Love Your Lawn This Fall: Aeration, Seeding, and Soil Care
As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to restore your lawn from the stresses it endured over the hot months. Whether your grass suffered from high heat, drought, or just general wear and tear, the cooler temperatures of early fall create ideal conditions for lawn repair. Let’s dive into some key steps to help your lawn bounce back stronger than ever.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Repair Your Lawn
Fall is a sweet spot for lawn care because the soil is still warm, but the cooler air encourages strong root growth without the intense stress of summer heat. With the right care now, you’ll not only enjoy a healthier lawn this year but save yourself time and effort next spring. One of the most important steps you can take is aeration.
Step 1: Aeration – Give Your Lawn Room to Breathe
Aerating your lawn helps loosen compacted soil and allows essential nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach the roots. For the best results, use a core aerator that removes plugs of soil, leaving small holes behind. The benefits? The plugs break down over time, enhancing soil health by feeding beneficial microbes that break down thatch, reduce compaction, and promote deeper root growth.
It’s a bit of a workout to aerate, but you can either rent a machine or hire a service. Aerating every other year for cool-season grasses is a great long-term practice that significantly improves lawn health.
Step 2: Overseeding – Fill in the Gaps
Once your lawn is aerated, it’s time to overseed. This involves spreading new grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in thin or bare spots. But don’t just grab any seed! Be sure to choose a high-quality seed mix appropriate for your region and sun exposure. For example, if your lawn is a mix of sun and shade, go for a blend that includes fescue and rye. If you’re dealing with a lot of shade, avoid bluegrass, which doesn’t thrive in low-light areas.
Introducing newer grass varieties also helps to reduce the risk of diseases. Modern seed blends are often more disease-resistant, which means fewer outbreaks and less need for chemicals.
Step 3: Fertilize and Water
After overseeding, it’s time to fertilize. Use a starter fertilizer, which is rich in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer label). Phosphorus is crucial for root development, helping those new seeds establish strong roots. Make sure to water regularly but not excessively. The goal is to provide enough water for germination but avoid creating soggy conditions. A good rule of thumb is to aim for one to one-and-a-half inches of water per week, measured using a simple tool like a tuna can.
Step 4: Mind the Mowing
Once you’ve overseeded, be mindful of your mowing routine. Give your new grass at least two weeks to germinate before cutting. When you do mow, avoid cutting it too short. You want to protect those new seedlings and give them a chance to grow strong.
Soil Amendments – The Secret Sauce for Success
Aeration and overseeding are just the beginning. To truly boost your lawn’s health, consider adding soil amendments. Lime is a common recommendation, especially for lawns in New England, where soil tends to be more acidic. A fast-acting lime or a product like Love Your Soil helps balance the pH, making nutrients more available to your grass.
If you haven’t tested your soil recently, now’s a great time to do it. A soil test will tell you exactly what your lawn needs, saving you time and money on unnecessary products. Think of it like a check-up for your lawn, ensuring you’re giving it the right nutrients for long-term health.
The Long-Term Benefits
By taking these steps now, you’re setting your lawn up for success—not just for the rest of this year, but for next spring and beyond. A thick, healthy lawn naturally resists weeds, reducing your need for herbicides. Plus, fewer weeds and less stress mean less work and fewer chemicals next year. Who doesn’t love the idea of doing less work while enjoying a greener, healthier lawn?
Get Started Now for a Healthier Lawn Next Year
The best time to take action is now. The temperatures are perfect for germination, and the work you put in now will pay off next year. Whether you’re filling in bare spots, thickening your lawn, or starting fresh with soil amendments, fall is the ideal time to get your lawn in shape. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have a lush, healthy lawn that’s ready to withstand whatever the season brings.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your aerator, seed, and fertilizer, and let’s get started on building a lawn you can enjoy with less effort next year!
This information was shared from the Paul Parent Garden Club Radio Show, a trusted resource for gardening advice in New England for over 30 years. Originally hosted by Paul Parent, a veteran expert in the gardening industry, the show is now led by his son, Patrick Parent, Lawn and Garden Care Product Line Manager here at Mahoney’s. Patrick continues to share his father’s passion for helping gardeners thrive, offering expert tips to keep your lawn and garden healthy year-round. Listen live here every Saturday morning from 9am-11am, or you can listen on apple podcasts or spotify!