What are a few things that come to mind when someone first thinks of “Winter?” Chilly weather, warm fireplaces, or possibly more forward-looking to the start of the holiday season? How about ensuring that your lawn receives proper aeration and over-seeding before the end of September?
While not necessarily the first thing on someone’s mind, this process may in fact be one of the most important things that any Homeowner (or Property Manager) has completed prior to the first frost of the year. Aeration and over-seeding can help ensure that a community’s landscaping survives the harshest of Winters and is adequately prepared to look better than ever in the Spring and Summer months.
So, if such a critical component to a robust landscaping schedule, then what exactly IS aeration and over-seeding?
Aeration is a process that mechanically removes plugs of soil and deposits them on the top of the surface. As these cores break down, the surrounding soil, now relieved of compaction, will allow oxygen to fill in the holes. At this time, it is most beneficial to over-seed your lawn with the most desirable blends of turf grass (Spring-Green.com). According to the Kansas State University Research and Extension Center, “The arrival of September with the milder conditions helps revive the summer stressed turf which naturally wants to grow and thrive. Therefore, it is important we give the grass what it needs to fully recover from the stress of summer (johnson.k-state.edu).
LawnCare.org provides five benefits Residential Property Owners and Managers alike should see immediately as a result of properly aerating and over-seeding (lawncare.org).
- Reduction in the compact nature of the soil underlay in the lawn
- Improved drainage along with a decreased amount of runoff
- Alleviation in damages caused by droughts
- Limits the development of thatch (loose and intermingled organic layer of dead shoots, stems, and roots)
- Allows for improved flow of air, water, and other nutrients directly into the roots’ system
Who does not love the feeling of soft grass between their toes or the sight of families enjoying a lush yard? AFI recommends consulting with your property’s preferred landscaper to discuss the best aeration and over-seeding schedule before outside temperatures drop too low!
References:
“Aeration & Overseeding.” Spring-Green.com, Spring-Green, www.spring-green.com/service/aeration-and-overseeding/#:~:text=Aeration%20is%20a%20process%20that,will%20fill%0in%20the%20holes
“September: Time to Core Aerate Cool Season Lawn.” Johnson.k-state.edu, Kansas State University Research and Extension, www.johnson.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/agent-articles/lawns/september-core-aerate.html#:~:text=September%20is%20a%20good%20time,of%20a%20healthy%20maintenance%20program.&text=Core%20aeration%20is
“Lawn Aerating.” LawnCare.org, www.lawncare.org, 24 Sept. 2011, www.lawncare.org/lawn-aerating/
