Aeration + overseeding

First we core-aerate the lawn, pulling plugs about 2.5 inches deep (see core aeration). Then we spread seed at approximately 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

Grass seed needs to touch soil to sprout. Seed that sits on top of thatch dries out. The aeration holes and broken-up plugs give seed a protected pocket of loose soil, so much more of it comes up. All the benefits of aeration (less compaction, better water and air movement) come along with it.

We do aeration + overseeding in the fall. It's the best time for new grass here:

• The soil is still warm, so seed sprouts quickly.
• Cooler nights are easier on young grass, and weeds are slowing down.
• The new grass has time to root in before winter, and doesn't face summer heat or crabgrass right away.
• In spring we offer core aeration on its own (no seed).

• Mow a little shorter than usual a day or two before (not scalped), so seed can reach the soil.
• Soil moist, not soggy. Water about an inch a day or two ahead if it's been dry.
• Unlock gates, keep pets inside and move toys, hoses and furniture off the lawn.

Please flag before we come

• Sprinkler heads and irrigation lines: flag every head. The tines go about 2.5 inches deep.
• Invisible dog fence wire: it's usually buried shallow, so flag its path or tell us where it runs.
• Anything else shallow: landscape lighting wire, cable or utility lines, septic or drain lines, buried downspout pipes.
• Tolvstad's Turf Care LLC is not responsible for damage to unmarked sprinkler heads or objects.

1. 1

   First 2 to 3 weeks: water lightly, 5 to 10 minutes twice a day, to keep the top of the soil moist. Don't let it dry out, and don't flood it.

2. 2

   Once it's sprouted and filling in: water less often but for longer, to push roots deeper.

3. 3

   Rain counts. Skip a cycle after a good soaking rain, and pick it back up when the surface starts to dry.

• Don't mow until the new grass is about 3 to 4 inches tall.
• Set the mower to its highest setting so the young grass isn't stressed. Use a sharp blade and mow when the grass is dry.
• Keep foot traffic light for the first few weeks.

• Weed control: broadleaf weed killers can hurt young grass. Wait until the new grass has been mowed a few times, and follow the label.
• Crabgrass preventer (pre-emergent): it stops grass seed from sprouting too, so don't use it on newly seeded areas.
• Fertilizer is fine. Young grass benefits from feeding; it's the weed products that wait.

Overseeding pairs well with the 5-step program: the program feeds the lawn and keeps weeds down while the new grass fills in. Two of the applications include weed products that new seedlings don't like: the spring crabgrass preventer (#1) and the fall weed control (#4). If you're on the program and overseeding, let us know so we can plan the timing around your new grass.