Aerating your lawn and reseeding are important parts of lawn care and maintenance. Aerating helps reduce soil compaction and allows water, air, and nutrients to better reach the roots of your grass. Reseeding helps fill in bare or thin spots in your lawn. Understanding the proper timing and techniques for aerating and reseeding are key to having a lush, healthy lawn.
Should I aerate before or after seeding?
The best practice is to aerate your lawn first and then reseed. Aerating first provides the following benefits:
- The aeration holes allow seeds better contact with the soil to germinate successfully.
- Aerating reduces soil compaction and helps new grass roots establish and grow deeper.
- Seeding after aerating allows the seed to filter into the aeration holes.
- The aeration process can help loosen debris that may otherwise cover and block seeds.
Aerating first opens up the lawn and provides an optimal seedbed for establishing new grass. Loosening the soil enables the seeds to spread out and make better contact for successful germination. It also allows young grass roots to penetrate into the soil more easily compared to compacted soil.
How long should I wait between aerating and reseeding?
It’s best to reseed immediately after aerating, or within 24 hours. The open holes caused by aeration slowly start to close back up after a day or so. Seeding as soon as possible prevents the holes from closing and allows seed-to-soil contact.
If unable to seed immediately after, aim to do so within a few days. The seedbed will still be enhanced from the aeration. Waiting too long defeats the purpose of aerating first.
What’s the best process for aerating and reseeding?
Follow these steps for proper lawn aeration and reseeding:
- Mow the lawn – Mowing shorter before aerating makes the process easier and more effective. Mow at the lowest recommended height for the grass type.
- Aerate the lawn – Use a core aerator to pull plugs from the soil to open it up. Make criss-cross passes for even coverage.
- Lightly rake – Use a stiff rake to help loosen plugs left on the surface, allowing them to break down.
- Overseed with starter fertilizer – Broadcast high quality grass seed using a seed spreader. Apply starter fertilizer at the same time.
- Work seed into soil – Use a leaf rake to lightly rake over seeded areas to get good soil contact.
- Water – Water thoroughly to moisten seedbed. Keep soil moist until new grass is 1-2 inches tall.
- Let new grass establish – Allow 4-6 weeks for grass to fully come in before mowing.
This process involves aerating at the right time, preparing the lawn, seeding immediately after, and proper follow-up care. It results in the best success establishing new grass in bare or thin areas.
When is the best time to aerate and reseed?
The ideal time to aerate and seed depends on your climate:
- Cool climates – Early fall is best, around Labor Day. Spring is second best.
- Transitional climates – Early fall or late spring work well.
- Warm climates – Late spring is ideal after the last frost. Early fall can work too.
Key factors are soil temperature and moisture. Cooler fall temperatures allow new grass to establish before heat arrives. Spring allows growth before summer heat. For any climate, seed in spring or fall during the peak growing periods.
How often should I aerate and reseed?
Most lawns should be aerated every 1-3 years. High traffic areas may need it annually. The frequency depends on:
- Grass type – Fescue vs. bermuda grass have different needs.
- Soil – Clay soils compact more easily than sandy.
- Traffic – High use areas compact faster.
- Thatch buildup – Thicker thatch causes more compaction.
Evaluate your lawn each spring and/or fall. If the grass is compacted, showing reduced growth, or has heavy thatch, it’s time to aerate. Reseed bare areas after aerating for the best results.
What equipment do I need to aerate and reseed?
Proper equipment makes aerating and reseeding much easier. Recommended tools include:
- Core aerator – Pulls plugs of soil to reduce compaction. Rent or hire service if needed.
- Drop spreader – Applies seed and starter fertilizer evenly across the lawn.
- Stiff rake – A metal rake helps loosen aeration plugs left on the surface.
- Leaf rake – For working seed into the soil for good contact after spreading.
- Garden hose – Waters newly seeded areas consistently and thoroughly.
While specialized equipment exists for large lawn care jobs, most homeowners can aerate and seed properly with basic tools. Invest in a quality broadcast spreader for ease of application.
