Core aeration, overseeding and fertilizing

In most newer subdivisions here, the topsoil was scraped off during construction and sod was laid on compacted subsoil. Water runs off instead of soaking in, roots stay shallow, and the lawn browns out in July no matter how much you water. Core aeration pulls plugs of soil out, letting water, air and fertilizer reach the roots.

Fall is the best time for it — September into October, when bluegrass is putting its energy into roots. Spring works too. We overseed right behind the aerator, so seed lands in the holes where it actually grows.

For feeding, four applications a year suits most lawns here: early spring, late spring, early fall and a late-fall winterizer. Broadleaf weed control goes on with the spring and fall rounds.