Aeration

Lawn aeration is generally recognized as the best way to improve air/gas exchange and water/nutrient intake.
Aeration is the mechanical removal of little “plugs” from the soil allowing water, oxygen and fertilizer to reach the root system.  Mechanical aeration benefits your lawn in six ways.

            1) Reducing soil compaction
            2) Penetrating heavy thatch
            3) Allowing more efficient watering and fertilizing
            4) Enhancing root growth
            5) Enriching surface soil
            6) Decreasing water run-off

The holes left in the turf allow moisture and nutrients to more easily reach the roots.  As the soil naturally expands to fill the holes over a few weeks’ time, the surrounding soil is allowed to loosen, reducing compaction.
The “plugs” are scattered on the surface and eventually break down to form a valuable top dressing that enriches soil near the surface and helps break down thatch.

When should I aerate?
For most grasses, the very best time is just prior to, or early in the fast growing season.  However, cool-climate grasses, like Bluegrass or Fescue, can be aerated I the early spring or fall.

What about fertilizing?
We recommend an application of fertilizer, along with watering just after aeration, will greatly stimulate root growth.

Can I seed at the same time?
Yes, combining aeration with seeding is an excellent idea.  Aeration loosens up the soil, giving new plants “room to grow”.  This also applies to overseeding existing turf or planting new grass.

What should I expect?
Keep in mind, lawn care is a long-term process requiring regular maintenance.  While aeration can provide dramatic results, don’t expect miracles from a single aeration.  The benefits of improved fertilizer absorption, better rooting, and thatch breakdown will result in a greener, healthier lawn over time.

Compost

Soil is the foundation your lawn is built on.  Healthy soil contains billions of helpful microorganisms, important plant nutrients, and organic matter that holds the water your lawn needs to thrive.

One of the best ways to improve your soil is through the use of compost.  Working one to three inches of compost into the soil when rototilling a new lawn can help sandy soil hold water or loosen hard clay soils.  If you’re not planting a new lawn, top dressing an existing lawn with compost can also improve soils.

Overseeding and Top Dressing

Overseed thin areas of the lawn each fall in September or early October, while its still warm enough to give the new grass a good start for the next spring.  Use a grass blend that is appropriate for the area, and top dress with ¼ to ½ inch of compost to cover the seed.