A healthy, green lawn begins with the right care at the right time. With regular attention, it grows thick, vibrant, and looks its best. One of the best ways to maintain it is through aeration and overseeding, two proven techniques that enhance lawn health from the roots up.
These two steps are simple yet effective, breaking up hard soil, improving airflow, and filling bare spots with healthy new grass. Aeration allows water and nutrients to reach the roots. Overseeding thickens grass and helps push out weeds.
In this guide, you’ll learn the benefits of these steps and how to do them for the best results. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a greener, stronger lawn.
Aeration is the process of removing small plugs of soil from your lawn. These plugs are usually 1 to 2 inches long and a few inches apart. The holes left behind loosen compacted soil and help your grass absorb what it needs to thrive.
The process has the following steps;
The best time to do this is when the grass is actively growing. It also has the following benefits:
You should aerate if your lawn has heavy foot traffic from kids, pets, or lawn equipment. To decide if aeration is a good idea, look for these indicators:
You should do it annually to maintain the overall health of your lawn. Also, it is important to aerate your lawn before overseeding to help the seed reach the soil.
Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed over your existing lawn to enhance its thickness, resilience, and appearance. Rather than using too much seed, it’s about introducing the right seed varieties to improve your lawn’s overall health and density.
By overseeding, you can:
This process can restore your lawn, making it look lush, green, and healthy.
The best time to overseed is right after aeration, when the soil is loose and ready. Early fall or spring works best for cool-season grasses, and late spring to early summer is ideal for warm-season grasses.
Overseeding should be done anytime your lawn looks thin, uneven, or damaged. Pairing it with core aeration will give you the best chance at long-term results. However, before you begin, you need to prepare your lawn.
Preparing your lawn before aeration ensures better results and helps protect underground fixtures.
Here’s how to prep it the right way:
Before aerating, lower your mower blade slightly to give your grass seed the best chance to succeed:
Make sure the lawn is free of anything that could block or damage the aerator during use:
Proper soil moisture makes aeration more effective and easier on your equipment:
Take safety steps to avoid damaging essential lines or systems hidden in your lawn:
Once your lawn is fully prepped, you're ready to start aerating. The process begins with picking the right tool for the job.
Choosing the right aerator can significantly impact the effectiveness of your aeration efforts. Here’s what you need to know about the main types and when to use them:
These aerators remove small plugs of soil and leave open holes behind, making them the top choice for compacted lawns:
Instead of removing soil, these tools poke holes into the ground, which can sometimes compress the surrounding soil:
Aerating and overseeding your lawn is a straightforward process, but doing it correctly makes all the difference. Follow these five steps to help your grass grow thicker, stronger, and healthier.
Always use a core aerator for compacted or neglected lawns that delivers better long-term results.
Start using a core aerator to pull small plugs of soil from your lawn. Follow these pointers for the best results:
Aeration opens the soil, allowing water, air, and seed to move freely through the root zone.
Select a high-quality seed blend that matches your grass type and local climate conditions.
This step fills bare spots and strengthens thin regions, creating a denser lawn.
Once the seed is down, rake the lawn gently to help it settle.
Seed-to-soil contact is key to good germination.
Watering is critical in the early stages of seed growth.
This encourages stronger root development over time.
Apply a gentle starter fertilizer to feed the new seedlings.
A balanced starter fertilizer provides your grass with the essential nutrients it needs to establish quickly and grow thick.
Here are the most common mistakes homeowners make during aeration and overseeding, and how to avoid them:
Avoid aerating when the soil is too dry or too wet. Here’s why:
Tip: Water lightly 1–2 days before aerating for ideal moisture.
Skipping prep means the seed may never reach the soil.
Using the wrong grass seed, or too much of it, will only waste time and money. Take the following steps to prevent that:
Watering too little or infrequently can kill new grass before it takes hold. Seeds need daily moisture to germinate; dry soil will stall growth or kill seedlings.
Ensure that you Water lightly every day until seedlings are established.
Herbicides used too soon can harm new seedlings. It’s essential to avoid preemergent weed control before or right after seeding.
Wait several weeks after overseeding before applying any weed products. Check the label and time your herbicide applications carefully to ensure accuracy.
Aeration and overseeding give your lawn a strong foundation, but lasting results come from consistent care. A routine of mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal maintenance will keep your grass dense and healthy.
Avoid walking on newly seeded areas until the grass is fully established and has grown to a height of at least 2 inches. If you notice thinning spots over time, touch up with seed quickly to maintain even growth. Adding compost or mulch can enhance soil quality and promote deeper, stronger root growth.
Most importantly, stay consistent. A great lawn doesn’t happen once. It happens year after year through steady effort and proper support.
At Percy’s Lawn Care, we understand that a healthy lawn doesn’t happen overnight. It takes experience, attention to detail, and steady care. Since 1999, families and businesses across Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga have trusted us to keep their outdoor spaces clean, safe, and thriving year-round.
We offer a one-stop solution for lawn care, offering services that include weekly mowing, seasonal cleanups, custom landscaping, and dependable snow removal during the winter.
With two generations of hands-on experience, we focus on delivering high-quality work and treating every lawn we work on as if it were our own.
If your lawn needs a boost or you want to prepare your property for the next season, our team is here to help with honest and reliable service.
Contact Percy’s Lawn Care and Son today for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can bring lasting beauty and functionality to your outdoor space.
1. How do I know if my lawn needs aeration?
Your lawn likely needs aeration if the soil feels hard or water pools on the surface.
2. Can I aerate and overseed on the same day?
Yes. Aerating before seeding helps the new grass seed establish itself in the soil.
3. What type of grass seed should I use?
Use a seed that matches your current lawn and is suited to your local climate. Percy’s Lawn Care can recommend the best option for your yard.
4. How soon should I water after overseeding?
Water right after spreading the seed. For the first 2 to 3 weeks, water daily to keep the soil lightly moist.
5. When can I mow after overseeding?
Wait until new grass is at least 3 inches tall. Use sharp blades and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height.
6. Can I use weed control products during this process?
No. Most herbicides can damage new seedlings. Wait several weeks after seeding before applying any weed control.
7. How often should I aerate and overseed my lawn?
Once a year is ideal for most lawns; high-traffic or compacted lawns may benefit from being mowed twice a year.
8. What’s the best time of year to aerate and overseed?
Cool-season grasses do best in early fall or spring, while warm-season grasses benefit most from late spring through early summer.
9. Will Percy’s Lawn Care handle aeration and overseeding for me?
Yes. We offer full-service aeration and overseeding across Buffalo, Amherst, and Cheektowaga.
10. How much does professional aeration and overseeding cost?
Costs vary depending on lawn size and the services required. Contact Percy’s Lawn Care for a free consultation and quote.
