- #SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR HOW TO#
- #SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR MANUAL#
- #SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR PROFESSIONAL#
Weed control can work wonders keeping invasive growth at bay on a healthy turf, but chemicals and herbicides can harm seeding’s roots and fresh blades. Once the grass reaches about three to three and half inches, you can fire up the mower for a fresh cut.
#SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR PROFESSIONAL#
A lawn care professional can advise you on the right timespan.ĭuring this sensitive time of growth, try to allow avoid heavy foot traffic on your property, which could compact the seeds too deeply. This time varies depending on your area and the type of grass you planted for example, fescue and ryegrass typically take about 10 to 14 days to germinate, while Kentucky bluegrass might take up to four weeks. They’ll need to acclimate and set roots before the first mow, so during the first two to four weeks post aerating and overseeding, don’t mow. Once the grass has gained a little height, you can ease back to your normal pattern.Īfter you lay down your seedlings, they’ll need time and the right environmental protection to grow. A common mistake rookie aerators and overseeders make is thinking that the natural rain cycle will provide all the water you need, but a few days without moisture could mean bad news for a new seed.įor about three weeks after seeding, or until the grass begins to peek out of the dirt, set a daily watering schedule. You don’t keep your lawn moist after aerating and overseeding.Īfter planting the seeds, you must make sure they’re covered with moist soil- at least a fourth of an inch- to foster growth. Especially during times of drought when you grass is already stressed, it’s best to wait until the day after a good rainfall before aerating.ĥ.
#SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR MANUAL#
Overly dry and compact soil is harder to penetrate and requires more manual effort to push the machinery. You aerate and overseed during dry conditions.Īerating is easy on your turf, and you, when your soil is slightly moist. Not sure which applies to you? Here in Pennsylvania, cool air and moist soil in the fall and spring make it the perfect time to lay fresh turf, helping to build greater resistance against disease, insects, and drought.Ĥ. Warm-season grasses, common to southern lawns, grow best in the late spring or very early summer. You also wouldn’t want to do it during the peak of a hot summer, when the harsh sun and temperature suppress new growth.įor cool-season grasses, common in northern lawns, aerate early fall or spring. You wouldn’t want to aerate and overseed too early, before the last frost hits for example, and kill the seeds. The proper time to aerate is when new life has the greatest chance to grow in your region. You aerate and overseed during the wrong time of the year.
#SPIKE AERATOR VS PLUG AERATOR HOW TO#
Make sure you choose the right machine and understand how to use it to ensure the best results for your lawn.ģ. This can be time-consuming, so instead, some operators will lift and spin the whole unit when it’s time to turn, potentially causing compaction and bare spots later on. In addition, during each turn, you must disengage the tines by lifting up from the handle to prevent damaging the turf. Large lawns can mean achy arms and sloppy navigating, resulting in inconsistent growth. Walk-behind aerators are a common choice but can be heavy to push. You don’t know how to use your aeration machine and accidentally damage your turf.Īfter you choose the right aeration equipment, much of the success of your new growth will be the result of how well you operate the aerator. Look for an aerating tool or machine that removes soil plugs approximately two to three inches deep and roughly half to three quarters of an inch in diameter, about two to three inches apart. Even spike aerators, which use a solid tine or fork to poke holes, can cause additional compaction in the areas around the holes.įor best results, use a plug aerator, which removes a core, or plug, of grass and soil from your lawn. Instead of investing in an aeration machine, they think aerating is just about creating holes- but actually, the concentrated force of stepping with a spiked shoe further compacts your soil. We’ve all seen the do-it-yourselfers walking across their lawn in cleats, poking holes in the soil. Unfortunately, mistakes can be all too easy to make- and could cost time and money, with little return.īe sure to avoid these seven aeration and overseeding mistakes to get the thick, healthy look you desire: 1. In fact, when done correctly, aerating and overseeding can be extremely beneficial to the wellbeing of your turf. To revitalize your grass, you may consider aerating and overseeding, or creating holes in your soil to plant fresh seedlings. We all want a bright green lawn, but after a harsh summer or winter, your turf is likely a little dull, thin or patchy.
0 kommentar(er)
