Tackle Every Snow Removal Iowa City Challenge with Expert’s Advice

Winter in Midwest states will inevitably bring snow. Iowa is no exception. The condition becomes critical after a snowstorm. Snow removal Iowa City can be pretty difficult, especially if you allow the snow to settle down. We asked our experts at AATB and this is what they have to say about different snow removal techniques for your property.

Stay Safe While Working on Snow on Roof

When a lot of snow accumulates on the roof, it can put a dent on the roofline. Leaky roofs are common during winters. Walk around the perimeter of your homes and check your roofline. Look out for eaves and gutters and see if they are covered in icicles. Find out if an ice dam has already formed on the roof.

During periods of extreme snowstorms, the roof becomes overburdened with the weight of snow. This happens when old snow compacts under fresh ice. The safest way to remove snow from roofs is to use a rake from the ground level. Never stand directly below the area where snow has accumulated.

Snow removal Iowa City should not be problematic if you live in a single-story home. But ice dams can easily form on a multi-story house. Remember, it can be dangerous as a small area has the potential to shake off more than 100 pounds of snow. Availing professional snow removal services Iowa is a good idea.

Pro Tip: Never tackle the snow on a rooftop alone. Ask someone else to be a spotter and use a rope for extra security. Use boots with traction if you plan to go on the rooftop.

Remove Snow Like a Pro from Walkways

Be cautious on walkways during winter. Be a good neighbor and clear your walkways promptly after a snowstorm to prevent injuries from fall. If there is a prediction for the snowstorm, apply ice melt before the weather is inclement. This helps to lower the freezing point of water.

Follow a technique while clearing walkways. You need to shovel the first layer of snow, clear the path and then spread some ice melt. As packed ice starts to melt, remove them with a broom and apply the repeat ice melt. This will prevent the path from refreezing. You can also add a layer of sand for traction.

Remember commercial ice melts are less harsh on lawns and plants. You can also search for pet-safe formulations if you have furry friends at home. But often snowstorm catches you by surprise and you may be unprepared. Rock salt can be a good alternative for ice melt.

Pro Tip: As experienced professionals, we always urge people to plow snow with the storm. Once the snow gets deeper, it becomes difficult to remove it. If snow accumulates more than an inch, it hardens and becomes almost impossible to plow.

Snowplowing around your house

When you have icy areas around your home, it is imperative that you make them safe for pedestrians. You must work your way around icy zones carefully, so choose a non-slippery place to stand. When you walk on ice, use methods to cause traction to avoid slips and falls.

A layer of rock salt can cause traction as it helps to melt the ice. But rock salt can damage the metal or concrete surfaces. This is harmful to lawns as well. Even when you apply rock salt, you need to be careful about the perimeter, especially the boundary that separates lawns from driveways.

Use magnesium chloride instead which is less corrosive than other chemicals. Don’t forget to remove the hanging icicles from gutters and roof edges. They are sharp and can hurt pets and small animals. Removing them as part of snow and ice management in Des Moines is a must.

Pro Tip: Always look for places where snow can be easily piled without obstruction. There should be a connecting path through which melting snow can drain easily. In case you have a curvy walkway or driveway, you need to stake the area before the snowstorm.

Snow Removal Iowa City Specifics – Treat your Plants Well

Heavy ice can easily break or bend the branches causing damage to trees. As lawn care experts, we inspect your lawn and trees and remove potentially dangerous branches. You can also remove the snow from sagging branches with a long pole or broom. Work carefully as the cold makes the branches brittle. You may get hurt if you are not careful.

If trees are coated in heavy ice, you should wait for the ice to melt. Don’t try to forcefully chip the ice as it might damage the trees. But if branches laden with ice move dangerously closer to your homes, protect your homes by removing the ice.

Pro Tip: Shoveling ice or snow is a strenuous job. Always listen to your body and avoid injuries. If you feel that your body is giving up, you should stop immediately.

Driveway Snow Removal Techniques which Come Handy

After a snowstorm, the driveway should be cleared properly for the vehicles to get in and out. Make it accessible by clearing the snow at regular intervals. It is important that the bottom layer of snow does not turn to ice. Tires easily skid on slippery ice. It’s good to know the basics for snow removal in Iowa City to survive the winter.

Dress in layers, so that it is easier to remove clothing if it becomes too warm while you remove snow. Before you start to shovel the snow, indulge in some warm-up exercise. Warming up can prevent injuries. Choose your shovel carefully; use one which is neither too long nor too short. The equipment should not be heavy to make you uncomfortable.

Pro Tip: If you don’t want the snow to accumulate, it’s better to remove it when it’s light. It’s better not to lift snow but push it as much as possible. Don’t overload the shovel, if you are lifting snow or you may hurt your back. Use the best snow removal tools and don’t overexert yourself.

AATB experts can handle any extreme snow conditions after a heavy snowfall or snowstorm. Leave all the heavy work of plowing, lifting and clearing snow to us. Allow us to do all the hard work for snow removal Iowa City while you enjoy your time with your loved ones.

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5 Little Ways to Make the Most Out of Dormant Grass Seeding

Is there anything that you don’t love about winters? As you reminisce about the good things in life with a slow sip in the cup of hot cocoa beside the crackling fire, you feel thankful. But the warm cozy nights will soon turn into balmy spring evenings. And you need to ask yourself the vital question; will my lawns green up beautifully? They can if you have already done your bit with dormant grass seeding as part of winter lawn care.

What is dormant seeding?

As lawn care service providers, we often must explain what exactly dormant grass seeding is. This is a process or practice of sowing seeds during the winter months. In mid-west states like Iowa, dormant seeding is common and is best carried out between November and March. The temperature is normally below 50 degrees which creates an ideal condition for sowing the seeds.

The idea behind winter seeding in lawns is that seeds will mainly remain ‘dormant’ due to cold soil conditions but will germinate once the soil warms up. You save a lot of time as you don’t have to prepare the soil. Grass seed germination in winter happens quickly as the soil is naturally cold and wet during winter months. Naturally, your turf gets a head start in spring with a bit of an extra effort.

1. How does dormant seeding work best for your lawns?

When you want to reseed bare patches or thicken your turf for spring, choose the best dormant grass seed for lawns. This practice is particularly helpful if you have missed the overseeding window during fall. As your lawn thickens, you reduce the chances of weeds with the advent of spring.

Studies have proved that winter dormant grass seeding works better than spring overseeding, especially if you use seeds for cool-season grasses. Tall fescue, ryegrass, and bluegrass germinate better in colder soils. They get more time to develop when they are sown during winter months.

