2 minute read
How Core Aeration and Over-seeding Help Your Lawn
by Expert Contributor TJ Warner, Owner of JHL Landscaping
Summer’s heat will soon end, making way for fall’s cooler temps. This is the time of year to seriously consider two lawn treatments that should be performed annually: core aeration and over-seeding.
Core aeration is a lawn treatment method in which a machine with hollow tines mechanically removes plugs of soil and thatch from a lawn. Over-seeding, on the other hand, involves no soil penetration, and instead, plants grass seed directly into the lawn. Core aeration reduces soil compaction, whereas over-seeding improves the quality, variety and color of your grass.
Soil compaction can occur when there is regular traffic on your lawn, such as children playing or dogs going for walks. In addition, newly-built homes also tend to experience compacted soil from the construction traffic.
Core aeration and over-seeding help improve your lawn in many ways. For example, aeration reduces soil compaction and allows grass roots to grow deeper and locate moisture during hot/dry summer months. It also reduces thatch caused by grass clippings from mowing, and creates a less favorable environment for pests and diseases to thrive.
Over-seeding introduces new grass seed, which fills in bare or thin areas and helps thicken existing turf. Over-seeding also builds resistance to disease by incorporating different seed blends, reducing the risk of disease that can wipe out entire lawns.
Overall, aeration and over-seeding help reduce weeds that tend to grow in areas where grass is thin. A thick lawn is defensive against weeds.
If you think your lawn may have soil compaction and could benefit from aeration and over-seeding, here are some quick tests you can conduct. Examine several small patches of grass. Shallow roots indicate compaction, which results in water and nutrients not being able to travel as easily to the roots. If the grass is not growing as quickly as it should or if it is taking on a yellow color, then there’s a high chance that the lawn has compacted soil.
Most lawns that are on a full fertilization schedule benefit tremendously from core aeration and over-seeding. After those two lawn treatments are performed, the remaining fall fertilization applications will help maximize germination of the new seed throughout fall and winter months. Your lawn will be ready for a great start in the spring! A full fertilization application schedule combined with annual core aeration and over-seeding in early fall will produce the best results: a lawn that grows lush, healthy grass.
Expert Contributor TJ Warner, Owner of JHL Landscaping
Hardscape/Landscape Construction Design & Installation
Landscape Maintenance & Care Instructions
610-356-4104
www.JHLLandscaping.com
