Grass is resilient and can repair itself after natural stresses and human activity. But, too much stress can build up and take a toll on a lawn’s health and appearance.
If you’re in the Cool and Transition zones, fall is the perfect season to aerate, interseed and fertilize to ensure your lawn is quick to recover come spring. If you’re in the Warm zone, interseed in the late spring, as warm-season grasses enter active growth.
1. Talk to the local garden store or university agriculture extension office to pick the right seed.
2. Rake bare areas of the lawn.
3. Aerate by pulling plugs of soil from the ground.
4. Apply a starter fertilize.
5. Spread seed and cover with 1/4 inch of soil.
6. Water lightly and regularly, keeping seeded areas moist until new grass grows in.
7. Apply a standard fertilizer 4-6 weeks after germination.
1. Rent an aerator, which has hollow tines that pull plugs of soil from the lawn, or hire a professional.
2. Water the lawn the day before for moist — not muddy — soil.
3. Mark sprinkler heads to avoid damage from the aerator.
4. Remove plugs no more than about 3 inches apart.
5. Make two passes with the aerator to ensure complete coverage.
6. Leave plugs on lawn to decompose.
Optimal Timing: Varies
Cool-season grasses: late summer or early fall • Warm-season grasses: late spring or summer
Frequency: Once every 1-2 years with heavy use and compaction • Once every 3-5 years under normal use
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