2. What is the best time for dormant grass seeding?

Choose your time carefully. If you spread the seeds too early, they may germinate in winter itself and will not survive the snow. Seeds should be scattered when the ground is cold enough for germination to be perfectly timed during spring.

Broadcasting grass seeds work better on bare patches than scattered seeds. Good seed to soil contact leads to perfect germination. Raking the soil is a must pre-condition for dormant seeding.

3. What should you select: frost or snow seeding?

Frost seeding normally happens when the soil is moist just before freezing weather. A freezing atmosphere followed by a period of thaw creates small pockets or cracks on the ground. These are perfect for catching and keeping the seeds. As the soil dries up, soil pocket collapses and covers the seeds. It is a natural aeration process and helps in the germination process.

Another type of dormant seeding is snow seeding. You just need one inch of snowfall where you can still see the bare spots. Spread the seeds by hand on places where you want to see a thickened turf. Once the snow melts, the seeds come in direct contact with soil.

4. Why do you need to select your seeds carefully?

Select a good mix of seeds for your lawns. Think of your site, its conditions and how you intend to maintain the site once the seeds are sowed. A normal mix of seeds will include fine fescue and a little bit of perennial ryegrass. You need 3 to 4 pounds of this seed mix for 1,000 square feet. You can always create your own mix with your favorite turf grass.

5. What should you do after dormant seeding?

After dormant seeding, do not abandon the space. You should water the area thoroughly until next spring. There should be at least 0.05 to 0.10 inches of water. The weather will be at your favor as the days are normally moist. Damp soil is adequate, but do not allow the place to be soggy. Be careful once the weather turns warmer. As the turf starts getting drier, water the area lightly.

An afterword:

You can expect a nice lush surprise next spring. But the success of dormant grass seeding will depend on winter conditions. A good snowfall is a must as it covers the area allowing the seeds to germinate properly. Assess your turf to know if it needs additional seeding. If the newly seeded area looks thin, wait for some time. Often the seeds sprout a little late, so allow some time and don’t destroy the good work. You will know if your turf needs additional reseeding once the time period is over.

Unsure how to treat your lawns in winter? We will chalk out a plan for the best winter lawn treatment for your turf. We offer the best winter lawn care services in Iowa. Trust us for a greener and healthier turf.

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The Ultimate Secret of Winter Lawn Care Revealed

In the middle of the Christmas hullabaloo, have you completely abandoned your lawn? Not exactly a good thing to do and we will tell you why. Winter lawn care is as crucial as spring and summer care. You can save a lot of trouble for the coming spring if you are a little prudent during winter. Here are a few quick tips from our AATB experts to help you with your winter woes for lawns.

Walk on the snow, but spare the lawn

Yes, you read it correctly. As lawn care experts we suggest that you avoid your snow-covered lawns. The lawn is dormant during the cold months. Too much traffic can weaken even the strongest grass. Remember a heavily worn path will be slow to green up during spring. Enjoy the beauty of snow, but do not be tempted to walk on the snow-laden lawn.

Clean your lawn before the first snow

This sounds incredibly tiresome, especially when you are mentally prepared to spend less time tending to lawns during winters. We advise otherwise. As one of the important winter lawn maintenance tips, we suggest that you clear out the debris and leaves from the lawn. Debris can smother grass and instigate fungi growth ultimately affecting the grass.

You would not want your lawns to be the breeding ground of mice, insects and damaging pests. The first active steps in winter lawn care actually start before winter. An ideal time to clear your lawns is during autumn when you rake the leaves. Before the first frost, aerate your lawn, and apply lawn fertilizer. Allow the fertilizer to sit on grass blades, seep in and reach the roots during cold months.

Beware of snow mold on grass

Snow mold is a kind of fungal disease that develops when the lawn is under the snow. As the snow melts, you might notice some discolored patches on your lawns. The best way to combat it is to prevent snow from piling on your yard and plants. As part of winter lawn treatment, it is essential that you keep your lawns clear of snow.

We all love to build a snowman but pay attention to the area once the snow is gone. The area can be susceptible to snow mold. Lawns that are fertilized just before winter will work better against snow mold.

Prevent light frost effects on grass

If you do not want the grass blades to be affected by light frost, you can water the lawn the night before. With deep watering, the moisture will evaporate slowly over the night. During evaporation, there will be heat and friction around grass blades. Even when the night air temperature drops below the freezing point, the ground will have a higher temperature because of heat from evaporation.

Keep away the salt from lawns

As we create winter lawn care tips, we often miss this point. Use less salt and more magnesium chloride and sand to melt the ice on walkways and driveways. Salt can hurt the growth of grass and trees on your lawns. If used profusely, salt can even damage the concrete because of constant freezing and thawing.

Mark the lawn carefully

To know the exact boundary of your lawn before the snow, try to mark your turf before snowfall. You can lose track of the grass close to sidewalks and driveways once everything gets covered by snow. Mark the edge of your lawns, so that you know where you will be running the snowblower to avoid harm to the grass. Reflective markers are a good choice along the street line of the property.

Call the professionals for winter lawn care

If you have questions about caring for your lawn, contact our turf specialists in Iowa. Experts at AATB have been taking care of lawn care & maintenance for more than 15 years. And we understand that protecting the lawn during winter can be hard work. You can contact also contact us if you need a snow removal company. We will make your lawn spring ready!

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Backyard Party Tips: Create the Perfect Backyard for Parties

A backyard party is fun letting you have a great time with your family and friends while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. However, to have amazing outdoor parties, you need to spruce up your backyard so that it can become the favorite hang-out place of everyone. Here are some tips to prepare your backyard to make your next outdoor party a great success!

Tips to Have an Amazing Backyard Party

1. Resolve Lawn Problems

The first thing your guests would notice when they arrive in your lawn. So, if there are any issues with your lawn, address them quickly.

2. Make your Lawn Green and Lush

If your lawn is not lush already, try taking steps to improve your lawn’s health. With proper care, you can have a healthy and lush lawn in spite of the blazing sun and barefoot traffic it is subjected to for prolonged hours.

All American Turf Beauty can help improve your lawn’s health, facilitating healthy growth of grass. Our lawn professionals can examine your lawn to find the problems and fix them efficiently.

3. Put Plants in Containers and Place in your Backyard

Having plants in containers placed at your backyard is a quick and effective way of adding some variety and color to the outdoor space.

4. Prune Flowers and Shrubs

Many homeowners don’t pay much attention to pruning their plants. However, pruning is simple and can significantly improve the appearance and health of your landscaping. Here you can find a guide to pruning properly.

