Quick Answer: What Should I Do After Aerating My Lawn?
After aeration in Fort McMurray, you should:
- Leave the plugs on the lawn to break down
- Overseed thin or bare areas (ideal right after aeration)
- Topdress lightly with compost or soil, if desired
- Water deeply, then maintain consistent moisture
- Resume regular mowing once the lawn is growing well
Step 1: Leave the Plugs
Aeration leaves small soil cores on the surface.
- Don’t rake them up
- Let rain, watering, and mowing break them apart
- They help topdress the surface and improve soil structure
Step 2: Overseed Right After Aeration
Core holes make perfect seed‑to‑soil contact points.
- Spread quality grass seed suited to Fort McMurray (cool‑season grasses)
- Focus heavily on thin, patchy, or high‑traffic areas
- Lightly rake to get seed into the holes and surrounding soil
Step 3: Optional Topdressing
A light layer of fine compost or screened soil can:
- Help improve soil quality over time
- Protect seed and cores
- Smooth minor bumps
Spread a thin layer so you still see most of the grass blades.
Step 4: Watering After Aeration
- Give the lawn a good deep soak after overseeding
- For the next 2–3 weeks, keep the top 1–2 inches of soil moist (especially if you overseeded)
- Avoid constant puddling—aim for consistent moisture, not swampy conditions
Step 5: Mowing After Aeration
- You can usually keep your normal mowing schedule
- If you overseeded heavily, avoid mowing very short or on soggy soil
- Mow with sharp blades to minimize stress on recovering turf and seedlings
Post‑Aeration FAQs
Q: Should I pick up the plugs after aeration?
A: No. Leave them to break down naturally. They help improve the soil surface.
Q: How soon after aeration should I overseed?
A: Ideally right away, while the core holes are fresh.
Q: Can I fertilize after aeration?
A: Yes. Aeration even helps fertilizer get deeper into the root zone. Just follow product instructions.
