Aeration for Fall Lawn care and Overseeding
Posted by G. Eckardt on Thu, Sep 29, 2011
It's important to overseed the cool season grasses each fall, so whether it's bluegrass or fescue, make sure to lay down an even coat. These grasses don't spread the way warm season grasses do, so overseeding is a must. That way you'll produce a thick, healthy lawn in the fall. For pointers on successful overseeding, refer to our instructions on How to Overseed.
If you live in a particularly warm area, the hot summer months are likely to kill off fall grasses. That makes overseeding all the more important, so that the lawn will be preserved through the year. It also means that overseeding should be done between mid September and mid October. That way the grass will have the chance to develop a deeper root system before the summer months come around again. If you wait until spring, it's likely that summer will undo the work you've invested. Planting in the fall also allows you to use the spring for a round of preemergents to ward off the weeds.
The type of grass you pick is determined in part by your region. In order to pick out a grass appropriate to your area for your own overseeding, talk to a sod producer near you. Their experience will be key in helping you decide what is most likely to grow well for your lawn.
We offer fall aeration and overseeding in Tulsa, Memphis, Huntsville, AL, and Springdale, AR. Call us for a free estimate if you're not inclined to do your own overseeding.
The Overseeding Process
If you have us do your fall lawn aeration and overseeding, there are some key things we'll need your help with.
* Mow your lawn a couple of days before we come out. It will be a few weeks before you can mow it again in order to allow the new lawn time to strengthen.
* Heavily water your lawn for a couple of days before we arrive if it hasn't rained in a while. This will allow our aeration machine to work optimally.
* After we've gone, please keep the ground damp for about three weeks. Water one to three times a day for about five to ten minutes at a time in the areas that have been seeded. If there are high winds or excessive heat, please make sure to attend to this closely. Seeds that dry out won't germinate or grow. This process only needs to continue until you return to your normal course of lawn mowing and lawn care.
* The seeds will begin to germinate between a week and ten days after seeding. This process will continue until the following February.
* Keep the new lawn clear of leaves. Anything that covers the grass may shield it from water and sunlight, either of which can kill the grass.
* Keep the new lawn free from people and animals. It doesn't take much force to kill a young seed. Try to rope off the seeded area and warn friends and family to keep clear.
* Wait until the grass is two or two and a half inches high before resuming normal mowing. Try and be gentle so that the wheels of the mower don't dig up the seeds.
* Call us at 888-283-9770 or click here to contact us if you have any questions!