Maintenance

Fall Seeding and Aeration 

People often ask, "What's the secret behind a lush green lawn?" While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, a huge part of the success lies in fall seeding and aeration practices. With fall just around the corner, right now is a great time to shed some light on the benefits of proper seeding and aeration.

Understanding the Importance of Fall Seeding 

Fall seeding, sometimes known as overseeding, is the process of planting grass seeds directly into existing lawns without tearing up the turf. There are two main reasons for this. One is to fill in bare and thin areas, and the other is to introduce new and improved grass varieties to your lawn. Fall seeding, followed by proper watering is one of the best ways to ensure a thick, green lawn.

What is an Aeration?

Core Aeration: Core Aeration removes plugs or "cores" of grass and soil from the lawn to create space for new roots to fill in deeper.

The Science Behind Aeration

Aeration is another crucial aspect of lawn care. It involves perforating the soil with small holes, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This process helps the roots grow deeply, producing a stronger and more vigorous lawn. 

Aeration is one of the only methods to improve your lawn that requires no chemicals. In high-traffic lawns, aeration should be done every year. Low-traffic lawns should be aerated every three seasons to increase the beauty and thickness.

Fall Seeding is Essential: How Will it Benefit Your Yard?

Rejuvenation: Throughout the year, especially during harsh summer months, your lawn might have experienced wear and tear. Fall seeding and aeration help rejuvenate these worn-out patches. 

Improved Disease Resistance: By introducing newer grass varieties, you enhance your lawn's resistance to diseases and pests. These new varieties are often more resilient and have been bred to withstand certain common lawn problems. Just like varieties of vegetables or corn, there are blends of grass that have specific genetics bred to grow in your area. Green View Prefers an RTTF-style seed.

Color and Texture: Different grass varieties have varied shades of green and texture. By seeding in the fall, you can achieve a uniform and vibrant color tone across your lawn. 

Fall is the Perfect Time 

Here's why: 

Ideal Growing Conditions: The cool fall temperatures paired with occasional rainfall create a perfect environment for grass seeds to sprout and grow. 

Less Competition: Many weeds that compete with grass seeds germinate in the spring. By seeding in the fall, your grass has a head start and faces less competition when spring arrives. 

Tips for a Successful Fall Seeding and Aeration 

Mow First: Before aerating, mow your lawn slightly shorter than usual. This allows the aerator to penetrate the soil more effectively. 

Water Your Lawn: Water your lawn a day or two before aerating. This softens the soil, making the aeration process more effective. 

Choose the Right Seed: Always opt for high-quality grass seed suitable for the region and lawn type. Drought resistance is always an advantage. Additionally, you should purchase a blend of seed that does well with the amount of sunlight that reaches the area you are seeding.

Post-Aeration Care: After aeration, it's essential to water the lawn regularly to ensure the grass seeds germinate. Once the seeds start to sprout, reduce the watering frequency but increase the amount of water each time. Watering is the #1 factor in determining whether a seed will germinate. We recommend watering daily for four weeks after seeding and up to 3 times weekly after the first four weeks.

If you aim for that perfect green carpet outside your home or facility, fall seeding and aeration are processes you can't afford to overlook. With the fall season upon us, it's time to gear up and give our lawns the care they deserve. A well-maintained lawn is not just an aesthetic pleasure;  So let's roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of lawn care this fall! 

Skyler Pumphrey - Maintenance Manager