What’s the best grass seed to use when reseeding?
The type of grass seed to use depends on the existing grass type as well as climate:
| Grass Type | Recommended Seed Types |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | Bermuda blends |
| Zoysia | Zoysia blends |
| Fescue | Fescue blends |
| Bluegrass | Bluegrass blends |
| Ryegrass | Ryegrass blends |
Always choose seed blends formulated for your specific grass type. Blends provide multiple improved varieties for better lawn quality. For cool climates, improved fescue blends offer versatility and durability. Match the new seed to what’s already growing.
How much seed do I need when overseeding after aerating?
Apply seed at a rate of 6-8 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft. of lawn area. Measuring your lawn’s square footage helps determine how much seed you need. For example:
- 5000 sq. ft. lawn = 30-40 lbs. of seed
- 10,000 sq. ft. lawn = 60-80 lbs. of seed
This covers seeding at the ideal rate after aeration. Target the higher rate if overseeding heavily damaged or bare areas. Always use a broadcast spreader for even application across the lawn.
Should I apply fertilizer when reseeding after aerating?
Yes, applying starter fertilizer when seeding is highly recommended. Look for fertilizers labeled as “starter” or formulated for seeding new grass.
Starter fertilizer provides the extra phosphorus new grass needs for root establishment. It also contains lower nitrogen to prevent excessive top growth. This combination benefits new seeds.
Work starter fertilizer into the soil along with the grass seed to give them immediate access to nutrients. Follow product label rates for proper application.
How often should I water after reseeding?
Proper watering is crucial for seed germination and new grass growth when reseeding after aerating. Follow these tips:
- Water up to 3 times daily to keep seedbed constantly moist.
- Avoid runoff. Apply water in multiple light applications.
- Use a sprinkler or hose on mist setting to prevent washing away seeds.
- Reduce to daily watering once grass sprouts appear.
- Gradually taper off watering as grass matures.
The small seeds need consistent moisture to germinate and survive. Monitor soil daily and look for sprout emergence to know your watering is working. Ease off as grass establishes deeper roots.
When can I mow newly seeded grass after aerating?
Allow at least 4-6 weeks before mowing newly seeded areas. Tips for knowing when to mow include:
- Wait until new grass is 1-2 inches taller than existing lawn.
- Look for 3-4 new leaves per plant as a sign of establishment.
- Growth has filled in bare spots and looks uniform.
- Roots have firmed up the soil and plants resist pulling.
Mowing too soon risks damaging young tender grass plants. Be patient and allow proper establishment first. Then set mower high and gradually lower over time to desired height.
What can I do to protect new seedlings?
Use these tips to protect grass seedlings for best results:
- Cover seeded areas with straw to maintain moisture.
- Use erosion control mats or netting on slopes and high traffic zones.
- Consider temporary fencing to keep people and pets off establishing grass.
- Reapply seed to bare spots for continual fill-in.
- Control disease and weeds which compete with new grass.
Taking measures to protect tender new seedlings ensures they survive this vulnerable stage. Consider hiring a lawn care company if you need help with these protection steps for a successful seeding.
Conclusion
Aerating and reseeding together provide the perfect conditions for invigorating lawns with thick, lush grass. Aerating reduces compaction and prepares the ideal seedbed. Immediately seeding after aerating allows the grass to take quick root. Proper watering and care enables the new grass to establish into a healthy, vibrant lawn.
Follow these best practices for aerating and reseeding for maximum success:
- Aerate in early fall or spring based on climate.
- Mow, aerate, and rake lawn in preparation.
- Seed immediately after aerating for best results.
- Use appropriate seed for existing grass type.
- Apply starter fertilizer when seeding.
- Ensure consistent moisture for seed germination.
- Allow several weeks before mowing new growth.
With the right timing and techniques, you can repair thin or bare lawn areas by reseeding after aerating. Just be sure to allow adequate time for the new grass to mature before resuming normal lawn care practices.
