Thin, patchy grass is an open door for weeds. PureLawn core aerates and overseeds your lawn, dropping newer, drought-tolerant grass seed right into the holes, so it fills in thicker and faster.
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How Aeration and Overseeding Works
- We core aerate the lawn. Plugs of soil come out, loosening compacted clay and opening space for seed and new roots.
- We broadcast new seed over the holes. We use newer, more drought-tolerant grass blends.
- You water. Seed that falls into the aeration holes gets direct soil contact, the key to good germination. Keep it watered and the new grass does the rest.
It is one of the best ways to make a thin lawn thick, quicker.
Why Fall, Every Fall
September is seeding month in Cincinnati and Dayton. From late August to mid-October the soil is still warm enough for seed to sprout, the air has cooled, and fall rains help new grass root in before winter. We like the soil near 60 degrees when we seed.
We recommend aeration and overseeding every fall until your lawn is thick and healthy. A thick lawn also crowds out weeds. That is why our 100% chemical-free PureGreen program recommends fall aeration and seeding every year: it fills in bare areas and reduces weeds.
Bare Spots? Slice Seeding
If you have bare patches, or you want to work drought-resistant grass into an old lawn, slice seeding is the better fit.
Our slice seeder drills seed straight into the soil, much like a farmer planting a crop. Of all the ways to put down grass seed, it gives the best germination, as long as the new seed is watered.
Which Service Fits Your Lawn?
| Aeration & Overseeding | Slice Seeding | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Thin lawns that need to thicken up | Bare spots and lawns that need new grass types |
| How seed goes in | Broadcast over fresh aeration holes | Drilled directly into the soil |
| Extra benefit | Relieves compaction and improves drainage at the same time | Best germination of any seeding method |
Not sure? We will look at your lawn and tell you which one it needs when we quote.
Watering Makes or Breaks New Seed
New seed needs steady moisture until it sprouts, which usually takes 14 to 21 days.
- Weeks 1 to 3: water 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let the soil dry out, and do not let it puddle.
- Check the soil: if it looks tan, water. If it looks brown, you can skip that watering. If it rains, skip that day.
- After the grass is up: switch to deep, less frequent watering.
- Dayton area lawns: many sit on sandy, gravelly river soils that drain fast, so check new seed more often.
Keep foot traffic, kids and pets off seeded areas as much as you can.
The only warranty on seed work is that seed is applied at the manufacturer’s recommended rate. Weather is not covered, and watering new seed and keeping foot traffic off it are the customer’s responsibility.
Mowing and Weeds on New Grass
- Mow the new grass once it reaches your normal mowing height of 3 to 4 inches.
- Wait until the new grass has been mowed 3 times before spot spraying any broadleaf weeds.
Before We Arrive
Our aerators and slice seeders go 2 to 3 inches into the soil. Please mark your sprinkler system, invisible fence and any buried wires before your service date. PureLawn is not responsible for any damage that happens during core aeration or slice seeding.
Why Homeowners Choose PureLawn
- Local and family-owned. Matt Maurer runs our Dayton location and Chad Craft runs Cincinnati.
- Customers stay. Our annual retention rate is over 90%, and referrals are our number one source of new customers.
- Free service calls. If something is not right between visits, we come back at no charge.
- Built on research. Our programs are based on Ohio State turfgrass research, and our technicians are licensed.
- Recognized locally. Angie’s List Super Service Award winners and members of the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation, the Ohio Lawn Care Association and the BBB.
Areas We Serve
Cincinnati area: Montgomery, Blue Ash, Kenwood, Wyoming, Indian Hill, Madeira, Dry Run, Mason, West Chester, Loveland, Hyde Park, Anderson Township and Hamilton.
Dayton area: Dayton, Beavercreek, Centerville, Springboro, Troy, Tipp City and surrounding cities.
Aeration and Overseeding FAQs
When is the best time to overseed in Ohio?
Late August to mid-October, with September the sweet spot. More in Cincinnati and Dayton Seeding Tips.
Can I just seed in the spring instead?
We do not recommend it. New seed conflicts with the crabgrass pre-emergent your lawn needs in early spring. Seed in the fall and you will see much better results with fewer problems.
What grass seed do you use?
Newer, more drought-tolerant grass blends. For Cincinnati and Dayton lawns we recommend turf-type tall fescue, which blends in with the bluegrass, tall fescue and ryegrass most local lawns already have. If you buy seed yourself, avoid anything labeled Kentucky 31 or K-31.
How long until I see new grass?
Most quality grass seed takes 14 to 21 days to sprout, as long as it stays watered.
What is the difference between overseeding and slice seeding?
Overseeding spreads seed over fresh aeration holes to thicken a thin lawn. Slice seeding drills seed into the soil and is better for bare spots.
When can I mow the new grass?
Once it reaches your normal mowing height of 3 to 4 inches.
How many years will I need it?
We recommend it every fall until the lawn is thick and healthy. After that, regular core aeration keeps it that way.
How much does aeration and overseeding cost?
Price is based on your lawn’s size. Request a free quote for an exact number.
Next Spring’s Lawn Starts This Fall
The seeding window closes in mid-October. Get your free quote today and we will get you on the schedule while there is still time.
Get My Free Lawn Quote or call (937) 703-1221