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Lawn aerating and fertilizing questions

14 years ago

I just aerated my lawn today (and the neighbors, and neighbors, and neighbors....) and was wondering the best next step.

I have heard some people say they rake up the plugs, and even spread playground sand on the lawm. I guess the reasoning being the sand finds its way into the plug holes, allowing better drainage.

I am wondering if I should rake up the plugs or not, and if sand is a good idea?

My lawn in the back is sod that was laid in the fall. The front yard hasn't been cared for in years, so there is a fair bit of moss growing in patches (I have been raking and thatching and its helping for sure) and it is a bit yellow.

What sort of fertilizer do you recommend?

Are there any lawn lovers on here that can help me with this quandary?

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Comments (5)

wrager
14 years ago
Need to tell where you are locate, what type of grass you have and soil conditions. I have always let the plugs just decompose on the lawn. If you sodded in the fall it sounds like you have cool season turf. I'm not sure about sand for that type of grass, but compost is always helpful.
metal
14 years ago
Leave them lay.
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eriocaulon
14 years ago
As above. The cores are loaded with soil microbes. They will help to eat up any thatch you may have. In two weeks, you won't even see them.
troyfrazier
14 years ago
I pull a drag behind my aerator to help break them up faster. On sports fields the plugs can impact play. I wouldn't worry about it on a lawn.

If you have clay soil topdressing with sand does wonders for the turf. If you've got the budget for it soil amendments like calcined clay, or expanded shale are even better than sand for holding moisture.

A soil test helps with the fert decision. With out a soil test I recommend a slow release fert.
dchall_san_antonio
14 years ago
I read recently where the professionals like to break up the plugs and, essentially, use the plugs as top dressing without adding any more bulk to the soil. Adding sand brings the surface level up. Add 1/4 inch every year for a few years and pretty soon the soil is up above the curb and it looks ugly. I just posted pictures to another forum of soil that is up to 6 inches above the level of the surrounding concrete.

Since you asked what fertilizer "I" recommend, I'll say ordinary corn meal applied at a rate of 10-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. If you can't get that then alfalfa pellets (rabbit food) or soybean meal are both good. Usually you can get two of those three at your local feed store in 50-pound bags for under $10.

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