|
Aeration And Overseeding TipsAeration Timing
Lawn aeration is not recommended during the heat of the summer but in spring and fall. Temperatures should be below 80 degrees. If aerating in the fall, do this when at least 30 days of favorable growing weather is anticipated to ensure turf grass recovery. Watering Before Aeration Soaking the lawn a couple days prior to aerating should supply the water needed to allow the aerating tines to penetrate to their full depth. If the soil is too moist when aerated, the cores will be pushed to the bottom of the aeration hole causing compaction; if the soil is too dry, the aerator will not penetrate to the proper depth. The soil moisture content is usually just right two to three days after watering or following a snow storm, assuming the snow has melted. If you can push a screwdriver with a 6 inch blade into the ground without much difficulty the soil is at the proper moisture content. When the aeration process is complete, the holes should be about two inches apart. Fertilizing After Aeration Proper watering and fertilization in addition to aeration are important to the health of your lawn. Fertilizing your lawn following aeration will help nutrients to reach greater depths of your lawn’s root system. This can result in a greener, healthier, and thicker lawn. Lawn Aeration and Seeding In those areas where your lawn is sparse, grass seed can be added to the aeration and top dressing. The grass seed should be scattered prior to and after aerating to permit some of the seed being moved into the soil during the aeration process. Select the grass seed to be used based on the type of grass your lawn consists of. If your lawn is mostly tall fescue, use tall fescue seed. If your lawn is Kentucky bluegrass, use bluegrass seed. 1T. Koski, Colorado State University Extension turf grass specialist, horticulture and landscape architecture; and V. Skinner, Extension horticulture agent, El Paso County. 2/96. Reviewed 12/03. Aeration Questions? Want to find out more about lawn aeration? Contact us to learn more and schedule your lawn aeration service. |
|