Seeding for Commercial Properties
What is Commercial Overseeding?
Commercial Overseeding is a strategic approach to introducing new grass seed directly into existing turf on commercial properties without disrupting the turf or soil. This process is instrumental in addressing bare spots, enhancing turf density, introducing improved grass varieties, and elevating the overall color of lawns. It’s a particularly effective solution for commercial landscapes that appear aged, worn-out, demand excessive water and fertilizer, or are susceptible to pests. Commercial Overseeding offers a rejuvenating touch to your landscape.
Benefits of Commercial Overseeding
Older commercial lawns often consist of common turf grass varieties that may not align with the modern homeowner’s needs. These lawns are more prone to diseases and pests, requiring higher levels of maintenance. Commercial Overseeding with newer turf grass varieties enhances resilience against insects, diseases, drought, shade, and heavy foot traffic. The investment in Commercial Overseeding pays dividends by reducing the need for excessive fertilizers, water, and pesticides. The result is a revitalized lawn that stays lush, thick, and healthier!
Preparation for Commercial Overseeding
Before initiating Commercial Overseeding, it’s crucial to identify and address the underlying issues that caused the original turf to deteriorate. Correctable problems may include poor soil conditions, improper drainage, soil compaction, inadequate water supply, low fertility, poor air circulation, insufficient sunlight, excess thatch, inappropriate grass varieties, or general neglect. Consulting local lawn professionals or the county extension office can help pinpoint and rectify these issues before establishing new grass.
Aeration for Commercial Overseeding
While not always mandatory, core aeration is a valuable preparatory step for worn-out commercial turf before Overseeding.
Proper aeration benefits include:
- Relieves soil compaction
- Speeds up thatch breakdown
- Improves water intake and percolation through the root zone
- Improves fertilizer uptake
- Enhances air exchange between soil and atmosphere
- Ensures better seed-to-soil contact
- Improves turf grass root development for stronger plants
Commercial Overseeding Methods
For established commercial turf, the optimal method for Overseeding is slit-seeding using a mechanical slit-seeder. This equipment features vertical cutting blades that penetrate the thatch layer, creating slits or miniature furrows 1/4-inch into the soil. Concave disk blades follow in the slits, keeping them open while the seed is deposited, ensuring optimal seed-to-soil contact for germination. Making two passes at a 45° angle to each other, seeding at 50% of the recommended rate, and leaving a diamond-shaped pattern maximizes efficiency, leading to robust grass growth.