Aerating and Thatching are Key
Somerset, Somerset County, New Jersey
Tightly woven patchwork, usually compiled of leaves, stems and roots, are known as thatch, which generally leaves your lawn feeling sponge-like, as well as appears to dry quickly. When thatch becomes too thick, it can prevent new growing grass from finding the water and nutrients it needs.
Lawn should be de-thatched during cooler weather and never when soil is wet, or in the heat of the summer. Performing several treatments is usually necessary before lawn is de-thatched sufficiently.
Aeration is the process of using an Aerator to puncture the soil with tiny holes that will ensure adequate water-flow, permit air rotation for proper soil oxygenation, and allow nutrients such Phosphorus and Potassium to penetrate the roots of the grass. The main purpose for routine aeration is to alleviate soil compaction, lessening the need to de-thatch. It is suggested, that the best time of year to aerate a lawn is approximately two weeks before applying the year's final fertilizer, or five to six weeks before the first frost.
Watering lawn either early, or late in the day, allows the water to penetrate into the soil prior to the days temperature setting in. It generally takes 1 inch of water to permeate 6 to 8 inches of soil.
Over watering washes away nutrients and encourages insect infestations, whereas shallow-watering eludes root growth and promotes the upsurge of weeds.