IF YOU HAVE FESCUE TURF – aerating and over-seeding is one of the best things you can do for the health of your fescue lawn! Our aerating and over-seeding process includes the following steps over a 4-6 week period:
It is important to apply pelletized lime to fescue turf prior to aerating and overseeding. This prepares the soil by decreasing the soil acidity and bringing the pH to a desirable level.
Mowing the existing turf lower to decrease thatch and allow better soil/seed contact. It will look like we’ve “scalped” the yard (it will look ugly, sorry!). Do not be alarmed – this is a necessary first step!
Core Aerating the turf area to allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to get down to the roots, which is necessary for growth and improves the health of your lawn. This process also helps to control thatch, the dead layer of grass left over from mowing, by providing oxygen to the microorganisms that break down the thatch layer. Excessive thatch slows growth and weakens turf..
Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed throughout your lawn to help it grow. This will help cover any bare or thin spots in your grass and will help improve the health, appearance, and color of your lawn. Overseeding your fescue lawn once per year can help prevent drought stress, disease damage, and bare patches. Wheat straw will be applied to areas with bare spots to help keep the seed in place for optimal germination.
Watering/Irrigation – THIS IS UP TO YOU! The seed should be kept slightly damp for 14 – 21 days. Follow watering restriction guidelines for your area; please water the seed daily for up to 15 minutes for the next 2-3 weeks. The purpose of watering is to keep the seed damp for germination.
We will not mow your yard for at least 4-6 weeks. We know it will look shaggy and rough – this is normal. Our goal is to create a healthy stand of Fescue grass. Once a good stand of turf is established, we will resume mowing. Mowing too soon may also result in the seedlings being pulled from the ground or crushed.
