Step1
Every year, when we follow the principles of proper turf care, we assure our existing turf receives everything necessary for strong, healthy growth and also retains enough vigor to recover quickly in case Mother Nature throws us a stress filled season.
Principles of proper turf care include;
● proper grass variety for region ● raise cutting height to 3”- 4”
● keeping mower blades sharp ● cut on a weekly basis
● fertilize and eliminate weeds ● water when necessary
Every season though, our turf will be challenged by something, scorching temperatures, drought conditions or hungry insects. Realize that even the best turf will stress and thin and this is why we aerate and over seed on a yearly basis.
Over seeding fills open areas and aeration protects and grows the roots. Both operations should be completed in early September, aeration first then seeding.
Step2
How to begin?
Mow shorter this one time
The mowing right before you seed cut grass shorter, 2.5”. Shortens grass that may inhibit seed, fertilizer or compost from contacting soil. You may slowly drop blades 2 weeks prior to help eliminate excess clippings gradually.
What is aeration?
Aeration is the process of poking holes in the soil surface of your lawn. A machine, heavy in weight, with hollow tines (spikes), pokes the ground removing 2”-3” deep cylinders of soil, depositing them on the surface.
Why is aeration good for the turf?
● relieves compaction loosens soil ● more water,fertilizer in soil
● allows more oxygen in root zone ● helps break down thatch
● allows compost to penetrate soil ● better root health and growth
Should soil be wet or dry?
Aerators alleviate compaction by removing soil plugs, leaving an open hole which collapses overtime, loosening the surrounding area.
The deeper the tines penetrate, the greater the effect on compaction. Aerating when the soil is wet, not muddy, will allow for greater penetration and better results. Try to aerate right after a slow full day soaking rain or after you deeply water your lawn.
### Aerating when the soil is dry and hard will yield poor results.
Step3
Why Top dress?
Organic matter in our soil determines how much water and fertilizer stay around for plants to use and also how much is allowed to filter thru and move away to keep our plants from drowning.
Top dress after aeration but before seeding for best results.
Over Seeding
After aeration and topdressing are complete, simply broadcast seed and fertilizer over lawn, flip a normal leaf rake over so pointy ends are sticking up and lightly rake entire lawn. This helps incorporate seed into the soil. If your lawn is extensive, use an old screen or anything you can drag across to lightly move soil.
Then water, water and water, everyday for quick germination
What if we are having a dry fall, should I seed?
Even if we have a dry fall, you should still spread seed over your lawn. The seed will eventually find its way to the soil and when it finally rains, the seed will be there to begin germination.
By not applying seed, you're not replacing any turf lost from previous years. Your thinning, weaker turf will then have to go thru another summer season of battling weeds that aggressively fight for any open space.
Your should not waste time aerating, your results will be poor
Tall Fescue seed germinates in 10-14 days with water (my recommendation)
Rye seed germinates in 5-7 days with water (browns out in the heat)
Blue Grass seed germinates 10-14 days (requires lots water and fert.)
All the best,
Todd
Visit www.landscapeproblemsolver.com
There are only two ways to change this picture and sod is not an option.
Authority 
Comments
Wobman said
on 3/10/2008 Question: I missed aerating last fall. Should I do it this spring instead or will that backfire somehow? Thanks!
Todd0864 said
on 1/28/2008 Hey Time2Compose, Thanks for your response, hope this helps.
Check into turf varieties like Bermuda, Zoysia, Bahia and St. Augustine grasses, if available. They are known in the United States as warm season grasses
and should thrive well in your environment.
To my knowledge, they do not come in seed, only plugs or sod, with plugs being the more cost effective method.
Install like this- Prepare soil or in your case sand and spread fertilizer. Dig holes and place plugs in a grid like pattern, 6-12" apart. Water often and complete coverage can be expected in 6 to 12 months. Try to eliminate weeds between plugs to decrease competition for water and fertilizer.
Also, check into a grass known as Paspalum grass. I do not know the variety, but read that they are using on some golf courses in your area.
All the best,
Todd
Time2Compose said
on 1/28/2008 Hi Todd, Great Gardening tips. I live in United Arab Emirates. The temp is very hot during the summer and winters (no Snow , of course. The soil is sandy and is watered each day. What variety of seeds for grass would you advise me to use for reseeding?