Aerator/Spreader
Q: “I live in upstate New York (Albany) and was wondering the proper steps for fall lawn care. Specifically, I’ve read the benefits of dethatching, aerating, over-seeding and fertilizing, but I don’t know the proper order in which to do these things. Also, I’ll need to mow one more time, so where do I put that in the mix.”
Kevin, or “juiceman”, recently posted this question to our Garden Club Forums, a great place to pose questions for expert advice on gardening, lawn care and outdoor living.
A: Associate Grow2girl provided us with the proper order: 1) mow, 2) dethatch, 3) aerate, 4) over-seed and 5) fertilize. Looks like juiceman had it right! Here are a couple tips to keep in mind:
1) Dethatching: If you have ½ inch of thatch, there’s no need to dethatch and remove the built-up layer of stems, leaves and roots. “If your lawn is in good condition, it is only necessary to dethatch every three years,” Grow2girl advises.
2) Aerating: Loosening compact soil with a rented aerator can also be done every two to three years.
3) Over-seeding: Make sure to use a spreader and purchase a perennial seed that will return year after year.
4) Fertilizing: After seeding, you’ll want to use a starter fertilizer. Then eight to ten weeks later, you can apply a winterguard fertilizer. “This will help your lawn bounce back in the spring.”
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I live in WIS. and have planted new grass, in early October. I also had put a layer of straw down to cover the new seeded area. How long should I leave the straw on ? Can I leave it on until spring ?
Thanks
Hi, snklfrtz.
I posted your question over on our online How-To Community Forums for an answer from our lawn care experts.
Here’s what Home Depot associate GardenGail had to say:
Hello Snklfrtz,
You want to mow your new lawn before it becomes over 2 inches tall, so you will have to remove the straw.
You can use a starter fertilizer on it now so that in springtime your lawn comes up fresh and green.
Let us know how you are doing!
Click here to go to the place on the Forums where I posted your question.
Thanks for the question.
-Craig, from The Home Depot