We get a lot of questions from customers about how to get the most out of our aerating and overseeding services. Here are the best tips to maximize your investment and get the best-looking yard.
1. Begin watering immediately after the aeration work is complete. Light and frequent watering is preferred for seedlings. Dos Amigos Landscaping recommends watering to the point where at least 1 inch of the top of the turf is wet or light puddling is taking place. Water at least two times per day. There are certain areas that are going to need more watering; those areas include slopes, areas under large trees, turf areas beside driveways and bare areas. Continue to water at least once a day until all seed is germinated.
2. Leave the clumps of sod and dirt alone! The aerating process will leave clumps of dirt on the lawn. These clumps of dirt and the holes in the soil are seed beds and will dissolve and disappear over time.
3. Be patient and water. Germination can take up to 21 days or even longer. Do not stop watering during this period of time. Seedlings are very susceptible to drying because they have not rooted into the soil. Dry seeds die.
4. Remove any fallen leaves asap. If leaves remain on the new turf for more than 2-3 days the turf will perish. Using a leaf blower is the best method of removing the leaves as many times a rake can damage the new seedlings.
5. Once the new grass has reached 2 inches, you can cut back your watering efforts. After approximately 28 days, the new seedlings should be at least two inches tall and watering can be cut back to one time per day. Please continue to water.
6. Do not cut your lawn. Your existing lawn will look very tall but this is exactly what you want. Once your lawn has reached a height of 4-5 inches, you may cut it back to 3.5 inches. Never cut fescue grass lower than three (3) inches. Maintaining this height will help drive the root system deeper and help the turf establish more quickly.
7. Weeds also germinate. It is more important to establish grass than to treat any weeds. Winter annual germination, such as henbit, chickweed, wild garlic, bittergrass and wild onions is normal. Weed control products should not be applied to your lawn at this time as it will likely kill the new seedlings/grass.
8. Do not apply additional grass seed for at least three (3) weeks. Remember that seedlings are just one shoot (or leaf blade) until the plants begin to tiller, sometime after 30 – 45 days. We plant in excess of 1,500,000 seeds per thousand square feet. This quantity of seed is more than enough to establish a thick and healthy lawn.
