In Manlius, we see a lot of grass damage from everyday use and cold weather. Heavy foot traffic from kids or pets can compact the soil and make it difficult for the grass to grow on its own. Pet urine can also be a major factor in damaged/dead grass due to the high nitrogen content and salt concentration in their diets. If your dog has a favorite spot or two to go, that overload “burns” the grass and damages the roots.
Our long winters put our grass through a lot, too. When the ground freezes, any moisture in the soil expands, and as it thaws, the moisture contracts again. Over the winter, as the weather fluctuates, this repeated freeze-thaw cycle can cause the soil to rise and shift. This process, also known as frost heave, stresses the grass roots and can push them closer to the surface.
Seeding will help repair this damage by properly planting new grass seed in these damaged areas. When you pair this with our seasonal fall and spring clean-up services, your grass can take hold and grow throughout the season.
Proper seeding starts with preparing the soil so the new seeds can actually take root. We’ll start by removing any debris from your lawn and loosening the compacted soil. In some cases, we may recommend aeration before seeding, especially if you have large areas of dead or bare patches or if your lawn struggles to absorb water. Aeration will help the soil open up and allow water, sun, and nutrients to reach the root zone better. Once we’ve cleared the law, we lay the seeds evenly across the affected area.
Good seed-to-soil contact is essential at this stage; it will help improve germination (the process where a grass seed begins to grow) and encourage strong roots.
Most grass seed begins to germinate within 7 to 21 days, depending on the type of seed, weather conditions, and how moist the soil is. It’s essential to monitor your soil moisture at this stage; it should stay lightly damp so the seeds don’t dry out, but not too wet so that they drown.
It’s also important to make sure that pets and foot traffic are kept to a minimum so the seeds have time to establish their roots and aren’t torn up. Once the grass starts to fill in, we don’t recommend mowing until the grass reaches a healthy height, around 4-6 inches (it should sit at 3-4 inches). With proper aftercare, you’ll notice the affected area continues to grow and thicken until it starts to blend naturally with the rest of your lawn.
Our team brings over 13 years of experience to our projects, including landscaping, lawn care, and hardscaping services. Every team member is dedicated to their craft, and they take pride in their work - and it makes a big difference!
We put focus on the little details, because they make a big difference. We’ll always provide you with accurate estimates, thoughtful communication, and treat your property with respect (even asking where you want us to deliver project materials).
Every member of our team genuinely cares about the work they do and is proud of it. Our crew will be out mowing lawns or on other jobs, and they’ll talk with homeowners about ways we can improve their property - because we believe in the quality of work that we do.