Aeration is a very simple concept and it means to introduce air into the material. In lawn care this means introducing air into the soil by use of a machine that pulls tiny plugs out of the ground leaving holes. Reasons for aeration are better growing conditions, alleviate soil compaction, and help strengthen lawn against environmental factors. Over seeding is very simple as well and means to plant grass seed directly into existing turf. Over seeding can be extremely helpful because it improves root mass, provides fuller or more dense looking lawn, and enhances lawn color. The two are paired together for best results and should be done one time during the end of August through beginning of October.
Aeration is essential for a strong lawn because it allows for better growing conditions which includes allowing more air, water, nutrients, and fertilizer reaching the roots. By allowing more of these natural elements to reach the grass roots it is strengthening the turf. Also, aeration helps slow down soil compaction by pulling plugs of existing soil out of the ground letting it have room to move and breath thus, making it less compact. Lastly, aeration helps strengthen the lawn against pests, disease, and environmental factors such as heat or cold. This is done by creating a more favorable growing condition and less compact soil. If your lawn is getting more essential elements it will do better all by itself.
Over seeding is key to this process because while the aeration provides its own benefits the combined benefits are way better. Over seeding is important because it improves root mass, provides a fuller denser looking lawn, and it enhances color. Over seeding improves root mass because it is dropping seeds into the fresh holes made by aeration so the seeds can more quickly penetrate the soil and grow creating more root mass in the same space. This is extremely helpful when dealing with pests and disease because it will help your lawn be strong throughout the infection or infestation. Over seeding also plays a big role in providing a fuller looking lawn, meaning that it helps with bare spots and adds additional grass per area which makes the grass denser. Lastly, over seeding helps enhance color of your lawn by either adding a different variety of grass seed that provides a difference of color or by making it look more vibrant by having more dense grass.
In conclusion, aeration and over seeding is very important for a healthy and happy lawn because each aspect has its own benefits and when done together those benefits only increase. Aeration provides better growing conditions, less soil compaction, and increased lawn strength. While over seeding improves root mass, provides fuller or more dense looking lawn, and enhances lawn color. These two services done one time together at the end of August or by beginning of October will have you with the best results and most bang for your buck. Big Red’s strongly recommends aerating and over seeding if you are not happy with your lawn and are looking for the beginning steps to improve it.
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