Lawn Aeration and Overseeding

Lawn Aerating and Overseeding coupled with a healthy fertilization program is the best way to strengthen a lawn, thicken it up, and encourage a deep, strong root system. As roots move further from the surface they avoid abuse from the sun's heat. Thickening the lawn will help stop weeds from invading and allow your beautiful grass to choke out unwanted species. Aeration should be performed at least every other year to keep thatch build-up and compaction from causing damage. The best time of year for this service is early in the fall, dramatic improvement in the overall health and appearance of the lawn will be evident within only a few weeks.

Read our blog article about the benefits of aeration and overseeding

Thin, stressed turf with poor color. Photo taken immediately after our September aeration and overseeding—before the new seed began to fill in.

One summer later, what a difference! A thick, healthy, deep-green lawn following our aeration and overseeding the previous fall.

Topdressing with Composted Cow Manure

If your soil isn't optimal we may recommend top dressing. In this process we aerate the lawn then spread a consistent layer of premium composted cow manure over the lawn area. We can set the depth to be anywhere from 1/16th of an inch up to a half inch depending upon the needs of your lawn. When we finish topdressing we overseed heavily to thicken the lawn. The benefits of this process cannot be overstated; it allows us to add beautiful organic materials back into your soil. This improves nutrient levels, increases water retention to alleviate drought stress, and will regulate future compaction issues from returning. The lawn will also thicken a great deal due to the optimal soil to seed contact.

A Few Common Questions

When is the best time to aerate and overseed? Fall, because that's when overseeding works best. The combination of cooler air, still-warm soil, and less weed competition gives new grass seed the best chance to establish before winter.

Do I need to aerate and overseed every year? You don't necessarily need it every single year. We recommend aerating at least every other year to keep compaction and thatch from building up and causing damage. Because lawns naturally thin out over time, we almost always include overseeding as part of that service rather than aerating alone. The seed needs the openings that aeration creates in order to reach the soil and take root, which is why the two go together. How often your lawn needs the service comes down to its condition, how much traffic it gets, and how well it has held up since the last time.

How soon will I see results? New seed begins filling in within a few weeks of a fall service. The biggest difference shows the following season, when the lawn comes back noticeably thicker, healthier, and greener.

Is it worth it if my lawn already looks good? Yes. Even a good-looking lawn is dealing with gradual compaction and thinning below the surface. Staying ahead of it keeps the lawn strong and makes it much harder for weeds and disease to get a foothold.