Aeration & Overseeding

Aeration & OverseedingAerating your lawn is one of the things you need to do to have a healthy, growing lawn. Aeration is needed due to thatch buildup and soil compaction, two problems that can be caused by a number of things, including heavy use of your yard. When soil compacts, your grass cannot breathe or find much needed nutrients due to the compaction “suffocating” your lawn’s roots.

A simple way to tell whether your lawn needs to be aerated is the “screwdriver” test. See if you can easily push a screwdriver or shovel into your lawn’s soil. If you can, your soil is fine. But if you can only do this with a good amount of pressure, then your soil needs to be aerated.

Lawn aeration is an extremely important part to having a healthy lawn. Aerating involves punching holes in the lawn/ground, extracting plugs of soil. Aerating reduces soil compaction in the ground, providing the following benefits to the lawn and its root system.

  • Helps oxygen to get to the roots and soil, allowing it to “breathe”
  • Fertilizers and nutrients get better access to the root system
  • Water is able to better absorb into the soil and reach the root system
  • Helps reduce water runoff, helping limit soil erosion
  • Helps to break up thatch (thatch commonly seen in acidic, very compacted, heavily fertilized soils with poor drainage)
  • Tight, compacted soil is loosened up allowing the root system to grow

The Green Hill Landscaping Service Advantage

Core lawn aeration (two directions for better results) and over-seeding to existing turf areas. Slit-seeding to thinning areas as needed.


Ready to get started?  Simply fill out our Free Estimate form.

Still have questions?  Contact Us and a representative will assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. For fastest service, call us today at 703-327-3271.


Frequently Asked Questions about Aeration & Overseeding

When is the best time to implement soil aeration and overseeding?

  • The optimal period is August – October.

What about lawn irrigation after an aeration/seeding service?

  • For the best results, you should water the lawn and garden after the aeration/overseeding service’s completion. Irrigate your lawn and landscape thoroughly if you have not benefitted from the rain in the next 24 hours after the job.

What types of seeds do you use in the overseeding service?

  • We use Tall Fescue seeds.

When will the results (seed germinating) become visible?

  • Tall fescue takes about 3-4 weeks to germinate fully. Nevertheless, germination is subjective to weather conditions, so you have to factor in them too.