Thinning, Aeration

Hokie’76 – posted 12 July 2004 12:31

My 3,000 sq. feet of Florida St. Augustine has grown progressively thinner over the past 2-3 years. I cut it weekly at the highest setting and try to rake out thatch before it accumulates. I water deeply once a week. My lawn service fertilizes and treats monthly for pests. They say the lawn would benefit from aeration. Would this help reverse the thinning? How else can I help new runners get established? Thanks.

MelbourneFL – posted 12 July 2004 15:10

Without seeing pics it hard to say. I would switch frome watering once a week to watering at least twice a week for at least 30 minutes. I would also try a fertilizer like lesco’s 24-2-11 (check lesco.com for a dealer near you) and postpone lawn service for about 2 months.

One suggestion, if you have a digital camera, take some pics, distance and close up. Then if you have a website, put the images there, or look for a free online photo album or worst case, just take your camera with you to lesco. Show them the pics and explain the prob.

turfie – posted 10 August 2004 14:34

If the lawn is getting regular fertilizer, which it sounds like it is, thatch can accumulate over time. This may encourage chinch bug outbreaks and stress the grass. Aefifying may take some of this thatch out and let new grass establish better. I think it is a good idea, since it is under vigorous management.