Lawn Aeration & Planting Lawn Grass Evansville
Lawn Aerating
Soil compaction is often a culprit of a struggling lawn. Traffic from pets, kids playing in the yard and even mowing the lawn can cause soil to become compacted. In areas with a high clay content,( like Evansville Indiana) this issue is more common. Most of this compaction occurs in the upper 2 inches of the soil. Aeration goes a long way to help alleviate problems related to soil compaction. Core aeration is a process involving pulling plugs from the soil. This allows more oxygen to get to the roots, which gives the turf a chance to breathe. Microbes in the plugs are beneficial in breaking down excessive thatch. The hole left from aerating collects water and organic matter, softening the soil and allowing roots to easily grow and expand. As a result, grass is less susceptible to disease and more tolerant to drier conditions. Lawn aeration can be done in the spring or fall or both.
What is Lawn AerationThe main reason for aerating a lawn is soil compaction. Soil compaction is when soil particles are pressed together, reducing the air gaps that allow water,air and nutrients to get to the grass roots
A core aerator uses hollow tines to remove plugs of grass and soil from the turf. Microorganisms in these plugs help break down lawn thatch Over time, the plugs decompose and refill the holes.with the loose soil. The looser soil makes uptake of nutrients by the grass. If aerating is accompanied by overseeding, the loose soil provides cover for the new grass seed to grow. |
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Lawn Grass Planting - Overseeding a Lawn
Want to have a thicker greener and more lush lawn? There are many ways to help your cause. Proper watering, fertilizing, weed control and lawn aeration are all important steps in maintaining a beautiful lawn. Overseeding is also a valuable step, but one that is often overlooked. If you can spread the blades of the grass and see soil, your lawn could benefit from overseeding.
Why overseed?
After about three years the reproductive rate of grass slows down & it eventually reaches a point where it cannot keep up with the need for new plants. Most of the cooler season grasses in our area (doesn't include zoysia & bermuda) grow in bunches. when these bunches start to die out space is left for weeds to thrive.
Newer cultivars of grasses are engineered better. K 31 was a popular variety of fescue for quite some time.however it is a wider bladed grass that doesn't blend well with other types of turf. It is also prone to disease when fertilized on a regular basis. Newer versions of tall turf fescues are more drought tolerant and less susceptible to disease. They are also thinner bladed, blend better with other grass types and have a more robust green color.
Mixing different types of grasses that have different growing seasons can make a lawn look vibrant most of the year. Overseeding a bermuda grass lawn with a perennial rye can keep a lawn green in the cooler months when the bermuda has gone dormant.
When to do it
Late summer through early fall is the best time to overseed in our area. The warm soil (necessary for germination), the abundant sunshine & cooler air (both good for growth) make for ideal conditions to overseed.
How to do it
Start by mowing the lawn. Cut it shorter than normal. This will allow the new seed more sunlight. Bagging the clippings is also helpful. The nect step is to rake the area you plan to overseed. This removes debris and makes it easier for seed to soil contact. The next step is to spread the seed.Drop spreaders work well for smaller areas because they are more precise (keeps stray seed out of those landscape beds). Broadcast spreaders work well for larger areas. Split the seed and spread it - half while walking one direction and half wile walking in the opposite direction. This will make for a more even distribution of the seed. There are many different types and blends of grass seed, so make sure to check the label for application rates.
Things that improve your rate of success
- use a granular slow release starter fertilizer in conjunction with the seeding
- aerate the lawn first. Core aerators can be found at most rental places
- remove thatch. A mechanical dethatcher will do a better job than raking by hand.
- top dress a thin layer of compost or topsoil (1/4 " at the most) will help hold in moisture.
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP
Water twice a day until the seed germinates(may take 3 weeks) & continue to water after that. You want to keep the seeds moist all the time but not water to the point where they wash away. Ryegrass will usually start in 4-6 days. Fescues 7- 10 days. Bluegrass can take 2 -3 weeks. Forgetting to water for just 1 or 2 days can decrease the germination rate by 20% to 30%. It can take a full month for new grass to establish well and it needs to be watered while this occurs.
