Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1267520
Step #6: Dethatch and aerate as needed Aerating your lawn can help break up thatch, the layer of decomposing or- ganic matter between your lawn's soil and grass blades. Thatch can be bene- ficial, since it can make your lawn more resilient and provide insulation from extreme temperatures and changes in soil moisture. But if it gets over a half inch in thickness, it can cause root damage, including root rot. Your raking and tilling from the previous step can help with dethatching, but you can also use a dethatching rake if the layer is too excessive. Aeration improves your grassroots' access to air, nutrients, and water. Use a spike or core aerator to break up the soil. If you use a core aerator, be sure to make two to three passes in different directions. Allow the plugs of soil you remove to decompose on top of your soil layer rather than remove them. Step #7: Amend the soil Now, you can apply your soil amendment to ready your soil for the grass seed or sod. Step #8: Lay down seed or sod You have a choice ahead of you. Do you want to lay down seed or sod? There are pros and cons to each. Seed • Pros: Less expensive, more variety • Cons: Takes longer to germinate, can only lay at certain times of year de- pending on grass type Sod • Pros: Instant grass, can lay any time of year, requires little maintenance • Cons: More costly, less variety in grass can mean less healthy lawn overall To prepare the soil after either method, make sure you till it down to roughly 6 to 8 inches.