The Fall Green Up is a combination of services to help your lawn restore vital nutrients, repair damage from the heat and sun. The Fall Green Up includes three specific services bundled together to help your lawn restore to its glory and ultimately reach its full potential.
The first step is lawn aeration, specifically core aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil of a lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate the grass's root system. It is an essential practice for maintaining a healthy and vigorous lawn, especially in areas with compacted soil or a thick layer of thatch.
Overseeding is the practice of planting grass seed directly into existing turf without tearing up the lawn or soil. Instead of starting over with bare dirt, overseeding fills in thin or bare patches, improves grass density, and introduces newer, more resilient grass varieties to an established lawn.
Lawn fertilization is the practice of applying nutrients to the soil to promote the healthy growth, color, and density of turfgrass. While soil naturally contains some nutrients, a lawn that is regularly mowed and subject to foot traffic will often deplete its nutrient supply. Fertilization replenishes these essential elements, leading to a more vibrant and resilient lawn.
Water every day for roughly an hour before the sun comes up, or late into the evening. The most recommended formula includes an early morning watering to give the soil deep moisture, and a late afternoon watering to keep the top layer from drying out.
Aim for late summer to early fall—typically when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F (which corresponds to daytime air temperatures in the 60s to high 70s). The goal is to seed at least 4 to 6 weeks before your region's average first hard frost so tender seedlings can establish strong roots before winter dormancy.
While not strictly required, core aeration dramatically improves your success rate. It relieves soil compaction and creates hundreds of small holes where seeds fall in, guaranteeing direct seed-to-soil contact and protecting the seeds from drying out, birds, and heavy rain.
Standard Pre-emergents: No. Typical pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from germinating—including grass seed. You must wait 6 to 12 weeks after seeding, or look for specific mesotrione-based starter fertilizers that allow turfgrass seed germination while blocking weeds.
Post-emergents (broadleaf weed spray): Avoid applying standard weed killer right before or after overseeding. Generally, wait until you've mowed your newly sprouted grass 3 to 4 times before spraying weeds.
Existing lawn before seeding: Mow short (around 1.5 to 2 inches) right before you drop seed.
New seedlings after overseeding: Hold off on mowing for about 2 to 3 weeks until the new grass reaches roughly 3 inches in height. Ensure mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing fragile new shoots out of the ground.
Yes. Starter fertilizers are high in phosphorus (P), which stimulates rapid root development rather than excessive leaf growth. Apply starter fertilizer on the same day you seed or within the first week after seeding.