Why overseed?
After about three years the reproductive rate of grass slows down & it eventually reaches a point where it cannot keep up with the need for new plants. Most of the cooler season grasses in our area (doesn't include zoysia & bermuda) grow in bunches. when these bunches start to die out space is left for weeds to thrive.
Newer cultivars of grasses are engineered better. K 31 was a popular variety of fescue for quite some time.however it is a wider bladed grass that doesn't blend well with other types of turf. It is also prone to disease when fertilized on a regular basis. Newer versions of tall turf fescues are more drought tolerant and less susceptible to disease. They are also thinner bladed, blend better with other grass types and have a more robust green color.
Mixing different types of grasses that have different growing seasons can make a lawn look vibrant most of the year. Overseeding a bermuda grass lawn with a perennial rye can keep a lawn green in the cooler months when the bermuda has gone dormant.
When to do it
Late summer through early fall is the best time to overseed in our area. The warm soil (necessary for germination), the abundant sunshine & cooler air (both good for growth) make for ideal conditions to overseed.
How to do it
Start by mowing the lawn. Cut it shorter than normal. This will allow the new seed more sunlight. Bagging the clippings is also helpful. The nect step is to rake the area you plan to overseed. This removes debris and makes it easier for seed to soil contact. The next step is to spread the seed.Drop spreaders work well for smaller areas because they are more precise (keeps stray seed out of those landscape beds). Broadcast spreaders work well for larger areas. Split the seed and spread it - half while walking one direction and half wile walking in the opposite direction. This will make for a more even distribution of the seed. There are many different types and blends of grass seed, so make sure to check the label for application rates.
Things that improve your rate of success
- use a granular slow release starter fertilizer in conjunction with the seeding
- aerate the lawn first. Core aerators can be found at most rental places
- remove thatch. A mechanical dethatcher will do a better job than raking by hand.
- top dress a thin layer of compost or topsoil (1/4 " at the most) will help hold in moisture.
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP
Water twice a day until the seed germinates(may take 3 weeks) & continue to water after that. You want to keep the seeds moist all the time but not water to the point where they wash away. Ryegrass will usually start in 4-6 days. Fescues 7- 10 days. Bluegrass can take 2 -3 weeks. Forgetting to water for just 1 or 2 days can decrease the germination rate by 20% to 30%. It can take a full month for new grass to establish well and it needs to be watered while this occurs.
Benefits of Aerating a Lawn
Air exchange - Aeration loosens soil, making it much easier for oxygen to get to the roots of the grass.
Watering - Soil loosened from aerating also makes it easier for absorption of water - this is important when you have clay rich soil like is common in the Evansville area. Water tends to puddle or become runoff in compacted yards.
Fertilizing - potassium in fertilizer is beneficial to root growth. Aerating a lawn makes it easier for this nutrient to get to the root system of the turf.
Thatch reduction - lawn aeration pulls thatch to the surface. The exposure to oxygen helps break it down into nutrient that the lawn can use for growth.
Heat & Drought tolerance - loosened soil allows the roots to grow more densely and deeper into the ground, allowing the grass plant to store more water & nutrients. this allows grass to stay greener longer into summer & it recovers more quickly when it rains.
Watering - Soil loosened from aerating also makes it easier for absorption of water - this is important when you have clay rich soil like is common in the Evansville area. Water tends to puddle or become runoff in compacted yards.
Fertilizing - potassium in fertilizer is beneficial to root growth. Aerating a lawn makes it easier for this nutrient to get to the root system of the turf.
Thatch reduction - lawn aeration pulls thatch to the surface. The exposure to oxygen helps break it down into nutrient that the lawn can use for growth.
