2 minute read
Why Your Lawn Benefits from Core Aeration and Over-Seeding
by TJ Warner, Expert Contributor and Owner of JHL Landscaping
With the heat of summer coming to an end and fall quickly approaching, core aeration and over-seeding should be seriously considered. To fully enhance your lawn, these two treatments should be performed annually.
Core aeration is a method of lawn treatment where 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 residents who are on a full fertilization schedule benefit tremendously from core aeration and over-seeding. The remaining fall fertilization applications that happen after this service will help maximize germination of the new seed throughout fall and winter months. This results in a lawn that’s ready for a great start in the spring. If you’re not on a full fertilization application schedule, consider doing so for the following season. At least six fertilizer applications are required to see best results.
Consider core aeration and over-seeding for your lawn, especially if you think your lawn is experiencing soil compaction. With these methods in place, your lawn will be back to growing lush, healthy grass.
TJ Warner, Expert Contributor and Owner of JHL Landscaping
JHL LANDSCAPING
610-356-4104
www.JHLLandscaping.com
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