If you're like most Chattanooga homeowners, you want your fescue lawn to be healthy and lush. One of the best ways to achieve this is by aerating and overseeding it regularly.

Many people think that aeration and overseeding should be done in September, but here in Chattanooga things are not that easy. Welcome to a transition zone...

When is the best time to do this? And what's the difference between aeration and overseeding? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and provide tips on how to achieve the perfect lawn!

What Exactly is Lawn Aeration and Overseeding?

Aeration and overseeding is a process whereby small holes are punched into the lawn, which allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily. Overseeding simply means spreading new seed over the lawn to thicken it up.

There are many different methods of aeration, but the best is by use of a core aeration machine. The machine pulls plugs of soil from the lawn opening up the soils surfaces to water, oxygen and seed. We do not recommend spike aeration, as it does not release surface tensions but rather increases compaction by driving spikes into the soil surfaces.

When is the Best Time to Aerate and Overseed Your Lawn?

The best time to aerate your lawn is actually in the fall, not spring as many people think. The reason for this is that the soil is more moist in fall, making it easier for the machine to pull plugs of soil from the lawn. In addition, cool weather allows for the cool weather grass (Fescue) seed to germinate. Aerating in spring can actually do more harm than good as the soil is dryer and harder, making it difficult for the machine to pull plugs of soil. In addition, the early spring weeds can germinate easier as you can not seed a lawn and then use any type of pre-emergent herbicide. Think, Crabgrass preventer. If you seed in spring you cannot then immediately treat for crabgrass thus giving crabgrass an early start and a little help to get established in the lawn early on.

What's the Difference between Aeration and Overseeding?

Aeration simply means punching small holes in the lawn to allow oxygen, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more easily. Overseeding means spreading new seed over the lawn to thicken it up.

Conclusion

Aeration and overseeding is a process that should be done every year to maintain a healthy fescue lawn. Aeration should take place in fall when the weather is cooler and the soil is more moist. Overseeding simply means spreading new seed over the lawn to thicken it up. For best results on your fescue lawn, follow these tips!

If you have any questions about aerating or overseeding your Chattanooga lawn, please contact us at Crider Landscaping today! We would be happy to help you achieve the perfect lawn! Aeration and overseeding services are being booked now and our fall schedule is filling up quickly.