Heat & Drought tolerance - loosened soil allows the roots to grow more densely and deeper into the ground, allowing the grass plant to store more water & nutrients. this allows grass to stay greener longer into summer & it recovers more quickly when it rains.
Frequently asked questions about Lawn Aeration
hat are the benefits of lawn aeration?
Aerating turf allows fertilizer, oxygen and water easier access to the roots of the grass. This enourages the roots to spread and grow deeper, creating a greener thicker and lawn. this helpes reduce the need for watering & also makes the lawn more tolerant of summer heat. It will also diminish soil compaction and thatch buildup. It also improves results from overseeding by increasing the seed to soil contact.
.How do I know if my yard needs to be aerated?
Just about any lawn can benefit from lawn aeration at least once a year. For lawns with high clay content ( like in the Evansville area) can be aerated twice a year. Grass that look worn, spots that do not drain well after it rains, areas that browns easily in summertime or dry conditions are all signs of a yard that would benefit from lawn aerating.
When should I aerate?
Springtime (March through the middle of May) and fall (early September through the middle of Noember) for ryegrass bluegrass and all fescue grasses. The middle of May through June is the best time to aerate Zoysia and Bermuda grasses for our area.
Should I clean up the cores after the lawn is aerated?
.No. The cores break down & refill the holes.Because the dirt is loose instead of tightly packed, the roots grow & spread much easier - one of the main benefits of aerating.
How long will it take for the aeration cores in my lawn to break down?
It usually takes 7 to 14 days for the cores to disappear. However, watering the lawn or mowing the grass can help speed up the process.
What should be done I do after I aerate the lawn?
Water the lawn- this helps break down the cores from aeration and keeps the exposed roots moist
Fertilize and seed - good contact with the soil and the holes from aeration make this the best time for seeding & fertilizing. Cores breaking down will cover the seed and make it much easier for the new grass to grow.
Can I aerate a new sod?
Well established sod can be aerated, but its generally a good idea to wait 6 - 12 months before aerating fresh sod.
Can aeration damage sprinkler systems?
Mark sprinkler heads with utility flags prior to aerating.
Aerating turf allows fertilizer, oxygen and water easier access to the roots of the grass. This enourages the roots to spread and grow deeper, creating a greener thicker and lawn. this helpes reduce the need for watering & also makes the lawn more tolerant of summer heat. It will also diminish soil compaction and thatch buildup. It also improves results from overseeding by increasing the seed to soil contact.
.How do I know if my yard needs to be aerated?
Just about any lawn can benefit from lawn aeration at least once a year. For lawns with high clay content ( like in the Evansville area) can be aerated twice a year. Grass that look worn, spots that do not drain well after it rains, areas that browns easily in summertime or dry conditions are all signs of a yard that would benefit from lawn aerating.
When should I aerate?
Springtime (March through the middle of May) and fall (early September through the middle of Noember) for ryegrass bluegrass and all fescue grasses. The middle of May through June is the best time to aerate Zoysia and Bermuda grasses for our area.
Should I clean up the cores after the lawn is aerated?
.No. The cores break down & refill the holes.Because the dirt is loose instead of tightly packed, the roots grow & spread much easier - one of the main benefits of aerating.
How long will it take for the aeration cores in my lawn to break down?
It usually takes 7 to 14 days for the cores to disappear. However, watering the lawn or mowing the grass can help speed up the process.
What should be done I do after I aerate the lawn?
Water the lawn- this helps break down the cores from aeration and keeps the exposed roots moist
Fertilize and seed - good contact with the soil and the holes from aeration make this the best time for seeding & fertilizing. Cores breaking down will cover the seed and make it much easier for the new grass to grow.
Can I aerate a new sod?
Well established sod can be aerated, but its generally a good idea to wait 6 - 12 months before aerating fresh sod.
Can aeration damage sprinkler systems?
Mark sprinkler heads with utility flags prior to aerating.