Core Aeration & Overseeding
Core aeration removes small plugs of soil to relieve compaction common in Illinois clay soils, improving oxygen flow, water infiltration, and root development. Overseeding immediately after aeration places fresh cool-season grass seed directly into those openings, helping thicken thin turf, reduce weed pressure, and build a more drought-resilient lawn through seasonal temperature swings.
How It Works
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Core Aeration: We mechanically remove small cores of soil across the lawn to relieve compaction and improve oxygen exchange, water infiltration, and nutrient movement into the root zone. This process creates thousands of openings that allow grassroots to grow deeper and stronger.
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Overseeding: Immediately following aeration, we apply a high-quality cool-season grass seed blend selected to complement your existing turf. The aeration holes provide direct seed-to-soil contact, improving germination rates and helping fill thin areas, strengthen density, and crowd out weeds naturally.
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Clear Aftercare Guidance: Success doesn’t stop when we leave. You’ll receive straightforward watering instructions, mowing height recommendations, and realistic expectations for germination and establishment so your lawn thickens properly and carries momentum into the next growing season.
What to Expect
1
Before
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Mow the Lawn: Mow to 2–3 inches to improve aeration and seed contact.
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Water the Lawn: Lightly water the day before to soften the soil.
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Clear Debris: Remove sticks, rocks, or toys from the lawn.
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Mark irrigation heads and other obstacles to avoid damage.
2
During
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Core Aeration: A machine removes small plugs of soil to improve air, water, and nutrient flow.
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Overseeding: Fresh seed is spread across the lawn, filling in bare spots and boosting density.
3
After
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Watering: Keep the soil moist for 2–3 weeks to help seeds germinate.
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Avoid Mowing: Wait 10–14 days to let grass establish before mowing.
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Limit Traffic: Keep foot traffic light to allow new grass to grow undisturbed.
Disclaimer
Results may vary based on factors such as soil type, weather conditions, and lawn maintenance. Core aeration and overseeding are designed to improve lawn health, but outcomes depend on the existing condition of your lawn. In cases of severe compaction, heavy thatch, or pest damage, additional treatments may be required.
Please mark irrigation lines, invisible fences, or other buried systems before the service to avoid damage. We will keep at least 1 foot away from all lawn edges during aeration to prevent disruption of landscaping and property boundaries.