Aeration and Overseeding Frequently Asked Questions

Aeration and overseeding is the most valuable and beneficial service that you can provide your lawn.

Aeration is the process of introducing air into the lawn, encouraging gas and nutrient exchange. Blades of Green uses the double pass technique as opposed to single pass, which loosens soil better and helps oxygen exchange better than single pass. The equipment we use has a rolling tine deck that goes down 1-3 inches and pulls out a core or soil plug.

Overseeding refers to the practice of spreading grass seed throughout the lawn. This is done to promote the thickness of turf or fill in bare or thin areas in the lawn.

Aeration and overseeding work together to promote a healthier, more vigorous lawn by addressing common issues like soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, thatch buildup, and thinning turf.

Here are some of the key benefits of aeration and overseeding:

• Improved Air and Water Circulation: Aeration creates small holes in the soil, allowing better movement of air, water, and nutrients. This promotes root development, as well as the overall health and vigor of your lawn.
• Reduced Soil Compaction: Over time, soil can become compacted due to heavy foot traffic, machinery, and other factors. Aeration helps alleviate soil compaction by loosening the soil, allowing the roots to penetrate deeper and access essential resources more easily.
• Increased Water Infiltration and Drainage: Compacted soil tends to have poor water infiltration and drainage capabilities. Aeration helps water penetrate the soil more effectively, reducing puddles and promoting healthier root systems.
• Thatch Management: Thatch is a layer of dead and living organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and the grass blades. Excessive thatch can hinder water and nutrient movement. Aeration helps break up and reduce thatch buildup, promoting a healthier lawn.
• Enhanced Seed Germination: Overseeding involves spreading grass seeds. Aeration prior to overseeding creates an ideal environment for seed-to-soil contact, improving germination rates and ensuring better establishment of new grass.
• Fill in Bare Spots: Overseeding allows you to fill in bare spots, thin areas, or patches of damaged turf. This will help rejuvenate your lawn’s appearance and minimize the growth of weeds.
• Improved Turf Density and Weed Resistance: Overseeding with high-quality grass seed helps increase turf density. A denser lawn naturally suppresses weed growth by reducing available space and resources for weeds to establish.
• Long-Term Lawn Health: Regular aeration and overseeding can contribute to the long-term health and resilience of your lawn. It improves its ability to withstand stresses like drought, disease, and heavy use, resulting in an attractive and sustainable turf.

The price of aeration and overseeding will vary depending on the size of your lawn. Click here to request a free estimate.

We respect and admire DIY homeowners but relying on Blades of Green for your aeration and overseeding service offers a variety of benefits. For example:

• Expertise and Experience: Our team members have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to perform aeration and overseeding effectively. They understand the science behind these processes, such as the right time to aerate and overseed, the correct seed selection, and the appropriate techniques to achieve optimal results.
• Time and Convenience: Aeration and overseeding can be time-consuming and very physically demanding. Blades of Green has the proper tools and equipment to perform aeration and overseeding efficiently. Instead of spending hours researching and executing the process, let’s partner together so you can focus on other items on your to-do list.
• Equipment and Resources: Purchasing or renting equipment for aeration and overseeding can be expensive, especially since it isn’t used frequently. It should also be mentioned that the average aerator weighs 400 pounds. Your back and body will thank you for working with us!
• Customized Solutions: Every lawn is unique, and its specific needs vary. Blades of Green will assess the condition of your lawn and provide customized solutions tailored to its needs. Your trusted technician will identify any underlying issues, such as soil compaction or weed infestation, and address them appropriately.

After aeration and overseeding your lawn, it is crucial to provide proper moisture to facilitate seed germination and establish healthy grass growth. The watering frequency and duration may vary depending on various factors, such as climate, soil conditions, and the specific type of grass you have seeded. However, here are some general guidelines to follow:

Initial watering: Immediately after overseeding, give the area a thorough watering to ensure the soil is moist to a depth of about 4 to 6 inches. This initial watering helps settle the seeds into the soil.

Tip: To get a precise estimate for how long you should leave the water running, lay empty tuna cans on your lawn, run your sprinklers, and time how long it takes until there’s an inch of water in the cans.

Daily watering: For the first few weeks after overseeding, it is typically recommended to water the newly seeded area lightly once or twice a day to keep the soil consistently moist. The goal is to saturate the soil but avoid puddling with new seed.

Moisture maintenance: As the grass starts to germinate and grow, gradually reduce the watering frequency but increase the amount of water each time. Transition to watering once a day, then every other day, and eventually to a regular watering schedule appropriate for your region and grass type.

Deep watering: As the new grass matures and the roots begin to establish, encourage deeper root growth by watering less frequently but for a longer duration. This helps the roots reach deeper into the soil and promotes overall lawn health. Water deeply to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.

Adjusting watering schedule: Monitor the moisture levels in the soil and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Too much water can lead to shallow root growth and other issues, so it’s important to find the right balance.

Remember that these guidelines serve as a general starting point.

When you partner with Blades of Green for your aeration and overseeding service, we will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions. We are also always a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns.

After aerating and overseeding your lawn, it is generally recommended to wait for the grass seeds to germinate and establish before mowing. The exact timing can vary depending on various factors, such as the grass type, climate, and weather conditions. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to wait until the new grass reaches a height of around 3 to 4 inches before mowing for the first time.

This waiting period typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but it’s important to monitor the growth of the new grass and adjust the timing accordingly. During this period, it’s crucial to keep the newly seeded areas adequately watered to promote germination and establishment.

Once the grass has reached the recommended height for the first mowing, set your lawn mower to a higher cutting height to avoid cutting the new grass too short. You don’t want to remove more than ⅓ of the blade at a time. The recommended grass height is 3.5 – 4 inches.

Remember to use sharp mower blades to ensure clean cuts and avoid damaging the newly growing grass. Additionally, avoid heavy traffic or other activities that may stress the newly seeded areas until the grass has had sufficient time to establish a strong root system.