February 27, 2023

Overseeding & Aeration: The Best Pre-Spring Prep For Lawns

Winter hibernation is over! While you're more than ready for the warm weather, your lawn is just now starting to stir. Remnants of Michigan's freezing weather are still rearing up like the pesky groundhog from Caddyshack. It's important to start prepping your yard early before the temperatures rise. Otherwise, you could be dealing with weeds, bare patches, and more. Overseeding and liquid aeration are just what your turf needs to wake up for spring. Check out why this one-two punch is key to getting that green grass you've been dreaming of all winter.

First Steps To Spring Lawn Care

Take some time to walk the yard. If some spots seem a little spongy, you need to dethatch. Some thatch build-up can be beneficial, but anything more than half an inch thick becomes a barrier keeping nutrients out. You can manually break up thatch with a rake or use a dethatcher mower.

Once the thatch is gone, check for pests damage. Grubs thrive in thatch-filled, moisture-rich environments under all that heavy Southeast Michigan snow. Insecticides are one way to rid your lawn of these root-destroying larvae. Next, look for snow mold. Grey and Pink snow mold is typical for neighborhood yards and is treatable with aeration. Yep, now for the one-two punch!

Aeration Fights Thatch, Mold, and Grubs

Your turf's roots will start growing as soon as the grass thaws. So getting air in there will help with pre-spring development. Aeration loosens up the soil, letting in vital nutrients and helping sho away grubs, treat mold, and break up thatch. There are main aeration techniques—core and liquid. Core involves using an aerating machine (think mower with spikes) or spiked shoes. If you've got some pent-up energy, spike aeration can help you work it out.

Liquid aeration is excellent for lawns with sprinkler systems, electronic fences, or pretty much anything that will cost big bucks to fix. A chemical compound designed to break up thatch and more is sprayed on your yard, and it's safe and effective. If you're worried about toxic chemicals, the team at Visionary Fertilization are experts at organic methods for treating your turf. Once you've aerated, it's time for the second punch—overseeding.

Overseeding Tips For Pre-Spring Lawns

Overseeding may sound like you're going overboard, but it's the opposite. It helps repair winter damage while strengthening and thickening your turf. Sometimes it's combined with topdressing pre-winter, but it's always best to revisit in the spring.

The key to overseeding in the spring is early rather than late. The seedlings won't have enough time to mature before the summer heat hits if it's too warm. Visionary Fertilization's 7-Step year-round lawn treatment includes aeration, overseeding, and fertilizing. Combining a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer with your seeds gives shoots proper nutrition as they take root.

Maximize Your Green This Spring

At Visionary Fertilization, we know that no two lawns are alike, and the services that benefit one lawn may not be suitable for the next one. Plus, we are local experts at Southeast Michigan turf conditions. Our experts will inspect your yard and customize a solution to help you save money and achieve the perfect summer green grass! Protect your outdoor oasis today! Give us a call at 586-281-9205 to get started, or sign up for an instant quote.