5. Illuminate Steps and Walkways

Install lights at steps and along dark walkways to light up the area and thereby eliminate tripping hazards. Solar-operated and battery-operated lights are more convenient to be used at such places as they don’t require wiring.

6. Install Lighting for Aesthetic Appeal

To create a great ambiance for a backyard party, consider installing some lighting designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. All American Turf Beauty offers the best in class Architectural and Landscape Lighting options that can dramatically beautify your outdoors.

7. Spruce Up Your Deck

Before organizing an outdoor party, examine your deck for any signs of stained boards, loose railings, or decaying wood. After ensuring that it’s safe, revamp your deck by cleaning it and then restaining it.

8. Clean your Patio

Mildew and moss can make your patio slippery and debris can leave stains behind. So, ensure that your patio is clean before inviting guests for your backyard party.

9. Get the Grill Ready

In case you’ve not used your grill for quite some time, give it a checkup. Ensure that your grill is ready for a backyard house party by doing things like inspecting the tank of the grill, deep-cleaning it, and more.

10. Create a Fire Pit

Roasting marshmallows while sitting by a fire is a fun activity for both children and adults, especially when the weather is cool. Create a fire pit in your backyard to have a cozy place for your guests to lounge and keep themselves warm.

Wrap Up

Having an outdoor party in the backyard is indeed a wonderful way of spending time with your family and friends and doing fun activities. Nevertheless, to turn your garden party into an amazing garden party, you need to have your backyard party-ready. The above tips will help you do so. If you have any lawn-related problems hindering your backyard party setup, reach out to us to get the issues fixed fast by our expert lawn care professionals!

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Tips for More Efficient and Safer Snow Removal this Winter

The winter months are a time of festivities on one hand. On the other hand, these chilly months bring with them several chores and preparations. Before snowfall begins, you might want to get your vehicles serviced and pack away the t-shirts and shorts. Besides these jobs, one task that’s quite important and should be paid attention to is snow removal.

Although you can hire a reliable company for snow removal service, you might want to handle the chore on your own. In the case of the later, we’re providing you some valuable tips that would help you accomplish the job more efficiently and safely.

Helpful Snow Removal Tips

1. Get a Good Shovel

Investing in a high-quality shovel can help you in a safer, more effective and efficient snow removal. You can find numerous cheap shovels in the market but spending a bit more for a quality shovel can help you a lot in your work.

Choose a shovel that is suitable for your body structure and height as well as is appropriate considering the area of ground to be cleared. There are many sizes and shapes in which shovels are available, so take some time to choose the one that fits your specific needs.

2. Use Sand or Salt for Snow Removal

You can make the process of snow removal much easier by applying sand or salt diligently to your walkways prior to snowfalls. Doing so facilitates melting and prevents hard-pack ice and snow buildup.

The substance allowed to be used for this purpose differs in different neighborhoods and cities, and so, ensure that you check with the local authorities prior to selecting the substance.

3. Shovel Early and Often

Staying ahead of the winter storms is probably the best strategy for DIY snow removal. Choose to shovel throughout the winter storm rather than letting huge amounts of snow gather before you remove it. Doing such would facilitate lighter loads as well as more efficient removal of snow.

4. Mark the Areas to be Cleared Using Snow Stakes

Snow and ice removal are simpler when you mark the outside edges of areas to be cleared. Snow stakes can help street cleaners and commercial plow companies avoid burying your walkways or driveway.

Likewise, if you are clearing your driveways and walkways on your own, the stakes would help you work more efficiently when removing snow as well as avoid tearing up the lawn or the surrounding area unintentionally with the snow blower.

5. Don’t Ignore the Ice

While the buildup of snow leads to inconvenience, the ice beneath is something that can create the real trouble. Icy walkways can be difficult to notice and are slippery. They can create unforeseen hazards for people traveling on them.

So, after you have cleared storm snow, ensure to carefully check that your walkways are free from any ice, which can pose much more danger than a bit of powdery snow.

Prioritize your Safety and Well-Being when Working on Snow Removal

When thinking about removing snow on your own, it’s important to ensure that the job is safe to do for you and does not interfere with your health and well-being.

The activity of shoveling is not safe for all. For some, shoveling snow may serve as a workout, while for others the activity may pose a risk. As per the National Safety Council (NSC), people who are 40 years old or more, as well as people who are not active routinely, should be extra cautious when shoveling.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), shoveling snow may lead to strains and sprains in the shoulders and back for people who don’t usually lift such weight.

It has also been suggested by the NSC that those with heart issues in the past should not shovel without getting an OK from a qualified doctor. According to the American Heart Association, heart attack risk can increase while doing the activity of shoveling as physical labor and cold temperatures can cause the heart to work harder.

The younger, active adults or those without any heart issues are not necessarily free from risk, as they may get hurt, in case, they don’t employ proper techniques for snow shoveling. So, here are some safety tips for snow shoveling to follow when you venture out for snow removal.

Wear the Right Clothing

AAOS recommends wearing layered clothing that resists water, and offers ventilation and insulation. For instance, have a base layer that’s moisture-wicking, then a fleece, and a winter coat finally, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, wear heavy socks and slip-resistant boots, and keep your hands and head covered.

Warm Up Before Starting to Shovel

AAOS advices people to warm up the body before starting to shovel snow, like you would do before starting a workout at gym. As per the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), march for a couple of minutes in place and stretch the muscles as that would help lower the injury risk.

Shovel at the Right Time

Make the snow removal labor less intensive by being ahead of the snow. Start shoveling shortly after the snow begins to fall rather than waiting for the snowfall to end. The Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA) states that the driveway or sidewalk should be cleared after snow accumulates for one or two inches to prevent the snow from freezing and becoming harder to be scraped from the ground.

Follow the Right Technique of Shoveling

It’s recommended by Consumer Reports to lift with the legs while keeping the back straight. Also, if you keep the hands farther down on the shovel’s handle, the weight you lift will feel lighter. Consumer Reports also suggests pushing the snow simply to avoid the necessity of lifting and throwing it that may put additional stress on the back.

Take Water Breaks Often

With the cold weather outside, you may want to have hot coffee. However, SIMA states that drinking plenty of water is important while shoveling snow. As snow removal is an intense job and may cause you to break a sweat, taking water breaks frequently can keep you hydrated.

Stop and Stretch Frequently

As shoveling snow is a strenuous activity, you should pace yourself as recommended by NATA. To prevent burn out too quickly, NATA advises people to stop to rest and stretch the back and shoulders every 5 or 10 minutes.

