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Lawn Overseeding

Discussion in 'Lawn Mowing' started by Ricky, Sep 14, 2000.

  1. Ricky

    Ricky LawnSite Member
    from W. Ky Zone 7
    Messages: 154

    I live in W. Ky I need to overseed my lawn. I can rent a power seeder that verti-cuts and has a hopper for seed that it dispenses, or i can rent a core aerator. Which will get the best results? I will be planting fescue.

    Thanks
    In His (lawn) Service
     
    Ricky, Sep 14, 2000
    #1
  2. 65hoss

    65hoss LawnSite Fanatic
    from Memphis, TN
    Messages: 6,360

    Personally, I prefer the aerating. Cutting the slits seems to make pretty little rows in the lawn, not a thick lush lawn.
     
    65hoss, Sep 14, 2000
    #2
  3. FIREMAN

    FIREMAN LawnSite Senior Member
    from n.j.
    Messages: 318

    DO BOTH, AS THEY REALLY AREN'T INTENDED TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEMS....AERATING FIXES COMPACTION....AND SLICE SEEDING HELPS SEAT THE SEEDS AND GET THEM DOWN TO THE SOIL...
     
    FIREMAN, Sep 14, 2000
    #3
  4. Ricky

    Ricky LawnSite Member
    from W. Ky Zone 7
    Messages: 154

    Thanks for the replies. Has anyone had experience with both.

    Ricky
     
    Ricky, Sep 15, 2000
    #4
  5. bob

    bob LawnSite Platinum Member
    from DE
    Messages: 4,260

    Use an aerator. It will be faster than a slit seeder, plus you will releave soil compaction
     
    bob, Sep 15, 2000
    #5
  6. GroundKprs

    GroundKprs LawnSite Bronze Member
    from South Bend, IN
    Messages: 1,969

    If you can only do one operation, better result will come from slitseeding. Since seeding success depends on seed/soil contact, core aerating, then slitseeding would give you the best germination. When coring, do not just make a single pass, make 2 to 4 passes - as many as you can without damaging the surface. The more soil brought up, the better.
     
    GroundKprs, Sep 15, 2000
    #6
  7. tpirobert

    tpirobert LawnSite Member
    from Asheville, NC
    Messages: 207

    Another vote for use both, slit seeeder and aerator. When you slit seed make two passes at 45 degree angle to each other. Just put half of total seed needed in each pass. This helps eleminate the "row" look when seed germinates. I have found the most important thing is to tell customer to lightly water 2-3 times a day, or pay you to. It's all a waste of time and money and your reputation if the newly germinating seed dries out and dies. I'll be doing the same this coming week. Looking forward to back ache and $$$ in pocket. Good luck!
     
    tpirobert, Sep 16, 2000
    #7
  8. Ricky

    Ricky LawnSite Member
    from W. Ky Zone 7
    Messages: 154


    Well, I went with the Bluebird overseeder. I dispensed less than half one way, then went over it again at a 45 degree angle. That left about 1/4 of the recommended amount that I spread with a Cyclone seeder. ( I thought this would be better than running out.) I also went with "Falcon two" fescue. The darker color sold me. I am looking forward to mowing something other than WEEDS! Thanks for the help .

    Ricky

    In His (lawn) Service
     
    Ricky, Sep 20, 2000
    #8

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