How To Prepare For Aeration & Overseeding

The Importance of Aerating and Overseeding Tall Fescue Lawns Every Year

If you want a thick, lush, and healthy tall fescue lawn, annual aeration and overseeding are crucial steps. Aeration loosens compacted soil and improves air, water, and nutrient penetration, while overseeding introduces fresh grass seed to fill in thin or bare spots. This combination is essential for tall fescue, which is a bunch-type grass that doesn't spread out like other turf species. Without overseeding, your lawn may start to thin over time, leading to patchy areas and susceptibility to weeds. That’s why at Backyard Brothers Lawn Care, we recommend annual aeration and overseeding to keep your lawn thriving.

What to Do Before We Arrive for Aeration and Overseeding

1. Mark Your Irrigation Heads and Invisible Dog Fences

Before aerating, it's important to mark any irrigation heads and invisible dog fence wires in your yard. Aeration involves punching holes into the soil with a machine, which can potentially damage underground systems if they're not flagged. Use small flags or other markers to identify where these elements are located. This ensures we avoid any mishaps and keep your irrigation and dog fences intact.

2. Mow Your Lawn Low

We recommend mowing your lawn at a low setting, typically around 2.5-3 inches, just before we arrive. A lower mowing height exposes more soil, making it easier for the seed to make direct contact with the ground during overseeding. This helps to improve germination rates and speeds up the establishment of new grass. Plus, a shorter cut helps reduce competition between the new and existing grass as it grows.

3. Water the Lawn 2-3 Times a Day

In the days leading up to aeration and overseeding, we suggest watering your lawn lightly but frequently, about 2-3 times a day for 10 minutes per zone. This will soften the soil slightly, making aeration more effective. It also provides the ideal moisture level for the new seeds to begin germinating after we overseed. Don’t worry—after the process, we’ll guide you on how to adjust your watering schedule.

What to Expect After Aerating and Overseeding

Once we’ve completed aeration and overseeding, your lawn might look a little rough at first, but don’t panic—this is completely normal! Here’s what you can expect:

- Aeration Holes: You’ll notice small holes throughout the lawn where the aerator pulled out soil plugs. These holes will naturally fill in over time, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone.

- Seed Coverage: The newly spread grass seed will be visible on the surface of the soil. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot of seed—it’s essential to apply enough for thick, even coverage.

- Initial Watering: For the first 10-14 days after overseeding, we’ll provide you with a specific watering schedule. Usually, you’ll need to keep the soil consistently moist by watering lightly 2-3 times a day. After the new grass begins to germinate, we’ll adjust your watering schedule to deeper, less frequent watering sessions to encourage root growth.

- Growth: You should begin seeing new grass blades within 7-21 days, depending on weather conditions. During this time, avoid mowing the lawn for at least 2-3 weeks to give the new seedlings a chance to establish.

By taking these simple preparation steps and following the post-care guidelines, you’ll ensure the success of your lawn's aeration and overseeding. At Backyard Brothers Lawn Care, we’re dedicated to giving your tall fescue lawn the care it needs to stay healthy and vibrant year-round. Let’s work together to create the lawn of your dreams!