As noted by the American Heart Association, pay attention to your body and what it says irrespective of your age and/or physical condition. Stop shoveling in case you have pain in your shoulders, arms or back, or feel short of breath, nauseated or dizzy.

Wrap Up

Doing walkway or driveway snow removal on your own may not be fun always, however, following these tips and techniques for snow removal can help you accomplish the job more safely and efficiently.

If you are looking for a reliable company for snow removal service, we will be happy to help you! All American Turf Beauty is a leading residential snow removal service provider based in Iowa. We have expertise in offering quality snow shoveling services and use the best snow removal equipment. Give us a call at 1-800-365-8873 to avail our snow cleaning service!

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7 Types of Holiday Lights Advised by Professional Light Installers

A dip in the mercury tells you that the most exciting time of the year is here. Time to take out the tangled lights and scramble on the ladder to decorate your roofs and homes. Indeed, it is a creative challenge! At AATB, we suggest something different this year. Why not leave this hassle to our professional light installers? They have the most amazing suggestions about what kind of lights will be suitable for your homes. Here are a few inspiring thoughts!

Go classic with icicle lights

Talk about outdoor Christmas light ideas and you cannot miss the classic icicle lights. A bunch is way better than a single strand as it adds to the much-required dazzle. This definitely tops our list of recommended lights. With 8 different light modes and varying lengths, these are your go-to lights for creating a statement outdoors.

Say hallelujah with string lights

An extra twinkle has never harmed anyone, and your outdoor holiday lighting will have all the twinkle with string lights. Very similar to old-fashioned Christmas lights, these string lights can twinkle, flash and can even display 6 different light modes. They come in long strings and can majorly cover a wide space.

Splash of color with multicolored lights

The battery-operated multicolored ball lights can be carried anywhere without any extension cord. Best for a no-hassle décor, these lights are a favorite among people who want to move beyond the traditional white light for holidays.

Popularly known as globe lights among Christmas light installers these are known for their dramatic display which ranges from slow fade to flickering. As they are waterproof, they can be conveniently used outdoors without any worry.

Light up your path with these lights

Let your porch and curb be illuminated with these colorful candy cane lights. They are easy to install. You need to insert them where you want to position them, and you are sorted for holiday lighting. Everything about them is so Christmassy that they double the festive cheer when you decorate your homes with them. They also go well with Christmas scenes like Santa Claus and reindeers.

Wrap it up with wreaths

Wreaths are nothing but a big ball of lights which are an integral part of Iowa lighting installation. These are perfect for people whose Christmas motto is ‘go big or nothing’. The best thing about these light wreaths – you can place them literally anywhere! They are so handy that you can hang them or use them to illuminate small bushes and shrubs.

‘Projecting’ the happy vibe

If you think that string lights are passé, then make way for the magical effect of a plug-in projector. This is a fine alternative to traditional holiday lights. You can easily work your way through an automatic timer and wireless remote. As the soft mellow light creates a beautiful snowflake effect, the ambience is to die for.

Professional light installers recommend this for Christmas decorations Iowa as it can be used indoors as well. This can surely be your next go-to party essential. You can change the color scheme and lights with a remote as per the occasions.

Worth a catch: the ‘netty’ effect

Your search for innovative outdoor holiday lighting ideas ends with net lights which are a Holiday special. If you have one, you will want more as they are so easy to put on bushes. And they look particularly have the ‘oh-so-amazing’ effect. Get that glittery effect on bushes with net lights!

Holiday decorating gets more interesting with the following lights:

• Novelty: The holiday season is literally incomplete without novelty lighted objects. You can follow a theme when you choose your lighted objects.
• Solar-powered lights: Want to try the eco-friendly options in vogue? Solar-powered lights come with versatile designs; so, it is easier to customize them as per your home. Do not forget to keep them on a sunny spot to have that extra shine.
• Fairy lights with copper wires: They are the trendiest lights in the block and highly recommended by our professional light installers. Instead of difficult-to-hide wires, you have delicate copper cords which can be easily wrapped around trees. They emit a warm light and can be placed outdoors during winters.
• Retro lights: Bring back the swinging 70s or rocking 80s with these retro-inspired lights. Old-school Christmas décor gets more interesting with these amazing lights.
• Rope lights: It may be an uncommon choice but if you have railings in walkways, these will simply dazzle. You can also use them in backyards if you have a fancy deck.

Still thinking?

Pros for hiring professional light installers: We take the hassle of putting up the lights, taking them down and will store and maintain them for later use.

Cons: Not much, and if you are still thinking, contact us and we will do the rest for professional light installation!

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Overseeding Lawn in Fall: Best Grass Seed to Plant in Iowa

The best time for overseeding a lawn or repairing bare or thin areas is fall. Overseeding lawn in fall works best as the mild, shorter days and the cool nights offer the ideal conditions for the germination of seeds. These conditions allow seeds to better retain moisture, and seedlings can flourish without the severe heat of the summer months.

Why Plant New Seed in Fall rather than Spring?

Overseeding lawn in spring works well; however, most people wait for too long and find themselves in summer. Facilitating the growth of new grass is much more difficult in summer.

Spring is a time of doing various jobs and projects involving the outdoors, garden, lawn, etc. Overseeding is a task that takes a lot of time. Moreover, if you usually apply a crabgrass prevention herbicide, spring seeding will not be possible. Most of the pre-emergent herbicides inhibit seed germination completely for about 12 weeks. This brings you right in mid-summer. Additionally, overseeding lawn is the most effective right after the lawn has been aerated, and the ideal time for lawn aeration is fall.

Why Overseed Lawn?

Lawns that are never overseeded tend to appear old. If a lawn is mowed consistently, it doesn’t even get the chance of going to seed for propagating itself. Such lawns will depend on tillering, stolons, and rhizomes for growth. An old lawn will eventually find it difficult to maintain proper growth, compete with weeds, and tackle other lawn stresses.

Besides, grass species of new varieties are emerging in the market. So, it’s wise to combine grass that is resistant to insect damage, disease or drought with older grass varieties that don’t have these features.

How to Overseed Lawn in Fall?

For cool-season turfgrass, the process of overseeding lawn in fall should be started by aerating the lawn thoroughly. Apply the new grass seed using a fertilizer spreader, while following the recommended coverage rate of the product. It’s ideal for the seeds to fall in the aeration holes as they will not dry out too quickly there and will also germinate faster. You might consider going over your lawn for ushering more grass seeds into the holes using a rake’s backside.

