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When to Overseed – Fall is the best time to overseed; ideally 45 days before the first frost. Cooler days and shorter nights are best for germination of grass seeds, and grass survival. If necessary, overseeding can be done in spring or summer, but limit it to a small area and provide extra care, especially for larger areas. Grass with dead patches in need of overseeding. Photo by srckomkrit, 123RF

When Should I aerate my lawn in Maryland?

Lawn Aeration Soil plugs created by core aerator Mechanical aeration alleviates soil compaction in established turf, encourages root growth by increasing oxygen to roots, and allows seed, lime, and fertilizer to enter into the soil.

Compaction occurs primarily in the soil surface. A compacted layer as thin as one-fourth to one-half an inch can greatly impede water infiltration and gas exchange between soil and atmosphere. Aerating machines should remove plugs of soil from the turf, creating a system of large pores by which moisture and plant nutrients can be taken into the soil. They are referred to as core aerators. Core aerators pull plugs about ½- to ¾-inch in diameter, 2 to 4 inches deep, and about 2 to 6 inches apart. Equipment having solid tines or spikes should not be mistaken for aerating equipment. These types of machines actually increase soil compaction by compressing the soil into a denser mass.

Mechanical aeration alleviates soil compaction in established turf, encourages root growth by increasing oxygen to roots, and allows seed, lime, and fertilizer to enter into the soil.

Fall is the best time to aerate cool-season lawns, and June through July is the recommended time to aerate warm-season lawns. Never aerate when a lawn is dormant. A general rule is to aerate only when desirable grasses are growing vigorously. Soil should be moist, but not wet, before aerating. Irrigate the lawn prior to aerating if the soil is dry. Aeration can be done before overseeding. This procedure makes holes for the seed to fall into, therefore increasing seed-to-soil contact. Core aeration should be performed every one to two years on lawns that receive heavy foot traffic. Otherwise, aerating every two to four years on home lawns is sufficient. Soil plugs can be left on the surface of the lawn. They will decompose in a couple of weeks.

: Lawn Aeration

What is the best month for seeding grass?

Planting grass seed in fall – In many climates, the best time to plant grass seed is in the autumn. The still-warm soil of late August, September, October, or November encourages optimum root growth, while the cooling air temperatures discourage excessive top growth.

1. This is perfect for establishing lawn grasses and promoting extensive root growth.
2. It also makes the turf more resistant to drought and better able to access nutrients in the soil.
3. In addition, in most regions, fall also brings increased amounts of rainfall.
4. This means you won’t have to lug out the hose and sprinkler as often.

It’s time to plant grass seed in the fall when nighttime temperatures drop down to about 60 degrees F. Keep an eye on the forecast. Opt for sowing grass seed when there’s a day or two of rain predicted.

What grass seed is best for Maryland?

Recommended type of grass seed – Turf-type tall fescue is the recommended grass species for Maryland. It does well in all parts of the state.

Is March too early to plant grass seed?

– March is too early to plant most grass seeds. Unless you live in a warm region, temperatures will be too low at this time of year. Be sure to wait until daily temperatures average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to plant grass.

Is April too early for grass seed?

When to plant grass seed in spring – If you have your heart set on planting grass in spring, early April is, in fact, the best time to do it. But, depending on where you live, spring seeding could come with complications. Here’s the thing—spring elements in the Midwest or Northeast (i.e., temperatures in the 60s and 70s and steady rainfall) are actually great for growing cool seasons grasses.

The problem is, weeds also thrive in these elements. That means your grass will be forced to compete with unwelcome weeds as it tries to grow. Not to mention, if springtime weather isn’t just right, like for example, the soil is too cold or it’s overly drenched by rain, you probably won’t have much success growing new grass.

Also, if your lawn is scheduled to have pre-emergent weed control applications around this time, be aware that this will inhibit grass seed from germinating. Now, let’s say the weather is perfect for planting grass in April. Should you do it? You could, but there’s a chance you’ll run into issues come summertime.

Is it OK to overseed in the spring?

Overseeding: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Why Should I Overseed My Lawn? Overseeding will fill in bare spots, improve the thickness of the lawn, and enhance its color. Overseeding newer varieties of turfgrass into an older lawn can improve its ability to withstand insects, disease, drought, and heavy traffic.

1. When Should I Overseed My Lawn? There are two ideal times of the year to overseed your lawn – fall and spring.
2. Fall is the best choice.
3. The soil is still warm which means the seed will germinate faster.
4. Also, weed growth tapers off after summer, so your new grass won’t have to compete for sunshine, water, and nutrients.

Overseeding in spring is the next-best option. The weather should still be warm enough for the seeds to germinate, but be sure to get the seed in the ground and well established before the hotter summer temperatures and potential summer drought comes along.

