Why seed? Your lawns genetics will determine its success.
Turf varieties like perennial rye and some bluegrass can perform great in the spring when conditions are ideal…but then fade out in heat or adversity.
Ohio State University recommends Turf Type Tall Fescue as the best genetics in our climate zone. Turf Type Tall Fescue, or TTTF, is much hardier than bluegrass or perennial rye. It will perform well with 25% less water and fertilizer, and is naturally insect resistant.
The reality is this: If your lawn has a lot of perennial rye, it won’t look good, even with lots of water, during hot weather. And it is much more likely to sustain insect or fungus damage.
The single most important thing to do if you want to raise your performance ceiling is overseed with Turf Type Tall Fescue.
Key point – A lawn that is Turf Type Tall Fescue will outperform other lawns in a big way, especially during hot weather.
What is Topdressing? Why Topdress?
Topdressing is the process of adding compost/organic matter to your lawn.
In many of the newer neighborhoods, the soil is awful…compacted, rocky clay devoid of any nutrients. We can’t fix this completely…but:
Topdressing the lawn with a quarter inch of compost is a great way to add organic matter. Spread after aeration, the compost works down into the aeration holes and improves the soil.
Ohio State University recommends ¼ inch of Comtil Compost as the best topdress option.
Aeration, overseeding and topdressing are usually done together as a TOTAL LAWN RENOVATION.
This process will leave the lawn looking really beat up, but in about 3-4 weeks, the turn around is astounding.
- We can kill off any unwanted grass before we start.
- Aeration loosens the soil for better grass root growth.
- Topdressing adds organic matter to the soil for long term soil and plant health.
- Overseeding adds Turf Type Tall Fescue seed to the lawn for the benefits of the superior genetics.
An actual comment on the process from a recent customer:
When I came home and saw the creative destruction that had taken place on my lawn, I instantly knew the process would work. My lawn looked so worked over I knew the results would be impressive, and I was right! 6 weeks later, it is the best looking lawn on the street!