When Good Turf Goes Bad

IT’S TIME TO RENOVATE

Much like humans, your turf can use a check-up from time to time to ensure that everything’s in working order. Now that the worst of summer’s hot, dry weather is behind us, it’s time for a lawn “review.”

To check your lawn’s health, simply take a walk around your yard and make note of anything unusual. Your lawn will benefit from corrective action if any of the following conditions are present:

• Sections of turf appear dead or very thin

• Grass feels especially soft or spongy when walking across it

• An excessive amount of broadleaf weeds (such as dandelion) or grassy weeds (such as crabgrass) is present

• Regular watering and fertilization aren’t improving the lawn’s appearance

RENOVATE NOW FOR BEAUTIFUL TURF LATER

Lawn renovations are best performed in the fall, since weather conditions are milder and new grass seed will have less competition from weed seeds trying to grow. To get your grass in shape again, you may want to consider the following:

Core aeration. Removing plugs of thatch and soil from your lawn will make it easier for fertilizer and moisture to penetrate the root system. This will lead to stronger roots and a greener, healthier, more robust lawn.

Reseeding. New seed can be added to your lawn in combination with core aeration. Or, slice seeding can be used to place seed directly into the soil for better germination rates.

Complete replacement. If it appears that core aeration or reseeding won’t do the trick, it may be necessary to remove all existing turf from your yard and start over by laying down new sod. This is usually only necessary for badly damaged or very thatch-heavy lawns.

Aeration and Overseeding

Is your lawn getting thin, turning brown or developing spots that just don’t look as good as they should? Over time, most soil becomes compacted or hard, and your turf has trouble filling in those thin and browning spots. Drought, disease and insects can also take their toll. If any of this sounds familiar, aeration and overseeding might be just what you need.

GETTING YOUR LAWN BACK ON TRACK All lawns, regardless of their condition, can benefit from some level of renovation every year or so. One of the best means of rejuvenating turf is to combine the power of professional aeration with overseeding. During aeration, a machine known as a core aerator pulls plugs of soil and thatch up from the lawn to break up compacted soil and create more room for air, water and fertilizer to reach the roots. This results in expansion of the root system for thicker, healthier grass. Aeration also helps to break up thatch, which can prevent water, fertilizer and insect controls from reaching the soil if it gets too thick. Following up aeration with overseeding is a great way to thicken up a thin lawn or add a hardier, more drought-resistant grass variety to your property. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential for seeding success, and the new grass seed will have an easier time growing in the holes left behind by aeration. Keep in mind that if your lawn has been seeded, the soil should be kept moist with light, frequent sprinklings until the new grass is well established. For more information on lawn renovation, or to schedule aeration and overseeding, give us a call today.