It’s that time of year when we begin to book our aeration and overseeding service to be carried out this spring, and we think it’s fair to say that this year many of our beloved lawns will benefit from this after a very wet winter.
We are no strangers to heavy rainfall here in the UK, especially during the colder months, however, in recent weeks we have experienced more than average amounts of rain leaving our lawns wet and soggy. While rain is an essential source of water for our gardens, excessive amounts of water can lead to waterlogging creating some trouble for our lawns.
This lawn is beginning to thin and develop bare areas as a result of puddles and standing water. Spring aeration and overseeding will help this lawn to recover from the impact of heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
The Impact of a Waterlogged Lawn
Waterlogging occurs when the soil becomes saturated, leaving no room for air, and often wreaks havoc on our lawns. This lack of oxygen in the soil is known as anaerobic conditions, where grass struggles to thrive, causing sparse patches and weak grass growth.
Grass roots need oxygen for optimal function allowing nutrients and water to be absorbed efficiently. When water fills the soil, it displaces this vital oxygen, suffocating the grassroots. This leads to a weakened lawn, where grass struggles to grow, becomes prone to disease, and allows moss and weeds to take hold.
Anaerobic soil conditions as a result of waterlogging can cause harm to root zones resulting in weakened turf and poor grass growth.
The Solution: Spring Aeration and Overseeding
Fortunately, there are effective steps you can take to revive your waterlogged lawn and set it on the path to recovery this spring.
One of the most beneficial practices is combined aeration and overseeding in spring. This will reduce soil compaction, allow access to the root zone for vital nutrients, and fill any thin and bare patches whilst thickening the existing turf.
- Aeration
Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep into the root zone. This process helps alleviate compaction, a common issue in waterlogged lawns and creates pathways for oxygen to reach the roots. Here at Lawntech, aeration can be carried out using either our spike aerators or core aerators.
Spike Aerators: The tools create holes in the soil by poking it with spikes. Though they are easy to use and improve soil aeration, spike aerators are best for small lawns or mild compaction.
Core Aerators: These machines remove plugs or cores of soil from the lawn and are ideal for large lawns and heavy compaction.
Aerating your lawn in spring is ideal the time as the soil temperatures start to warm up and the grass begins its period of active growth. This allows the grass to take advantage of the improved conditions and recover from the stress of waterlogging.
Aeration holes create the perfect environment for new seeds to bed for effective germination.
- Overseeding
Overseeding involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn to fill in thin or bare areas. In the case of a waterlogged lawn, overseeding helps introduce new, healthy grass varieties that are better adapted to wet conditions.
Direct Drill Overseeding: This method involves using a specialised machine that cuts through the thatch and directly deposits the seed into the soil. It ensures better seed-to-soil contact, improving germination rates and the establishment of new grass, and is recommended for lawns that have been impacted by waterlogging.
Aeration holes create the perfect bed for new seeds to establish so spring aeration and overseeding combined will create an environment where your lawn can thrive once again.
Direct drill overseeding ensures better seed-to-soil contact to improve germination rates and establishment of new grass. Aeration and direct drill overseeding combined is one of the most beneficial practices for your lawn this spring.
Book Your Spring Aeration and Overseeding Today
Identifying waterlogging in your lawn is crucial for timely intervention. If your lawn is yellowing or browning, moss is taking over, and feels spongy underfoot, it’s likely due to waterlogged soil from the unprecedented rainfall that we have had.
Spring aeration and overseeding with regular maintenance will revive your lawn this spring for a greener, lusher turf that can better withstand challenging weather conditions.
We are taking bookings now for spring, so if your lawn will benefit from our service, contact our friendly team today for more information.
With regular lawn care treatments and aeration and overseeding this spring, you’ll create an environment where your lawn can thrive once again.
Here at Lawntech, we work with our clients to form a relationship where you can get the best from your lawn. If your lawn is in need of treatments, our annual lawn care programme will provide your lawn with regular nutrients, weed, and moss control for a healthier lawn. You can measure your lawn online to obtain a free, instant quote today, or call our team on 01722 744300 to arrange your free assessment.
