How to Aerate and Overseed in Fall

If you would like to take the look and feel of your lawn to a higher level next year, the time to get started is now. Specifically, you may want to consider both aerating and overseeding your lawn this fall to help it be healthier than ever before, for when the next growing season rolls around. 

While this is a good plan, it’s also possible to get disappointing results if it is not executed correctly. Some helpful advice will be provided below on how to aerate and overseed in Fall. And, for help with this project or any other kind of landscaping work that needs to be completed on your Jackson, WY property, please feel free to reach out to the friendly team here at TLC. 

A Powerful Combination

Performing these two lawn maintenance tasks together in the fall is a great way to get your lawn in great shape before cold winter weather sets in and the grass stops growing. With aeration, you’ll loosen up the soil, reduce compaction, and help the roots of the grass grow as deep and strong as possible. Even if you didn’t choose to overseed, aeration alone is a worthwhile project that can help set you up for a beautifully healthy lawn over the coming year. 

Of course, you can take those results to a higher level by going ahead with overseeding, in addition to the aeration process. Overseeding can help to fill in the thin spots in your lawn and it is a relatively quick – and affordable – add-on to the work of aeration. If you can time this process right in the fall and give your lawn a few weeks of growing season before the cold weather moves in, you should head into the winter months with a great-looking yard on your property. 

Plan the Project

While aerating and overseeding is not the most complicated landscaping task, you do want to make sure you are properly organized before starting. Specifically, you want to have everything you’ll need for the job available, so no surprises come up that leave you scrambling at the last minute. 

• Secure an aerator. You aren’t going to get very far on this job without an aerator on hand, so make sure you have access to one on the day you plan to do the work. The machine can be rented for a reasonable cost and you shouldn’t need it for more than the day. 
• Buy some seed. Purchase a bag of grass seed that is suitable for the climate in the Jackson, WY area and have it ready to go, as well. You will also need a spreader to distribute the seed evenly around the yard. Don’t be tempted to use an old bag of seed that you have sitting in the garage from years gone by – you’ll want a fresh bag to optimize your chances of success. 
• Mark danger spots. If there is anything in or around your yard that you don’t want to hit with the aerator, such as irrigation lines, mark out those areas carefully in advance so you can safely avoid them. 

Aerate First, Then Overseed

This might go without saying, but we want to stress this point just in case – the proper order of operations here is to aerate your lawn first and then apply the seed. By aerating first, you will create tons of little holes where the seed can settle down and grow. It’s important to remember that you don’t want to dump too much seed onto the lawn, as overdoing it could make it hard for the new growth to take hold properly. Follow the directions for overseeding that are provided on the package of seed you purchase. 

Water is Essential

You won’t be surprised to know that your new grass seeds are going to demand plenty of water if they are going to take root and thrive in the weeks to come. You’ll want to water thoroughly several times per week, and perhaps as often as every day if the weather happens to be warm and dry. Also, do your best to stay off the grass during this period so those new seeds can work on growing without being crushed by footfall from above. 
There is a wonderful pride that comes along with maintaining a beautifully lush, green lawn on your property. In a place that is filled with such natural beauty, it only seems right that your land should be as visually appealing as the surroundings. Whether it’s aerating and overseeding or some other type of lawn maintenance work that needs to be performed, feel free to reach out to TLC at your convenience to get help. Thanks for stopping by!