How long should you wait to cut grass after aeration and seeding?

They'll need to acclimate and set roots before the first mow, so during the first two to four weeks post aerating and overseeding, don't mow.

When can I mow after overseeding existing lawn?

That's why it's smartest to wait around a week, or more if possible, to allow the new seeds to settle. Some experts consider seven to 10 days a conservative option for mowing after overseeding, suggesting that four days should be enough.

Can you walk on lawn after aeration and seeding?

Don't walk on your recently treated lawn.

The seed will begin to germinate in the first few weeks, limiting foot traffic will allow the seed to germinate and sprout new growth. This initial period of time is crucial to the success of your new lawn.

Should I mow before or after aeration?

In general, aeration creates the most benefit on soil that is a little bit moist. Then, try not to mow right after aerating. Instead, mow beforehand, and consider laying seed and fertilizer over your lawn after aeration and give your lawn time for that new seed to germinate before you mow again.

Do I need to do anything after aerating lawn?

What to Do After Aeration. After you finish aerating your lawn, let soil plugs or extra soil dry where they fall. They'll break down in rain or crumble the next time you mow, adding beneficial soil and organic matter to your lawn surface.

When To Mow New Grass after Overseeding and First Mow

How long does it take for aeration plugs to decompose?

It takes approximately one to two weeks for the plugs to break down on their own, but there are some things you can do to help the plugs break down faster to tidy up the lawn. You can hope for rainfall, but you can also water the lawn to help the plugs break down. Another tactic is to simply mow the grass.

Should you water right after aerating and overseeding?

During the first two weeks following your aeration and seeding service, the main goal is to keep the ground/seed moist while the seed begins to germinate. We recommend that you water each day for at least 20 minutes in all areas of the lawn (water the soil to a depth of about 1/4”).

Will grass seed grow in aeration holes?

Aeration enhances seed germination.

Seeds germinate easily in aerator holes as the holes provide them a place to hide. Overseeding introduces new grass seed to fill in bare or thin areas as well as thickens existing turf.

Should I water lawn after aeration?

Begin watering immediately after the aeration work is complete. Light and frequent watering is preferred for seedlings. Dos Amigos Landscaping recommends watering to the point where at least 1 inch of the top of the turf is wet or light puddling is taking place. Water at least two times per day.

Will mowing hurt grass seed?

Mowing too soon after the seedlings sprout can damage them, increasing the likelihood that they'll succumb to disease and potentially killing them. Before mowing your lawn, make sure that the seedlings are well-developed enough to not be harmed by the mower.

Should you always Overseed after aeration?

Typically, overseeding 48 hours following aerating is a best practice, as this will give the seed the best chance of getting into the soil. Aerating will also help to correct problems in your lawn such as thinning.

What is the best time of year to aerate your lawn?

You want to aerate the lawn when your grass is in its peak growing period so it can recover quickly—think early spring or fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer for warm-season grasses. If you have high-traffic areas or heavy clay soil, you will want to aerate every year.

Should you fertilize right after aerating?

Immediately after aerating, your lawn is exposed to oxygen, and so laying fertilizer during this time is your best bet for growing a healthy, envy-worthy lawn. The best fertilizer to use (and how much) will be dependent on your grass type and lawn size.

Is aeration and seeding worth it?

They want to know: Is aeration and seeding worth it? Our answer is yes because a thick and healthy lawn is the best way to defend against weeds and other lawn problems. Aeration and overseeding are really important when it comes to achieving that thick and thriving lawn.

How do you overseed after aeration?

Overseed After Aeration. Once aeration is complete on an existing lawn, start overseeding within 48 hours and then water the lawn lightly to ensure good soil contact with your new seed. During this time window, seed and fertilizer have a better chance of getting deeper into the aeration holes, which is what you want.

Can you water too much after overseeding?

For best results, water all newly-seeded areas twice daily, beginning the day of seeding. The goal is to keep the seed moist, but to avoid standing water. Too much water will kill the seed. If you are not able to water twice a day, thoroughly water once daily for a longer duration.

Can you walk on overseeded lawn?

You can walk on your new lawn gently, with smooth soled shoes at any time though you should try to minimise how often and not use the same track. You may need to do so for watering or topping up a few patches with seed. You will not harm seed, seedlings or newly laid turf.

How often should a lawn be aerated and overseeded?

How Frequently Should You Aerate Your Lawn? As for frequency, Friell said aeration should be performed at least once per year on most lawns. Lawns with compacted soil or soil with high clay content may benefit from aeration twice annually.

Does overseeding after aeration work?

Overseeding is most successful when done after aeration in the fall. The loose soil will give the seeds more opportunity to germinate. Because aeration encourages better water and nutrient intake, this also creates the perfect environment for seeds to take root.

Can you mow and aerate at the same time?

Mow the lawn before you aerate it. Don't mow the lawn for at least a week after aerating it. Make sure you know where all your sprinklers and pop-ups are otherwise you might damage them. It's a good idea to water the lawn before aerating it because aeration is most effective when the soil is slightly moist.

What month is best to overseed?

Hands down, early fall is the best time to overseed your lawn. The absolute sweet spot for most northern regions of the U.S. is August 15 to September 15. That's when daytime temperatures are still warm enough to encourage growth and nights get cooler, giving new seedlings a break from the heat.

Which is better liquid or plug aeration?

Plug aerators are generally more effective, but they produce unsightly cores of dirt that sit on the lawn. It can take weeks for these cores to break down, and many find that these soil cores resemble goose droppings. On the other hand, liquid aeration is effective without the need to bore holes in the lawn.

Should I topsoil after aeration?

After aerating, it's time for top dressing: spread either pulverized top soil or a good quality humus compost across the lawn. You don't need much—about a quarter inch or so is adequate. Then, go ahead and reseed. Be sure to invest some money in the seed and get good quality, weed-free seed.

When should you not aerate your lawn?

It is best to avoid aerating lawns when they are going into dormancy. So, late summer or early fall are too late for warm-season grasses; it is best to aerate in late spring or early summer. For aerating cool-season grasses, stick to early spring and early fall.

What is the best lawn fertilizer after aeration?

After Aeration Overseed and Fertilize

For best results, use high-quality seed and fertilize with Milorganite®. Mixing grass seed with Milorganite is an effective way to spread seed accurately.