Should I aerate after overseeding?

2) If you're going to aerate, you'll want to do this beforehand. 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.

Can you aerate after you overseed?

Overseeding is a great partner to aeration because you need seed-to-soil contact to germinate lawn seeds, and you've just created the perfect seedbed through aeration.

Do you have to aerate when you overseed?

Lawn Aeration is Vital

No matter what seed you use, they can't germinate in compacted soil devoid of water, nutrients, and sufficient air exchange. That's why it's crucial to aerate your lawn before starting the overseeding process.

Should I aerate first or seed first?

While not crucial, it is recommended to aerate your lawn before fertilizing or overseeding. It is important to make sure the soil is loose enough for seeding so the roots can grow deeper for better water and nutrient access.

Can I core aerate after seeding?

While both aeration and overseeding are separate techniques to improve your lawn, they can (and should) be used together to create a rich, vibrant lawn. Overseeding immediately after core aeration allows excellent soil contact for your new grass seed as it falls into the holes you made in your turf.

How to Aerate and Overseed Your Lawn - 5 Easy Steps

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.

Can you aerate a newly seeded lawn?

CAN I AERATE NEWLY LAID SOD OR SEEDED LAWN? No, you should wait at least six months before aerating new sod and hold off aerating newly seeded lawns until the seedlings reach maturity.

What is the best month to aerate my lawn?

The best time to aerate your lawn is in late summer or early fall, as this will allow your grass to recover completely before going dormant in the winter. While Fall is recommended, you can also aerate and overseed your lawn in the spring between March and May.

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”).

Should I pick up plugs after aerating?

As we've established, don't remove aeration plugs. 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.

Is a spike or plug aerator better for overseeding?

Even spike aerators, which use a solid tine or fork to poke holes, can cause additional compaction in the areas around the holes. For best results, use a plug aerator, which removes a core, or plug, of grass and soil from your lawn.

Can you aerate your lawn too much?

As a general rule, you shouldn't need to aerate more than once a year at any time ("too much of a good thing" applies here, since you don't want to damage your soil).

How long should I wait to mow after overseeding?

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.

What to do after overseeding lawn?

Immediately after overseeding: Water heavily to wash grass seeds into slits. Until grass seeds germinate (first 10-14 days): Water lightly on a daily basis, soaking first one inch of soil. After germination: Water less frequently, but allow for deeper soaking and penetration into soil.

Is it OK to fertilize after aeration and overseeding?

After Aeration Overseed and Fertilize

Immediately after aeration, your lawn is ripe for overseeding and fertilizing. The holes provide excellent soil exposure for seeds and deliver fertilizer directly to the roots of your grass. For best results, use high-quality seed and fertilize with Milorganite®.

Does aeration help grass grow?

Aeration alleviates soil compaction, prevents excessive thatch buildup, and loosens soil so that roots can dig deeper and grow more densely. A regular aeration schedule will keep your grass healthy, green, and growing vigorously.

What happens if you don't water after overseeding?

It's critical that you properly water your lawn after aeration and overseeding. Not doing so could have negative results such as a lawn that won't grow, wasted money, or needing to re-seed all over again.

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 long should I wait to overseed After aerating?

Within 48 hours after you aerate you should over seed, fertilize, and water your lawn. The seed, fertilizer, and water will have the best chance to get down into the holes made by the aerator if applied soon after aeration.

Is it better to aerate a dry or wet lawn?

Aerating is easiest on you (or your equipment operator) and your lawn when your soil is moist from irrigation or rainfall the day before. Overly dry soil can be tough to aerate, so moisture eases the process. Never aerate overly wet lawns; wait a few days instead.

What to do with plugs after aeration?

Deal with soil plugs: After aerating, you can either leave the soil plugs to decompose, rake them to break them down, or remove them altogether. Removing will improve the look of your lawn, but leaving or raking them will enrich your soil.

How late in the year can I aerate my lawn?

Knowing when it is too late to aerate and overseed depends upon your grass type. For cool-season grasses, late fall and early winter are too late to do anything. For warm-season grasses, once the growing season has passed from late summer to early fall, it is not smart to take any actions.

Does aerating flatten lawn?

Homeowners who have a bumpy or uneven lawn might be hoping that an aeration service will have some sort of impact on leveling things out. Unfortunately, aeration is not going to fix a bumpy lawn. Whether it's just a few low spots or it's a completely uneven lawn, these issues all come down to re-grading.

How often should you overseed your lawn?

Make it an annual practice. "Annual overseeding is recommended to thicken lawns and make them more attractive, but also to introduce improved varieties of grass that are hardier, less prone to insects and diseases, and more drought tolerant," explains Mayer.

Does aeration help with weeds?

Aerating your lawn allows vital nutrients, water, sunlight and oxygen to sink in and reach the root system of your lawn. This will promote a healthy and deep root system, giving you a lush green lawn that is better equipped to defend against the intrusion of unwanted weeds and grasses.