Why you don’t want to skip fall lawn care this year

It’s time to think about fall lawn care – aeration, overseeding and topdressing with compost. You put time and energy all summer into making your lawn green and lush. Maybe you even have the best looking lawn on the block, so now that fall is approaching, your work is done, right? Wrong! Your lawn is made up of living organisms. If not cared for regularly, your grass will suffer. In fact, there could be problems lurking under the surface right now that you aren’t aware. So, like scheduling your yearly physical, Paradise Lawns recommends scheduling your yearly aeration, overseeding and topdressing with compost each fall. By doing so consistently, you will have a lush,  and healthy lawn year after year. 

Still undecided if it is necessary? Let’s take a closer look at fall aeration along with overseeding and topdressing with compost and discuss the benefits and why you should schedule all three every fall. 

Aeration

Kids playing in the yard, pets running the fence line and lawn mower wheels cutting the same path all summer can lead to soil compaction. According to the UMN Extension office, “soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space between them.” 

In addition, new properties face greater threat from soil compaction. Machinery, construction equipment and crews compact the ground while building your home. Green turf looks nice the first year, but grass roots will have a hard time establishing if the compaction issue isn’t resolved.  

Through the simple act of pulling plugs of soil out of the ground each fall, you open up pockets in the ground to allow oxygen, moisture and nutrients to penetrate deep into the soil surface. This allows grass roots to grow and thrive. A yard made up of a strong grass root system, helps water drain properly and prevents weed invasion and thatch overgrowth. 

Overseeding 

Paradise Lawns recommends overseeding between mid August to mid September. This allows time for seeds to germinate and grow before cold winter temperatures arrive. The best time is right after aeration.  

Overseeding is more than just scattering seed onto your lawn. We apply a large quantity of certified grass seed to your freshly aerated lawn using a commercial spreader. This provides a consistent application rate of 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet. 

Benefitting all lawn types and conditions, overseeding is the best remedy for bare and thinning patches. It also discourages weed growth in the spring. In fact, when new cultivars of grass are introduced into your existing lawn each year, your lawn will be more disease resistant and have improved drought tolerance.

Topdressing with Compost

Many are familiar with aeration and overseeding, but not as sure of what topdressing with compost is or why it is a benefit. It improves soil biology by adding organic matter. Soil structure and drainage can be modified by topdressing, and doing so regularly can smooth out bumps caused by worm castings. Topdressing reduces lawn stresses, helps keep thatch under control, and acts as a long-term natural fertilizer. Adding organic matter to a lawn by topdressing with compost is the most beneficial cultural practice lawn care has to offer. If you asked a group of lawn care professionals  what the most effective process in developing a stellar lawn is, all of them would give an answer that involved some type of compost topdressing.

Paradise Lawns recommends topdressing with compost after aeration and overseeding every fall. Not only will it help the newly applied seeds germinate, having a thin layer of organic compost encourages a dense, lush lawn in the spring. 

Your fall lawn care doctor

Think of Paradise Lawns as your lawn doctor. We know what your lawn needs to be healthy and thrive. By scheduling a visit with us each fall, you will avoid many potential problems in the spring. So, even if you have the best yard on the block, your lawn will benefit from these three processes and you will be happy that you stayed consistent year after year. Give Paradise Lawns a call at 402-612-1527 or contact us online to schedule today.