What is core aeration, and why does my lawn need it?
A machine pulls thousands of small plugs of soil out of the lawn. The holes let air, water and fertilizer get down to the roots, and they relieve the compaction that foot traffic, mowing and clay soil build up over time. Compacted soil slowly suffocates grass. One aeration a year maintains a lawn; two a year improves it.
Why seed at the same time?
The aeration holes are a perfect seedbed. Seed dropped right after aeration gets soil contact, moisture and protection it wouldn't get on a flat lawn. We put down 2.5 pounds of seed per 1,000 sq. ft. with every pass, which is about a quarter of what a bare-dirt lawn would need. The seed is a 100% turf-type tall fescue blend developed for Shades of Green and Indiana's climate.
Compare the three lawn care packages
Standard
The essentials.
$41 / month*
Addresses the common problems every lawn in our area runs into. 8 applications.
Includes:✓ Custom-blended fertilizer
✓ Broadleaf weed control
✓ Two-part crabgrass program
✓ Grub Plus
✓ Spot weed treatments
✓ Micronutrient package
✓ pH adjustment
✓ Nutsedge control
✓ Free service calls
Preferred
For soil and root health.
$61 / month*
Everything in Standard, plus the two things that fix compacted soil. 10 applications.
Includes:✓ Spring Soil Builder
✓ Fall core aeration
Premium
For a thicker lawn.
$93 / month*
Everything in Preferred, plus seed. 12 applications.
Includes:✓ Fall Soil Builder
✓ Overseeding at a 5 lb seed rate
*Starting prices for a 3,000 sq. ft. lawn on a 12-month payment plan that begins in January. Standard is our minimum program; anything else can be added on its own.
Which aeration and overseeding package do I need?
AO-1: one pass, standard seeding
For a lawn that already looks good. Relieves compaction and tops up the seed for the year.
AO-2: two passes, double seeding
Our most recommended option. Right for thin, stressed lawns or lawns with some bare spots.
AO-3: three passes, triple seeding
The biggest impact. For lawns that need a lot of work, or new-construction lawns on compacted builder soil.
The Preferred package includes fall core aeration. Premium adds overseeding at a 5-pound rate. Any package can add an AO option, and you can upgrade mid-season.
When is the best time to aerate and seed in Indiana?
Between August 15 and the end of September. Purdue's turfgrass program says the same. Fall gives seedlings cool nights, more rain and less weed competition, so they're rooted before winter and strong before next summer.
Why won't you seed in spring?
Because most of it dies. Spring seed sprouts fine, then hits July heat and drought with baby roots. Unless you water perfectly, the odds are poor, and spring weeds outgrow new grass anyway. We'd rather do it once, in fall, and have it work. The blog post "5 Reasons to Not Seed Your Indiana Lawn in the Spring" explains more.
What about liquid aeration?
Liquid aeration is a sprayed product that loosens soil chemically instead of mechanically. It's a good spring option for lawns with an invisible dog fence or irrigation lines, where a core machine could cause damage. We usually suggest liquid in spring and core aeration with seed in fall.
Common questions about aeration and seeding
Explore care for your property
Four things, all outdoors: we feed and protect lawns, we keep bugs out of yards and homes, we look after sprinkler systems, and we do lawn and pest care for businesses. We don't mow, and we don't treat landscape beds.
Lawn care, from the roots up
Fertilization, weed control, grub protection, aeration and fall seeding, timed for Indiana's seasons. Three packages, one price list.
Take your backyard back
Mosquito, flea and tick treatments for the yard, and a perimeter barrier that keeps ants, spiders and other crawlers out of the house.
Sprinkler care, spring through fall
Spring startup, system audits, backflow testing and fall winterization, in three yearly packages. And repairs when something breaks.
Care for your commercial property
Lawn treatments, pest control and winter snow removal for hotels, offices, restaurants, warehouses and other properties in the Lafayette area and the north Indianapolis suburbs.
Ask before you choose
What's included? What costs extra? How long before I see results? We'd rather answer those questions before you spend a dollar. Most of them are answered in the Learning Center.