The seeding should be followed with a fall fertilizer application. Apply the fall fertilizer the same day you apply the seed, and then water your lawn. Watering should be done one or two times every day until you find the new grass beginning to grow. Germination of the seeds may require two weeks or above. Keep mowing your lawn as usual until the growth of the grass stops for the season.

What Type of Grass Seed should you Use?

Make sure you use the appropriate grass seed type as per your climate – whether it’s a warm season or cool season. Additionally, opt for the right seed type according to your lawn’s use – your lawn may be low-maintenance and aesthetic or intensely maintained and high-use.

You can find drought-resistant grasses now in warm as well as cool-season species. Moreover, don’t go for the cheapest grass seed available. Grass seeds are available in varying qualities and the quality you get depends a lot on the cost you pay. Cheap seeds are often made of poor-performing, generic grass varieties, or even contain lots of filler like annual ryegrass or weed seeds.

It’s not necessary to choose the costliest variety available for overseeding lawn in fall but go for a seed type that’s good quality and recommended by the local experts.

Best Grass Seed for Overseeding your Lawn in Iowa

Cool-season grasses are planted in Iowa primarily, and they grow best during fall and spring. The chief cool-season grasses that can be used for overseeding lawn in fall are listed as follows:

1. Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG)

The best-adapted grass in Iowa for use in lawns is Kentucky bluegrass. This grass type has medium texture, has a dark-green hue, and develops an attractive, tightly knit sod as it can spread by rhizomes (underground stems). Common types of Kentucky Bluegrass should be maintained at a height of 2-3 inches; however, the better varieties of this grass can withstand lower mowing heights. The wear resistance of this grass type is moderate but it’s quick to recover from damage.

This grass shows the best growth on fertile, well-drained, and heavy soils, and can withstand partial shade. It has high water requirements during the growing season. However, during hot and dry spells, this type of grass escapes drought by becoming dormant, and it can survive without water for around 4 to 6 weeks. In most cases, the grass recovers quickly during fall as cooler temperatures and an adequate degree of moisture return.

2. Turf Type Tall Fescue or Tall Fescue

Among the cool-season grasses, tall fescue has the most drought, traffic, and heat tolerance. This grass type can also withstand wet soils. Tall fescue is adapted well to shady sites, and it is often used when the requirement is of a low-maintenance lawn. This grass type develops a deep root system, which can tolerate alkaline soils and clay.

3. Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Mixtures

Seed mixtures often have Kentucky bluegrass in at least two high-quality varieties. These seed mixtures are very competitive and favor healthy growth of plants over weed development. Their tolerance to cold winter temperatures and diseases is good, nevertheless, they are vulnerable to leaf spot and necrotic ring spot diseases. Bluegrass of improved varieties has higher resistance to these diseases compared to common grass types.

4. Perennial Ryegrass

A bunch-type grass (without any rhizomes or stolons), Perennial ryegrass is employed primarily in seed mixtures as it has the ability of germinating and establishing quickly. This grass type has the darkest green hue of all cool-season grasses and has a medium to coarse texture. Perennial ryegrass can withstand wet soils well, can grow well on various types of soil, and can withstand partial shade.

5. Fine Leaf Fescues

Fine fescue is the name of a fescue grass species group that is characterized by a very fine leaf texture.

This grass species group consists of:

• Sheep fescue
• Hard fescue
• Chewings fescue
• Creeping red fescue
• Call Us for Overseeding Lawn in Fall

If you are planning for overseeding yard in fall, All American Turf Beauty has expert lawn care professionals to do the job in the best possible way. Our professionals can also guide you on when to overseed lawn in the fall and the best grass seed for overseeding. Our long years of experience in lawn care helps us ensure that the fall grass overseeding performed by us fetches the best results. Reach out to us at 515-996-226 for excellent fall grass overseeding service!

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Christmas Decor Announces 2019 Decorated Family Program

Iowa residents are urged to nominate a local military family to become this year’s “Decorated Family” at the holidays

Christmas Decor, North America’s leading professional holiday and event decorating company, announces that nominations are now open for the 2019 Decorated Family Program. This annual tradition began in 2003, and since then has brought the spirit of the holidays to life for hundreds of deserving active-duty service members and their families throughout the U.S. Under the program, participating franchisees like Christmas Decor by All American Turf Beauty donate products, resources, time, and expertise to create glowing tributes at the homes of military families whose loved ones will be deployed outside of the country for the holiday season.

“This year, the families of the more than 165,000 active-duty men and women who are deployed outside of the United States and its territories will face celebrating the holiday season without their loved one,” said Jim O’Loughlin of All American Turf Beauty. “The Decorated Family program was created to literally light up the holidays for these families and to send a glowing ‘thank you’ to these service members for their dedication and sacrifice.”

To nominate a family for this distinction, Iowa area friends and family of deployed, active-duty military may go to Christmas Decor’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasDecor, click on the Decorated Family Program link, and complete a form explaining why they are nominating a military family to become a “Christmas Decor Decorated Family” for the 2019 holiday season. Christmas Decor corporate will review all the shared stories and select from the nominated families in each community. Decorated Families will be chosen based on the impact of their story on the judges and the family’s location (to ensure there is a participating local franchise to provide the award).

The deadline for nominations for the 2019 holiday season is Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2019. “This year, we hope to decorate at least 200 homes,” said Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor, Inc. “The more nominations we receive, the more Decorated Families we are able to identify. Please help us honor the brave active-duty men and women you know who cannot be home for the holidays by nominating their family to become a Decorated Family this year.”

More information about the Christmas Decor Decorated Family program is available at https://www.christmasdecor.net/about/. To learn more about having Christmas Decor decorate your home or business for the holidays, please contact Jim O’Loughlin of Christmas Décor by All American Turf Beauty 515-996-2261

About Christmas Decor ®

Since its inception in 1986, Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America, servicing more than 40,000 properties. The Texas-based company was founded by Blake Smith as an off-season supplement to his landscape business and as a method to provide year-round work for employees. Christmas Decor quickly emerged as a viable business opportunity and today, operates in more than 350 markets in 49 states and Canada. Plans are underway to open locations in more than 100 new markets through franchise expansion in select communities around the country. Christmas Decor is highly revered in its field and has received consistent recognition for its efforts; some highlights include having been named one of a Top Ten Home Improvement Franchises for 2008 by Entrepreneur Magazine and AOL Small Business. Christmas Decor’s parent company, The Decor Group, also offers the Nite Time Decor, which offers a complete line of high-quality low-voltage landscape lighting products, training, business systems, and support. For more information, visit www.christmasdecor.net.

