Seeding Services

• • • • • Over-seeding
        • Re-seeding
        • Core Aeration
        • New Lawn Seeding
        • Turf Renovation
        • Spot Seeding

OVERSEEDING

Why Overseed?

Mature grasses have a slower reproduction rate. As the plant matures over the years its production of new tillers, or stems, from which the blades of grass grow slows. The blades of grass have a lifespan of around 2 months and a mature plant begins to stop producing new tillers fast enough to counteract the dieback of the blades and thus the lawn thins. This creates space for weed seeds to germinate. Overseeding not only adds new grass plants but these young vibrant plants reproduce faster than the mature plants and keep the lawn lush and weed free. Having young grass is one of the best ways to keep a lawn healthy and thick.

When is the best time to overseed?

In the fall the soil temperatures are still warm.  This allows the seeds to germination and because the air temperatures are cooler, blade growth increases. Competition from weedy grass varieties, crabgrass etc., is decreased. Overseeding in the fall allows the new plants to get a head start in the spring allowing them to become better established in order to tolerate the hot dry summer months.

Lawn Aeration

Why Springbrook Lawn Care?

1. We use a 2 pass approach for aeration. This means we aerate the entire lawn by, for instance, going north to south we then redo the entire lawn at a 45-degree angle to the initial direction.
2. We use core/plug aerators, not spike aerators which do nothing to eliminate soil compaction.
3. When dethatching, we clean off the yard and haul away all debris for you.
4. We clean off all hard surfaces when finished, leaving your walks, driveway and patio debris free.

Core Aeration

What is a lawn core aeration?

To aerate means to introduce air.  In lawn care, aeration refers to punching holes into the grass and soil. At Springbrook Lawn Care we use a core, or plug, aerator as opposed to a spike aerator which simply pokes a hole in the ground and does nothing to alleviate the compaction of the soil. The core removed from the soil, about 2 inches long and approximately 1/2 inch around, is then left on the lawn to decompose and return nutrients to the soil. These cores will break down in a couple weeks depending on the weather. Core aeration is recommended by the University of Illinois, you can learn more at the University of Illinois official website seeding lawns.

 What are the benefits of core aeration?

Core aeration allows air and water to be better able to enter the soil. This results in less runoff of water. A more hospitable environment for worms and other beneficial organisms. It allows for the soil to readily absorb nutrients from the natural healthy layer of thatch and fertilizers. The end result is a healthier and thus greener and more weed free lawn.

Why choose Springbrook Lawn Care?

We use the correct equipment to get the optimal benefits of aeration for your lawn’s health, a core aerator. When aerating we always utilize a 2 pass approach. This means we aerate the entire lawn, for instance, north to south and then we redo the entire yard at a 45-degree angle to the initial direction. This optimizes the benefit of aerating your lawn.

THATCH

What is Thatch?

Thatch is organic debris built up on the surface of the soil in your lawn. As your grass grows, it drops off dying stems and stolons, the runners sent out by the plant as well as grass blades and roots. This organic debris forms a layer of decaying matter that covers the soil’s surface. A thin layer of thatch acts as a compost; this decaying debris eventually breaks down into the soil and replenishes the nutrients. Thatch, in moderation, is part of the healthy growing cycle of your lawn. However, too much thatch has a negative impact on a lawns health.

Benefits of removing excess thatch:

1. Increases nutrient intake of the lawn.

Excess thatch acts as a sheeting over the lawn. It increases the runoff of water and inhibits the natural decomposition that takes place in a healthy lawn. In effect, it suffocates the lawn, its removal allows water, nutrients, and air direct access through the soil to the root system.

2. Reduces the likelihood of disease.

There is a high correlation between some of the most common fungal disease and excess thatch buildup.

3. Reduces insect infestations.

Insects and other pests thrive in high thatch areas. Dethatching will decrease the likelihood of these infestations.

4. Thatch is compostable.

Thatch is a great carbon source for a compost heap. Unlike fresh grass clippings that smother your compost, thatch contains only the dead and dried out organic matter from your lawn. These will break down quicker and make a great nutrient-rich compost for vegetable gardens. If you have a compost area we can place the thatch there for you.

Because thatch is beneficial to your lawn in appropriate amounts, you do not want to completely remove it. By removing only the thatch that comes away easily from the soil’s surface, you’re dethatching the lawn without damaging healthy root systems or the soil itself. Thatch that is breaking down and composting into the soil should be left to complete the cycle.

Other Common Fall Lawn Services

You may also be interested in some of our other fall services.  If you need help with leaf removal or a general fall landscape cleanup service, we are happy to complete these tasks for you as well.  Often times if we can perform multiple services at once we can get you an overall lower price per service!