Aeration & Overseeding

Day 1: Immediately After Seeding

• Water thoroughly to ensure the top ½–1 inch of soil is moist.
• Water gently to avoid washing away seed (use a sprinkler with a fine spray or mist setting).
• This initial watering helps settle the seed into the soil and plug holes from aeration.

Days 2–14: Germination Phase

• Water lightly 2–3 times per day (morning, midday, late afternoon).
• Goal: Keep the top ½ inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Each watering should last about 5–10 minutes, depending on your sprinkler system and soil type.

💧 Important: Tall fescue typically germinates in 7–14 days, depending on soil temperature (ideal: 60–75°F).

 Weeks 3–4: Establishment Phase

• Reduce watering to once per day, in the early morning.
• Water more deeply: about 15–20 minutes to moisten the top 1–2 inches of soil.
• Avoid watering in the evening to reduce risk of disease.

 Weeks 5–6: Transition to Deep Watering

• Water every other day for 25–30 minutes.
• Encourage roots to grow deeper by allowing the soil surface to begin drying between waterings. 

Week 7 and Beyond: Established Lawn

• Water 1–2 times per week, deeply and infrequently.
• Each session should provide 1–1.5 inches of water, either from rainfall or irrigation.
• Use a rain gauge or tuna can test to measure water application.

 Additional Tips

• Avoid mowing until the new grass reaches 3–3.5 inches tall.
• Use a sharp mower blade and never cut more than ⅓ of the grass height at once.
• Keep foot traffic to a minimum during germination and early growth stages.
• Mulch clippings lightly to retain moisture, once mowing begins.