Aeration & overseeding
Fall core aeration pulls thousands of soil plugs so water, air and seed reach the roots. Overseeding fills the thin spots.
- Small lawn from
- $185 one time
- Kids and pets
- Right away, nothing is sprayed
Theo, Tuft crew
Visit note · Sep 16, 2:10 pm
Aerated and overseeded
- Two passes on the side yard where the dog runs
- Tall fescue blend, extra seed under the maple
- Sprinkler heads flagged, none touched
Applied: seed only, nothing sprayed
Safe to walk on: right away. Keep play off the seeded side for 3 weeks
How we do it
Central Ohio clay packs down hard, especially where kids play and dogs run. Core aeration pulls plugs of soil about 2 to 3 inches deep, a few inches apart, across the whole lawn. The plugs look messy for a week or two, then break down on their own and feed the soil. September is the best window: the soil is still warm, nights are cool and new seed gets a full fall to root before winter.
When: Late August to early October. Spring aeration is possible, but fall seeding roots better in our climate.
On every visit
- Flag sprinkler heads, buried dog-fence wire and shallow cable before we start
- Core-aerate the whole lawn, with a second pass on compacted areas
- Spread a tall-fescue seed blend matched to sun and shade
- Leave the plugs on the lawn to break down and feed the soil
- Text a visit note with a three-week watering plan for the new seed
Plain about products
What goes on your lawn
Seed only. Aeration is mechanical, so nothing is sprayed. If you are on a weed-control program, we skip the fall pre-emergent so it does not stop new seed from sprouting.
Kids and pets
When the lawn is ready again
Safe to walk on right away. For the best results, keep heavy play off the seeded areas for about three weeks while the seed sprouts.
Price by lawn size
How pricing works| Service | Small Under 5,000 sq ft | Medium 5,000 to 9,000 sq ft | Large 9,000 to 14,000 sq ft | Extra large 14,000 to 20,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeration & overseeding one time | $185–$255 | $255–$350 | $350–$465 | $465–$600 |
| Core aeration only one time | $95–$125 | $125–$160 | $160–$205 | $205–$260 |
Seed is the difference between the two rows, and the amount depends on how thin the lawn is. Customers on a plan get their aeration date booked in July, before the fall rush. Over 20,000 sq ft, we measure and quote in person.
Book this when
- Rain puddles and runs off instead of soaking in
- The lawn is thin under the trees or worn where the dog runs
- A screwdriver is hard to push into the soil in summer
- Last summer's drought or grub damage left bare patches
Questions about aeration
Should I rake up the plugs?
No. They break down in one to two weeks of normal weather and return soil and microbes to the surface. Mowing over them speeds it up.
How much do I need to water new seed?
Light and often for the first two to three weeks: about 10 minutes, once or twice a day, so the top inch stays damp. Your visit note includes a simple watering plan.
Do I need to aerate every year?
Most clay lawns in our area benefit from yearly aeration. Sandier or newer lawns can often go every other year. We will tell you honestly after we have seen yours.
Other services
Add aeration to your lawn's calendar
Pick it in the quote form, add anything else the lawn needs, and see a price range before you share a phone number.