Most homeowners think that caring for the lawn only requires regular mowing, applying fertilizer a couple of times a year, and watering when the weather is dry. Although these things are important, there are other things that must be done to keep your lawn looking great, including aerating and overseeding your lawn.
However, many people do not realize that the sporadic weather in Nashville can negatively affect their lawns. Hot, humid summer days, excess rain, drought, freezing temperatures, and snow can damage your lawn, resulting in thin, patchy spots of matted grass. For example, many people’s lawns become dormant and turn brown during the hottest part of the summer season. When this occurs, homeowners begin watering and throwing down fertilizer. Unfortunately, this causes thatch build up.
Thatch is located between your lawn and the root system of your lawn. It is typically comprised of a combination of roots, runners, and dead material that is decomposing. Thatch offers a number of benefits, including protecting against weather extremities like frost, wind, and the scorching sun. It protects the crown of plants against disease and damage. However, if your lawn has too much thatch, it can lead to a host of problems.
There are several things that can affect how much thatch your lawn has. First over fertilizing causes grass to grow faster than dead material can be broken down. Additionally, overwatering your lawn, as well as a rainy growing season, can cause your lawn to grow quickly. Heavy clay, which is common in Nashville, as well as heavily compacted soil can also result in thatch built up.
Two of the most important things you can do to help your lawn stay healthy and beautiful throughout the growing season is to aerate and overseed your lawn. Let’s look at why these two tasks are so important and why we recommend doing them at the same time.
Aeration is one of the most important things you can do to help improve the quality and health of your lawn. When your lawn has too much thatch and the soil has become compacted, the root system cannot receive the sunlight, nutrients, and water it needs to thrive. Aeration removes excess thatch and breaks up the soil to reduce compaction, so your lawn’s root system receives the nutrients, light, and water it needs.
Aeration works by creating small holes in your lawn via core aeration or liquid aeration. These holes help your grass develop a strong root system, which in turn, creates a healthy, green lawn. And a healthy lawn protects against insect infestations and weeds. Although aeration causes your lawn to look a little shabby in the begging, you will soon be rewarded with a lush, strong lawn.
When most homeowners hear the term overseeding, they think that it means putting down an excessive amount of seed. However, overseeding is the process of spreading grass seed on your existing lawn. Every lawn needs to be overseeded from time to time.
When your lawn becomes thin or bare spots begin to form, overseeding is needed; however, even if your lawn is lush and healthy, it needs to be overseeded. As the grass on your lawn gets older, it weakens. The best way to keep a lawn looking great is to add new grass while it is still healthy.
When it is time to overseed your lawn, you need to decide the type of grass seed you will use. There are two main types of grass – warm season and cool season. Because the Nashville area has hot winters and cold summers, we recommend introducing both cool season and warm season grasses into your lawn.
Introducing both types of grasses will help keep your lawn green throughout the year. Your lawn will be able to withstand excess rains and snows as well as drought conditions. Finally, your lawn will be more disease resistant, and weeds will have a tough time taking root.
Although aeration and overseeding can be done separately, we recommend doing both at the same time. Aerating the soil prior to overseeding loosens up compacted soil, which helps improve the germination rate of seeds, including grass seeds and weed seeds.
This is why we recommend overseeding your lawn immediately after your lawn has been aerated. When your lawn is properly aerated, the seeds will fall on fertile ground and be able to take root and grow. The new seeds will be able to get the nutrients, sunlight, and water they need to thrive. As healthy, new grass begins to grow, it will crowd out weeds, resulting in a lush, weed-free lawn.
Many people find that aeration and overseeding is a lot of work and wonder if it is worth the time and the effort. The answer is a resounding yes! As a professional lawn care service assisting homeowners in Nashville and the surrounding area, we are here to help. We will use the latest technologies to aerate and overseed your lawn.
Aerating your lawn is the first step toward a healthy lush lawn. As excess thatch is removed and holes are created, it helps prepare the lawn for overseeding. After a lawn is aerated, cool season and warm season grass seed should be planted. Using both warm and cool season types of grass will keep your lawn gorgeous and green throughout the year.
