When it comes to aeration, verticutting and seeding, many of our lawn care customers have questions. When is the best time to aerate and seed? Do I have to aerate when I seed? What’s the difference between aeration and verticutting?
And the list goes on. Here are a few pointers that should help you decide whether to seed, when to seed, whether to aerate or verticut, what kind of fertilizer to use and more. The lawn care experts at Custom Lawn and Landscape put together these tips.
Why Is September the Best Month to Aerate and Seed Your Lawn?
If you are going to overseed your lawn, it’s best to plan on doing it early in the season, like in September, to give the seed the maximum amount of time to germinate. Seed germination needs three things – soil contact, water, and warmth. Try to overseed your yard within a day or so after your aeration while the holes are still open and before the cores start to break down.
Also, if you want to fertilize when you seed your lawn, don’t use a fertilizer with weed control or your seed will not germinate. Fertilizing with overseeding is a good idea, just make sure you use a starter fertilizer without any type of weed control in it. For more information about fertilizing, read our blog post Want a Greener Lawn – Know How and When to Fertilize.
What’s the Difference between Aerating and Verticutting?
Aerating
Aerating removes small cores of dirt from your lawn. A specialized machine digs down into your lawn and pulls up small cork-sized pieces of dirt. This loosens the soil and allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to get to the roots below. Plus, the cores contain microorganisms that will break down the thatch into healthy organic matter. Aerating creates looser soil, stronger root structure, and better results when overseeding. Typically, we recommend aerating your lawn at least once a year.
Verticutting
Verticutting is also done by a machine that cuts thin rows into your grass rather than removes plugs. Verticutters loosen the topsoil so that seed will have better contact with the soil for germination. Verticutting helps remove the layer of thatch that naturally builds up from mowing and leaf litter. It is highly recommended for most lawns prior to overseeding.
Custom Lawn Uses the Best Grass Seed for the Olathe Area
If you’re going to seed, make sure you use good quality seed that will grow well in this climate. Also, make sure to get the right mix for sun or shade depending on your lawn. It is important to read the label (a label that reads anything but “0.00% weeds and 0.00% other crop” will give you unwanted weeds along with your grass).
Custom Lawn & Landscape uses varieties of grass seeds that are genetically darker green and more drought & disease resistant. We have over 30 years of grass growing and lawn seeding experience in the Olathe area. Call today for a FREE lawn inspection, and estimate for aeration or verticutting and seeding. Call 913-782-8315.