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Choosing Christmas Light Company: 4 Factors to Consider

With the grand festival of Christmas nearing, you might have started planning your holiday décor. When it comes to lighting – an integral part of the holiday décor – a professional Christmas light company can help your home stand out of the crowd, while keeping the process of lighting installation smooth and hassle-free.

Nevertheless, it’s important to be careful while choosing a holiday lighting company. There are certain factors you will have to take into account to make the right choice. Following are the chief factors you should consider while selecting a Christmas light company for your holiday decorations.

Key Factors to Consider While Choosing a Christmas Light Company

1. Prioritizes Safety

Installing lights can involve danger if it’s done by people without the right skills and experience. So, it’s crucial to choose a Christmas light company with a proven safety record.

Additionally, ensure that the company has workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Any injuries or accidents occurring while the company is working on your lighting project will be covered by this.

In case a company without this coverage works on your project and any of their technicians gets injured at your home, the liability will be yours.

2. Offers a Warranty

You would want your holiday decorations to stay in a sound condition, so, consider hiring a Christmas light company that provides you a warranty.

Before hiring, ask up front whether the company will give a prompt response and resolve the issue if something doesn’t work properly or a light goes out. Ensure that you select a holiday lighting company whose services don’t stop once the lighting is up.

3. Uses Products of High Quality

Reliable holiday lighting companies employ professional-grade products in their decoration works, rather than the décor and lighting found at local home improvement stores.

Although a bit expensive, professional products can withstand the elements better, lowering the risk of possible outages and other issues.

Besides, ensure that the Christmas light company offers you energy-efficient lighting, such as LEDs. This will help keep your utility bills low.

Apart from offering you high-quality products, your lighting company should also have a wide range of lighting options to choose from. A good holiday lights company is likely to possess a large inventory.

4. Should have Expertise in their Job and Keeps Things Simple

Anyone can hang Christmas lighting, but not all companies can do it well.

While choosing a Christmas light company, request pictures of the past holiday lighting projects handled by the company. This will help you gauge the company’s experience and expertise in the field, while also helping you get lighting design ideas.

Consider going for a company which is doing the job for years, rather than a company that hangs holiday lights only at the time of their college break.

A holiday lighting company with adequate experience would also simplify the entire lighting process, allowing you to enjoy the holidays in a stress-free way. Before starting with the installation work, they will have a meeting with you for discussing your design ideas, when to start the work, and the costs involved. With this knowledge, they install holiday lighting, maintain them, and take them down once the holidays are over.

Choose AATB for Beautiful and Efficient Holiday Lighting

If you are looking for a reputed Christmas light company to beautifully illuminate your home for the holidays, choose All American Turf Beauty! Our experienced team can give an enchanting appeal to your home through lighting. We let you choose from a broad selection of lighting options. Based in Iowa, AATB gives utmost importance to safety and has well-experienced holiday lighting professionals. For vibrant, safe, and efficient holiday lighting, call us today at 515-996-2261. We’ll offer you a free consultation!

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It’s Not Too Early to Plan Your Outdoor Holiday Decorating

Prime installation dates go quickly as more and more property owners outsource their “Deck the Halls” chores to the professionals

 

– According to Christmas Decor president Brandon Stephens, the Christmas Decor franchise network enjoyed a 10.8 percent increase in sales in 2018; and Stephens anticipates a similar growth for 2019. For those who contributed to this growth and enjoyed the convenience of outsourcing their outdoor holiday decorating chores to a specialist like Christmas Decor, it may be difficult to go back to a DIY approach. Jim O’Loughlin with Christmas Decor by All American Turf Beauty, a member of the Christmas Decor^® franchise network in Iowa says,  “it’s not too early to lock-in a design and installation slot on the schedule of popular holiday decorating specialists.”

 

“The popularity of our services grows each holiday season, as business and home owners focus on carving out more quality time with friends and family,” says O’Loughlin. “One of the easiest and most convenient ways to do this is to hire a professional holiday decorator to plan, install, maintain, take down, and store your outdoor holiday décor.”

 

Once considered to be a luxury beyond the reach of most property owners, holiday decorating services today will tailor their installations to fit the client’s budget and individual taste. “Our decorators understand how to identify and highlight the best features or a home or business,” says O’Loughlin. “A design doesn’t need to be elaborate or ‘over-the-top’ to impress and inspire.” Christmas Decor’s lighting design professionals, for example, use a tablet to superimpose lighting options on a photograph of their client’s home. They then use software to quickly produce options for the client to evaluate, until the proposed lighting scheme meets both the client’s expectations and budget.

 

Some holiday decorating specialists, like Christmas Decor, offer a turnkey service package that includes design, custom installation, proactive maintenance throughout the holiday season, and removal and storage of the client’s décor. Clients may choose to re-install the same design for the next holiday season, or work with a designer to change their look each year.

 

“While property owners have a wider choice than ever of holiday decorating professionals, there’s a reason why Christmas Decor has risen to become the premier holiday lighting and decorating company in North America,” says O’Loughlin. “We offer home and business owners unparalleled choice, convenience, and service. We bring specialized training and equipment to each job, backed by a wide and innovative product catalog that ranges from traditional to trendy, and enriched by the experience of an extensive franchise network.”

 

For more information on having Christmas Decor decorate your home or business, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation or installation, please contact Jim O’Loughlin of Christmas Decor by All American Turf Beauty. Jim.oloughlin@allamericanturf.com or 515-996-2261 You can also learn more at www.christmasdecor.net.

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15 Christmas Light Safety Tips: Be Safe in the Holidays

The holiday season brings with it the yearning to indulge in savories and light up your home with colorful holiday lights. Well, when it comes to holiday decorations and lighting, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. So, before starting with the decorations, it’s wise to get the necessary knowledge about Christmas light safety.  

We’re here to help you light up your home safely for the holidays, by offering you some handy holiday lighting safety tips. Read on… 

Before Hanging Christmas Lights 

Before putting up your Christmas lights, there are certain things you should do to make sure they are safe. 

1.Verify Proper Rating 

Bargain lights are not a great buy if they pose the risk of a fire hazard. Go for only those lights that are rated and tested by Intertek (ETL Semko) or Underwriter’s Laboratory. Strings of lights with a safety rating have clear markings on them – on the packaging as well as on labels attached to the electrical cords.  

2. Use as Directed 

Indoor holiday lights differ significantly from outdoor holiday lights. Prior to hanging lights, ensure that you’re placing the fixtures in the environment they’re built to be used. This would help you prevent any indoor or outdoor Christmas lights fire hazard.  

