Core Aeration in Hickman

NO! Do not skip fertilizer. The fertilizer is very beneficial for new seed. Here's what happens:

• We note your account that lawn was seeded
• We continue fertilizer applications (great for new grass)
• We skip herbicide/weed killer for 6 weeks (protects new grass)
• At 6 weeks, we resume weed control once grass is mature (3 mowings)

 We use a premium blend of 3 Turf Type Tall Fescue cultivars specifically selected for the Eastern Nebraska region. This seed blend includes varieties with excellent NTEP (National Turfgrass Evaluation Program) testing results, meaning they've proven superior performance in:

• Disease resistance
• Drought tolerance
• Heat stress tolerance
• Color retention
• Density and texture

We apply 5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft as a standard rate. In very thin or completely bare areas, we apply even higher rates. This is a thick application designed to create a dense, lush lawn.

No, if you're on our 6-step fertilizer program, your soil will have plenty of nutrients for the seed. Adding starter fertilizer would create over-fertilization, which can actually harm new seedlings. Our program provides everything your seed needs to thrive.

This is THE critical factor for success. Follow this schedule exactly:

• Weeks 1-4: Water 2-3 times per day (early morning, midday, early evening). Keep soil surface damp at all times.
  • Rule of thumb: Cut the run time in half from normal watering when watering 2-3 times a day
• Weeks 5-6: Water 1 time per day (early morning). Grass is establishing but still shallow.
• Week 7 through November: Resume regular watering 3× per week. Deeper, less frequent watering.

Critical: This is a guide. The soil surface MUST stay damp for seed to survive. New grass has no deep roots to access lower soil moisture—think of it like a newborn baby that needs frequent care.

We will NOT aerate or aerate and seed if sprinklers are not marked. We don't want the liability of damaged sprinklers. You must:

• Mark all sprinkler heads with flags, stakes, or spray paint before service date
• Respond to our notification confirming sprinklers are marked
• If you can't mark them, you'll be rescheduled to a designated reschedule week

 Minimal aftercare needed:

• Mow normally (plugs will be chopped up and break down)
• Water normally (no special requirements)
• Plugs will naturally break down in 2-4 weeks from mowing and rain
• Leave the plugs in the lawn
• Resume all normal lawn activities immediately

For aeration only: Lawn will look slightly messy for 1-2 weeks due to soil plugs on surface, but no damage. Plugs break down quickly.

For aeration & seeding: Very thin or bare areas may be completely torn up by the double-pass aeration—this is normal and beneficial. It creates maximum soil disruption for seed-to-soil contact. The lawn will look rough for 2-3 weeks, then new grass fills in beautifully.