Lawn & Property Care
Aeration & Overseeding
Punch holes in hard clay, give the roots room to breathe and drop fresh seed right where it counts. It's the biggest single upgrade for a tired lawn.
Heavy soil, foot traffic, kids and dogs pack the ground until water runs off and roots stay shallow. Core aeration pulls thousands of small plugs of soil out of the lawn, opening it up to air, water and fertilizer. Overseeding right after drops new seed into those holes, where it has soil contact and protection. Groundwork Landscaping does both in one visit.
What's included
- Core aeration with a machine that pulls real soil plugs, not just spikes that push holes.
- Multiple passes on compacted areas, along paths and in high-traffic spots.
- Overseeding with a grass blend suited to your sun, shade and use.
- Starter fertilizer to help new seedlings root quickly.
- Topdressing of thin or bare patches with soil or compost, when needed.
- Watering instructions so the new seed takes.
How it's done
- Mark hazards. Sprinkler heads, shallow lines and invisible pet fences are flagged first.
- Aerate. The lawn is cored in passes, and the plugs are left to break down on top.
- Seed and feed. Seed is spread across the whole lawn, heavier on thin areas.
- Water. Light, frequent watering for about two weeks, then deeper and less often.
When to book
Late summer and early fall is the ideal time in Ontario: the soil is warm, nights are cool and weeds slow down. Spring works too. Follow with a fall feeding, or start over with new sod if the lawn is mostly weeds.
What affects the cost of aeration & overseeding
Aeration is priced mostly on lawn size, with overseeding adding the cost of seed and starter fertilizer. Very compacted lawns that need extra passes, topdressing bare areas, steep slopes and tight access add to the price. Booking aeration together with a fall cleanup or feeding often costs less than separate visits.
Aeration & Overseeding questions
What are the plugs left on my lawn?
They're cores of soil pulled out by the machine. Leave them. They break down in a week or two and return soil to the surface.
When should I aerate?
Late August through September is ideal, because grass seed sprouts quickly in warm soil and cool air. Spring aeration also helps compacted lawns.
How often should a lawn be aerated?
Once a year for heavy clay or high-traffic lawns. Every two years is fine for lawns in good shape.
Can I mow after overseeding?
Wait until the new grass is about 7 to 8 cm tall, usually two to three weeks, then mow with a sharp blade.
Will aeration damage my sprinkler system?
Not if the heads are marked. We flag every head and line you show us before we start.
Do I need to water before you aerate?
If the ground is dry and hard, water deeply a day or two before. Moist soil lets the machine pull full cores instead of skipping across the surface.
Can I aerate and fertilize at the same visit?
Yes. Starter fertilizer goes down with the seed, and a fall feeding a few weeks later helps the new grass and the existing lawn go into winter strong.
Will overseeding get rid of my weeds?
Not on its own, but thicker turf leaves weeds less room. Combined with weed control and proper mowing, overseeding is how a weedy lawn slowly becomes a thick one.
Where we offer aeration & overseeding
We provide aeration & overseeding for homeowners in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
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