3. Check for Fraying 

After removing your Christmas lights from storage, check the cords for ensuring that they aren’t frayed or damaged in any way. Using lights having damaged cords can result in an electrical short. This may cause damage to your holiday decorations and other lights as well as pose the risk of fire. In case you notice any damaged light strings, discard them.  

4. Choose Locations Carefully 

Don’t hang holiday lights close to any item posing a risk of fire hazard, like fireplaces, space heaters, candles etc. Alongside, ensure that the bulbs are at a safe distance from loose paper or other types of flammable materials presenting a safety hazard.  

5. Hang Holiday Lights Carefully 

Avoid using nails, staples, or tacks for hanging your Christmas lights. Use insulated holders instead that are designed specifically for this purpose.  

After Hanging Christmas Lights 

Once your Christmas lights are in place, there are certain things you need to do.  

6. Avoid Leaving the Lights on Unattended 

Turn off your holiday lights any time you won’t be nearby to look after them. So, if you’re leaving your home for some time or going to sleep, ensure that you turn off the lights before doing so.  

Although this may seem hectic, you can find several products that simplify it, such as remote controls that let you turn off the lights by touching a button and Christmas light timers. If you tend to forget, go for an automated timer for your outdoor lighting, which illuminates your holiday decorations once it’s dark outside and switches them off at sunrise.  

7. Place candles carefully 

The flickering of warm candlelight feels quite comforting on a cozy night during the holidays. However, candles can be risky especially in homes with pets or kids prone to knocking things over accidentally. Make sure lit candles are placed above the reach of your pets and kids as well as at a safe distance from inflammable materials like wrapping paper or curtains. You can go for flameless candles instead that can eliminate the risk of fires and burns.  

8. Use LED Lighting rather than Incandescent Lights 

Although LED lights are a bit costlier, they are a better option for outdoors and indoors when it comes to safety. They work well for holiday decorations due to the low level of heat they produce. Additionally, they consume 75% less electricity and last about 25 times longer.  

9. Don’t Interchange Outdoor and Indoor Lights 

Although indoor lights may be a bit cheaper, avoid using them in place of outdoor lights. Compared to outdoor lights, indoor lights are less sealed against moisture that makes them unsafe for wet winter times. If you have doubts about the type of lighting you have, check the label or discard them and get new lights.  

10. Discard Old Lights 

Passing down holiday lighting can be nice; however, strands of old lights being used from several years can be quite dangerous. As compared to old lights, modern lights are quite safer since they consist of fused plugs that prevent sparks in case of a short circuit.  

11. Use Only Three Light Strands in each Outlet 

The number of strings of lights that can be connected together in sequence relies on the wattage of the strands as well as the house circuit’s maximum watt capacity. Figuring out what’s safe may require you doing some math. If you think you might calculate that number wrongly, try keeping each outlet to three light strands or fewer. Moreover, consider using a power strip having an inbuilt circuit breaker rather than your wall outlet for additional protection.  

12. Fasten All your Outdoor Light Strings Securely 

Outdoor Christmas light strings may be blown loose by winter storms leading to potential electrical Christmas light hazards. Fasten the lighting to firm objects such as walls or trees so that your lights are secure and stay where they belong. Additionally, fasten your indoor lights out of the reach of small children and pets to prevent any chewing mishaps, which may lead to accidental electrocution.  

13. Use Extension Cords Carefully 

If your extension cords are placed low enough for them to be surrounded by melted snow or pools of rain, outdoor lighting can create a safety risk. Make sure the cords are dry and use surge protectors for minimizing damage in the event of voltage fluctuation.  

14. Prevent your Christmas Tree from Posing the Risk of a Fire Hazard 

Unfortunately, the leading cause behind house fires in the holidays is Christmas trees. Although real trees come with their benefits, artificial trees are safer. Most of the artificial Christmas trees are made up of fire-resistant materials, which makes them safe to be decorated and lit up.  

However, in case you choose a real tree, ensure that it’s fresh while buying and you keep the tree well watered. If the tree dries out, remove it immediately as it’s not safe anymore to be kept at home.  

15. Don’t Use Electric Lights on Trees made of Metal 

Your holiday décor can sparkle with tinsel and shiny aluminum Christmas trees. However, if you choose a metallic tree, make sure you don’t use any electric lights and/or decorations on it. A metallic tree can become charged with electricity easily and give a “shock” to anyone touching it.  

 

Whether you go for simple Christmas decorations or a grand one this holiday season, your highest priority should be the safety of your home and family. Following the above Christmas light, safety tips can help you enjoy the holidays while being safe. 

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7 Trends You May Have Missed About Outdoor Lighting Ideas

The fun doesn’t have to end just because the sun goes down and it’s dark out now, call AATB to fulfill all your outdoor lighting requirements today! Remember, it is not just about hanging your lights on the wall in the garden. Your outdoor lighting ideas should be the right mix of creativity with a dose of functionality. With AATB, you won’t just light up your gardens and lawns to see, you’ll light up your house in style! 

Party on the patio 

Patios are probably one of the most popular places to continue a party once the night begins. Take help from outdoor landscape lighting to illuminate it. You may not be able to bring the moon into your yard, but you can get pretty close with AATB’s tree-mounted lights. Bathe it with mellowed softness and amp up the party mood with hanging patio lights. Take help of low-voltage outdoor lighting to create a beautiful space in your lawn.  

Happy glow in the lawn 

Show off your lawn in style with custom lighting solutions from AATB. Night Time Décor by All American Turf Beauty is known to provide unique lighting solutions for your homes. You can have a design consultation and a property demo. Once you approve the ‘lighted portrait’ of your home, lighting professionals in AATB will include your suggestions in the design.  

You will find your home to be a totally different experience once the design is finalized and landscape lighting is installed. No need to be afraid of the dark anymore. The night is young, so why not enjoy a stroll through your carefully crafted masterpiece? 

A fetching façade with architectural lighting 

Highlight some of the best features of your home with architectural lighting. Choose upward-facing bullet outdoor LED lights and install them a foot away from the foundation. It will not only focus on the most appealing features of your home but will show off your homes differently. Highlight areas like dormers, deep eaves or porch columns. 

Design a beautiful backyard 

Why should you restrict your outdoor accent lighting to the front of the house? Often neglected, but with immense potential to look beautiful, backyards should definitely have a touch of garden lighting. Go for tree-mounted downlights with up lighting which show off the larger trees. Choose hanging lights for the swing. Your backyard looks inviting and seems perfect for an evening rendezvous. 

