A regular fertilization program is important to maintain healthy, attractive turf. A fertilizer grade or analysis is the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the fertilizer. You should choose a fertilizer for the total amount of nutrients in the container and the nitrogen source. It is usually wise to get a […]
Should you water after aerating your lawn? The answer to that is YES. However, there are other things you need to do after aerating first. Actually, after you have followed all the steps which will be discussed in this article, you definitely need to water the lawn. For the first 2 – 3 weeks after aerating, your lawn should be watered daily – or maybe more than once daily if needed. This is a critical growth phase for your new grass, and you want to hydrate the roots for optimal development. Once the seeds germinate and the grass is sprouting, you can go back to watering as usual ( 2 – 3 times per week or as needed, depending on rain and the moisture level of the soil).
What to Do After Aerating Your Lawn
After aerating your lawn, it does not look pretty. Don’t worry – this is the first good step to a greener, more beautiful lawn. The following are some tips on what to do after aerating:
- Â Leave the soil plugs on your lawn to decompose and filter back into the holes left by aerating
- Apply fertilizer immediately after aerating (or as soon as possible – definitely within or before 48 hours). This puts nutrients into the grassroots.
- Reseed the lawn, especially where the grass is thin.
- Then – WATER. As stated above, you should water daily (or more than once daily) but not too long at one time. You do not want to soak the lawn at this point, but you do want to keep it moist.
- It is best not to walk on the lawn any more than absolutely necessary. Walking on the lawn after aerating will compact the soil and make it more difficult for the seeds to get the nutrients and water they need to germinate.
Should You Mow After Aerating
You should not mow your lawn after aerating until your new grass finishes germinating. It is actually best to wait until the new grass is between three or four inches tall. This is difficult, but it is best to give that new grass a good start before mowing. Mow your lawn prior to aerating if at all possible, because it will be a while before you can mow again.
What to Expect After Aerating
After following the procedures stated above after aerating your lawn, the following is what you can expect:
- Immediately:Â You will have less compacted soil and will have broken up your thatch
- Two Weeks: By about 2 weeks, the plugs you removed while aerating should finish breaking down
- Two to Four Weeks: Depending on the type of grass you have, this is when germination takes place
- Seven to Ten Weeks: Now your grass should have deeper, more extensive root systems. It should grow fuller, giving your lawn fewer thin spots
Conclusion
Aeration is quite a process, and many other tasks need to be done to get the results you want. It takes time and patience. Remember, that your yard will not be pretty when this process is in the early stages. However, if all is done correctly, you will end up with a green, lush lawn that will give you much enjoyment.
If this process seems overwhelming, and you are worried about timing things right or using the right products, consider hiring a lawn care expert. Pride In Turf has professionals who can take care of your needs and get you the gorgeous lawn you want.