Which Seed Should I Use? We recommend paying a little extra for a good, high-quality seed, if needed, that will give you excellent results. is the original Jonathan Green grass seed blend that is grown by sod growers across the USA. It grows roots up to 4-feet deep and produces a naturally darker-green turf with better disease resistance and drought tolerance because of a waxy leaf coating that preserves moisture and wards off stress from heat, cold, wind, and disease.

Our blend grows well in clay and sandy soils and in partial shade or full sun. How Should I Prepare the Soil? Before you lay down any seed, the soil should have the right pH and must be aerated and loosened to promote proper root growth. Jonathan Green has two terrific products that can be applied right before you overseed to help prepare the soil for new grass seed.

Is designed to quickly raise or lower your soil pH to the ideal range of between 6.2 and 7.0. If the pH falls below 6.2, use MAG-I-CAL® for acidic lawns. For pH that is above 7.0, use MAG-I-CAL Plus® for alkaline lawns. Now the soil needs to be loosened and aerated. This can be done with, an innovative soil treatment that activates the microbes within the soil.

Once activated, the microbes allow for nutrients to be easily absorbed by the grass roots, resulting in stronger, heartier grass.

Can I aerate my lawn in April?

How Often Should I Aerate My Lawn? – The best time to aerate your lawn is in late summer or early fall, as this will allow your grass to recover completely before going dormant in the winter. While Fall is recommended, you can also aerate and overseed your lawn in the spring between March and May, Looking to hire an aeration and overseeding provider? Be sure to ask these questions.

When should I put grass seed down in the spring?

Choose the Right Time of Year – The time of year you plant grass seed has a direct effect on its success. Proper timing helps ensure your grass seed will germinate properly, grow quickly and remain healthy while new seedlings become established. The best time to plant grass seed varies according to your grass growing region and the type of grass you grow.

• Lawns across the northern tier of the United States typically consist of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue or perennial ryegrass.
• Planting during cool weather in fall and spring coincides with the most active growth periods for these grass types.
• In Massachusetts, for example, early fall is the ideal time to plant grass seed.1 At this time, the ground is still warm enough to aid germination, but the days are cool and sometimes rainy.

This combination helps ensure newly planted seeds don’t dry out. There’s also sufficient daylight in early fall to allow new grass to thrive and become established before winter’s arrival. Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses.

1. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range.
2. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination.
3. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.
4. For lawns across the southern half of the U.S., warm-season lawn grasses such as Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, Bahiagrass and Centipede grass are the rule.

These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall. Wait to plant warm-season grasses until daytime temperatures stay near 80 F or higher and all danger of a late spring frost in your area has passed.

Should I put topsoil over grass seed?

Should I put topsoil over grass seed? – Do not put top soil over grass seed, but you can add a thin layer of organic matter to help the seed to germinate. ‘Never put topsoil over newly planted grass seed,’ says Yamaguchi. ‘This won’t provide healthy growing conditions – it will actually prevent the seedlings from sprouting by essentially suffocating them.’ ‘Leaves, straw, and peat moss can be used to help hold moisture for the seed to germinate and grow,’ adds James.

How do I prepare my lawn for seeding?

Remove large rocks and debris, fill in low spots, and if your soil is compacted, work it over with a tiller. Your goal is to break the soil down to pea- or marble-sized particles, which will serve as a welcome mat for the grass seed.

How early can you seed grass in the spring?

Choose the Right Time of Year – The time of year you plant grass seed has a direct effect on its success. Proper timing helps ensure your grass seed will germinate properly, grow quickly and remain healthy while new seedlings become established. The best time to plant grass seed varies according to your grass growing region and the type of grass you grow.

Lawns across the northern tier of the United States typically consist of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue or perennial ryegrass. Planting during cool weather in fall and spring coincides with the most active growth periods for these grass types. In Massachusetts, for example, early fall is the ideal time to plant grass seed.1 At this time, the ground is still warm enough to aid germination, but the days are cool and sometimes rainy.

This combination helps ensure newly planted seeds don’t dry out. There’s also sufficient daylight in early fall to allow new grass to thrive and become established before winter’s arrival. Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses.

1. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range.
2. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination.
3. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.
4. For lawns across the southern half of the U.S., warm-season lawn grasses such as Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, Bahiagrass and Centipede grass are the rule.

These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall. Wait to plant warm-season grasses until daytime temperatures stay near 80 F or higher and all danger of a late spring frost in your area has passed.

Can you plant grass seed too early in the spring?

Is March too early to plant grass seed? – In nearly all regions, March is too early to plant grass seed. Temperature is a better barometer; wait until days average about 80 degrees before planting grass seed for summer. March is too late to sow cool-season grasses.

When should you start seeding in the spring?

When to Start Seeds – As a general rule, seeds need to be started four to six weeks before the date of the last frost. Seed starting times are calculated by taking the date of the last frost and subtracting the days until transplant. The seed packet will tell you how many weeks.