you would like to do yourself, or if you prefer to hire a local lawn care service to do it for you. Aeration can be physically challenging and requires proper planning, but many people complete successful aeration projects on their own.
Choose the Proper Grass Seed
Know what type of grass is already in your lawn. This will help determine the best time to aerate and seed. The fall is the best time to aerate for cool-season grasses and the spring is best for warm-season grasses. Remember: Nature’s way takes time! Depending on the type of seed, germination can be as short as seven days or as long as a month.
Have Grass Seed and Lawn Fertilizer Ready
It’s best to spread grass seed and fertilizer right after a lawn has been aerated due to the holes it creates. Make sure grass seed and fertilizer are on-hand the same day aeration is planned.
Reserve an Aerator in Advance
Lawn aerators and grass seed spreaders can be purchased or rented locally. It’s best to call and reserve equipment in advance to ensure it will be available when needed.
Water the Lawn
Water the lawn two days before aerating in order to soften the ground for easy core removal.
Clear All Debris from Lawn
Clear the lawn of any debris such as leaves, sticks, or rocks prior to aerating to avoid breaking aerator spikes.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
When working with power equipment on any DIY project, it is a good idea to wear proper safety equipment.
Aerate, Seed, then Fertilize
For best results, aerate the lawn and then spread seed and fertilizer afterwards. Going in this order - aeration, seeding, then fertilizing - allows the seed and fertilizer to fall into the aeration holes and make full contact with the soil.
Finish by Watering the Lawn
The final step is to water the lawn for roughly 15 minutes to set the seed and fertilizer in place.
For additional seeding, aeration, or watering guides, sign up for our e-newsletter, The Monthly Dirt, follow our social channels or give us a call for the latest seasonal tips and DIY know-how.
FAQs
DIY Aeration, Seeding, & Fertilizer FAQs
Q1. What is core aeration, and how does it benefit a lawn?
A1. Core aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil by removing plugs of thatch and soil and depositing them onto the surface of the lawn. These holes allow easier access to water, air, and nutrients, resulting in a stronger, healthier turf. As the soil plugs decompose over time, they release beneficial nutrients back into the lawn that help control thatch buildup.
Q2. What is overseeding, and why is it important?
A2. Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed over the top of an existing lawn in order to thicken it or fill in bare spots. Overseeding keeps your lawn young and actively growing, resulting in a denser, more vibrant lawn.
Q3. Should I hire a professional or do DIY aeration and seeding?
A3. It depends on your physical ability and comfort with the process. Aeration can be physically challenging and requires proper planning, but many people complete successful aeration projects on their own. However, if you are not comfortable with the process, or have a large lawn, it may be best to hire a professional.
Q4. When is the best time to aerate and seed, and what grass types are best suited for it?
A4. The fall is the best time to aerate for cool-season grasses, while the spring is best for warm-season grasses. It's important to know what type of grass is already in your lawn to determine the best time to aerate and seed.
Q5. In what order should I aerate, seed, and fertilize my lawn?
A5. For best results, aerate the lawn first, then spread seed and fertilizer afterwards. Going in this order - aeration, seeding, then fertilizing - allows the seed and fertilizer to fall into the aeration holes and make full contact with the soil. Finally, water the lawn for roughly 15 minutes to set the seed and fertilizer in place.
