After aeration - too late to mow one more time?

11 years ago

After core aeration, but before overseeding...is it too late to mow one more time to get the existing grass slightly shorter? Or is that a no-no? What would be the pros and cons as far as effecting the success of the project? Ideally, I'd like to take it down one more notch after aeration if needed/possible.

Comments (10)

tiemco
11 years ago
No problem mowing after core aeration. With all the watering you will be doing the grass will not be drought or heat stressed.
grass1950
11 years ago
The only problem is damage to the mower blade. But most OEM replacements are only about double the cost of having a blade sharpened, so not a big cost and a new blade will be nice for the new lawn.
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Lawn_Hobby
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, guys.
Well, only issue is I just had the blade sharpened the other day (third time this year) because I accidently nicked it by cutting a rock last week. Will the soil really dull the blade to the point that it will tear the new grass on the first mowing? I don't want that to happen.
grass1950
11 years ago
Only way to know is to take a look after you mow over the cores.
Lawn_Hobby
Original Author
11 years ago
You know, I decided against doing it. For one thing, the holes will fill in if I do, and I need to keep them open until I seed Friday.

The other ting is, the sun and not watering this week is doing a good job of stressing the existing grass to the verge of dormancy, so I don't think it will grow much for a good while, anyway.
grass1950
11 years ago
It was a warning, not a prediction. Just wanted you to be advised that it could-not would damage your blade and you might need to sharpen or purchase a new one. If you mow and core the day before you seed, you shouldn't need to mow again. If you are aerating a week before seeding you really should mow again so the sun can get to the seed.
dchall_san_antonio
11 years ago
You probably know I'm a little on the anti-aeration side of the fence. I'm curious what were your reasons for aerating? I promise not to be judgmental. I am just curious.
Lawn_Hobby
Original Author
11 years ago
grass,

Yeah, I'll be ok, I agree with you. But thanks for the warning nonetheless...that was the sort of info I was looking for.

dchall,

I basically wanted to tear up a lot of the existing grass before the overseed. So, we aerated thoroughly, and then I'm also using a slit seeder to open it up more on the day I put the seed down. Why? I'm in the process of altering the ratio of grass species in the lawn, not just lightly overseeding existing grass. I want to keep some of the existing grass; it's just that I don't want it to be the majority.

Eventually, once I learn more about organic methods, I probably won't do this sort of thing as often. You can be sure I'll be reading your posts regularly.
dchall_san_antonio
11 years ago
No problem. Thanks for the prompt reply!!!
Lawn_Hobby
Original Author
11 years ago
dchall,

Thank YOU for the prompt reply!