Attract customers with commercial landscape lighting 

Never limit your outdoor lighting ideas to your homes. If you have a business, give an extra edge to your commercial properties with a beautiful lighting system. It is a brilliant idea for businesses which close late at night. Your business can easily turn into a favorite hanging spot for late night shoppers and people who love a cozy ambience to enjoy leisure time.  

A porch that spells elegance 

Are you one of those who fumble for your key and then at your lock every time you are out during nights? Time to add the safety shield without compromising on the beauty of the porch. Create a warm and inviting feel to your porch with pendant lighting. Whether you choose an impeccably contemporary or traditionally classic lighting solution, your home will greet you in style every time! 

Are you ready to soak in the Holiday spirit?  

Enjoy a spectacular display which is bright and cheery and does not create a hole in the pocket with AATB ‘s efficient lighting system. All American Turf Beauty has come up with a unique custom lighting solution. With this system, there will be a one-time permanent installation. No need to take down the lights after Christmas or New Year. 

The best thing about this lighting solution is that it has a cloud-based control solution. You can change the lights of the colors from any smartphone, tablet and web browser literally from anywhere.  

This sophisticated product takes exterior lighting to a whole new level. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is a sustainable solution as the LED lights consume 87% less electricity. With a 7-year warranty, you are assured of brightening your outdoors for every occasion.  

Create an edge to your business with Holiday lighting 

Did you know that holiday décor can drastically improve your business? Everyone loves a warm and comfortable ambience during Holidays. With attractive decorations, your employees are in a joyous mood as they love to work in a merry ambience. If you are in retail, nothing boosts the morale of your customers better than a well-lit place which spells happiness. 

Time to bring in the AATB experts who will go the extra length to make your properties Instagram-worthy! 

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Overseeding Lawn in Fall: A Great Way to Grow a Lush Lawn!

Fall certainly has its own charm, with everything pumpkin-flavored, lots of earthy hues, and hoodie weather! This season also makes a great time for lawn care. Following a hot summer, the cool climate brings favorable growing conditions for grass on your lawn. In the fall, you can address the damage that took place during the summer, get ready for the rough winter months, and prepare yourself for a successful spring. Lawn aeration and overseeding your lawn are tasks that should be carried out at least once a year, and completing these tasks during the fall season will ensure a healthy and beautiful lawn! 

Before diving into why fall is the best time for these lawn care activities, let’s have a look at what is overseeding. 

 

What is Overseeding? 

Planting grass seed into existing turf directly – without tearing up the soil or turf – is called overseeding. It’s a simple and effective way of improving turf density, filling in bare spots, establishing improved grass varieties, and improving the color of your lawn.  

If a lawn appears to be worn out or old, needs increasing quantities of fertilizer and water to flourish, or is prone to insects or diseases, it needs overseeding.  

What are the Benefits of Overseeding? 

Many of the older lawns were set up with turfgrasses of common types, which are not suitable for homeowners of today. They are more prone to insects and diseases, calling for more water and fertilizer.  

Overseeding newer varieties of turfgrass into an old lawn can enhance its ability to withstand heavy traffic, shady conditions, drought, disease, and insects. Investing in overseeding cuts down on the amount of water, pesticides, and fertilizer required. Moreover, your lawn will look healthier and thicker, and it will stay greener.  

 

Fall – The Right Time for Overseeding Lawn 

If you are thinking when to overseed your lawn, here’s an insight. Overseeding for lawns that involve Cool season grasses should be carried out in early fall or late summer. When overseeding is done in fall, the young grass has two to three months for becoming better established before the setting in of winter when the temperatures fall too low, stopping the growth.  

Next spring, the grass will get another few months for developing deeper roots prior to the summer heat sets in. This makes the chief reason for overseeding lawn in fall, but other reasons are also there. Some of them are: 

• Overseeding lawns during fall provides a head start to the grass. The roots of the grass become stable before the arrival of winter. This reduces crop loss significantly in case of a dry, hot spring.  
• Soil moisture and amounts of rain are usually better during fall. 
• During the fall, the soil temperature is still warm, which is essential for seed germination. On the other hand, the cooler air temperature is favorable for grass growth.  
• Overseeding grass in fall eliminates or lowers competition from different summer weedy grasses, like foxtails, crabgrass, and other weeds. 

  

What Grasses Benefit from Overseeding?

Overseeding is not required for all grass types. Overseeding is primarily necessary for cool season grasses like annual and perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and occasionally bluegrass. Exceptions are there, but for most of the home lawns, types of grass that spread through “runners” production are usually not overseeded unless it’s diseased or damaged. This includes most grass varieties of warm season, with an exception being bermudagrass which is overseeded during the fall occasionally.

 

How to Overseed Lawn?

For cool-season varieties of turf, the process of overseeding should be started by aerating the lawn thoroughly. The new seed should be applied using a fertilizer spreader, while following the recommended coverage rate of the product. Seeds falling in the aeration holes is ideal as this would prevent them from drying out quickly and help them germinate faster. Consider ushering more seeds into these holes using a rake’s backside.

Once the seeding has been done, apply a good fall fertilizer to your lawn. Make sure you apply the fertilizer the same day you’ve done the seeding. Then, water your lawn. Water one or two times each day until you find the new grass starting to grow.

Germination of the seeds may require two weeks or more. Continue mowing your lawn as usual until the grass growth stops for the season.

 

What Seed Type should be Used?

Ensure that you choose an appropriate grass seed type according to your climate, whether it’s a warm season or cool season. Additionally, select the right seed type based on the lawn’s use – whether your lawn is low-maintenance and purely for aesthetic purposes or intensely maintained and high-use.

It’s wise to not go for the cheapest grass seed available. Grass seeds come in different qualities. The cheap seeds are often made of poor-performing, generic grass varieties or, worse, contain filler like annual ryegrass or weed seeds. It’s not necessary to get the most expensive grass seed out there, however, opt for a seed of good quality and make sure it is highly preferred by several local experts.

 

Wrap Up 

So, if you think your lawn needs a revamp, go for lawn aeration and overseeding in the fall! Investing some time in overseeding during the fall can truly work wonders for the appearance and health of your lawn.

All American Turf Beauty, an Iowa–based reputed lawn care company, can expertly handle all lawn care jobs including fall aeration and seeding of lawns. Our experienced lawn care professionals can help you attain a beautiful green and healthy lawn. Call our company today to discuss your lawn care requirements!

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