Most lawns over time will suffer from compacted soil and a thick thatch layer. In the North Shore, we have a lot of compacted soil which can hinder the turf’s ability to absorb the water and nutrients it needs from the soil. A seasonal aeration is vitally important to your lawn’s health.
Core Aeration
Core aeration is one of the most beneficial services you can have done to your lawn. By pulling plugs 2 to 3 inches deep, aeration breaks up soil compaction as well as the thatch layer. This allows for better circulation of water, oxygen, and nutrients to the root system resulting in a thicker turf. It also aids water drainage helping prevent conditions for fungal diseases to develop in your lawn.
Another benefit of core aeration is breaking up the thatch layer without completely removing it. Some people will “dethatch” their lawn. One problem with this method is you can damage the parts of your lawn with a healthy root system. Secondly, the thatch layer does actually provide some benefits to your lawn by helping shade the soil and base of the plant helping fight off drought stress.
Overseeding
When added to aeration, overseeding introduces desirable grasses to the turf helping fill in bare spots in an existing lawn. Weeds generally pop up in spots where there is no competition for the nutrients in the soil so by eliminating these spots you are limiting the ability of weeds to take over your lawn. A thick lawn also creates shade for the base of the blade protecting it during the hot summer months.
There are plenty of different types of grass seed, rye, blue, fescue, and all kinds of varieties of each. Some grasses do better in shade and others do well in hot and dry soil. Here in Massachusetts, you want to select a cool season grass. Determining the right type of grass seed for your lawn is crucial so if you’re not sure what type you have or need, check here.
Keep in mind, it’s crucial to aerate your lawn when overseeding because it maximizes seed to soil contact. Just spreading seed throughout the lawn isn’t going to do much. An overseeded lawn is not a newly seeded lawn, meaning it’s not designed to fill in large areas of bare spots. Overseeding will help thicken thin grass and replace dead grass but is not a option when wanting to replace or install a lawn.
Seed Enhancement
Applied with aeration and overseeding this treatment provides vitamins and nutrients to help new seed germination and root development. This supports vigorous grass root growth to help new root expansion as well as fuels top growth and greening.
All of these services will help thicken your turf and provide a thicker, healthier lawn but they can only do so much. Make sure to water daily for approximately 2 weeks when having an overseeding performed. Water and fertilizer is crucial to your lawn’s health over the course of a season so whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, make sure your lawn is getting the constant stream of nutrients it needs.
Get More Info From The Pros!
Looking for more information on aeration and overseeding or just ready to let the professionals take over your lawn care needs? The Grassmaster Plus team is ready and willing to answer any questions you have and can provide you a free quote on your lawn care services for the season. Contact our local office today!