ban·dit
/ˈbandit/
noun
- a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area.
“the bandit produced a weapon and demanded money”
The bandit I am referring to are the ne’er-do-wells running around conning people into aerating their lawn. The weapon they use is “fear of loss” – your neighbour’s lawn looks better than yours. And although they be right – your neighbour’s lawn looks nicer – their solution is horrible.
I was at a client’s property this morning – practicing physical distancing, not to worry – to evaluate the lawns and their landscape. They moved in last October and want to keep the lawns and gardens “lookin’ good”. Last weekend – MARCH 25 or 26 – someone knocked on their door and talked them into aerating and overseeding their lawn!
Ignore the fact that home lawns generally never need aerating, the soil was far too wet and the grass seed will likely rot!
A normal home lawn does not usually need aerating. AND if a home lawn did need aerating the proper time is when the grass is growing VIGOROUSLY and in a vegetative state. In other words, mid August through September. The second best time would be mid May through June.
Overseeding is done in the same time frame as aerating. Again, most home lawns do not need overseeding, they need TLC-ing.
What really gets me about these people is not just the fact they are ripping people off – these services are NOT cheap – but through their actions are besmirching the reputation of our industry. They portray themselves as landscape experts. At least that is what my client believes.
Don’t even get me started on the poor quality of their work, the poor equipment they use and the mess they leave.
The best thing you can do for your lawn right now is physically distance yourself from it. Let it grow and develop new shoots and new roots. And when your doorbell rings and some person starts to tell you how important it is to aerate your lawn, politely tell them to get mown!
As always, if you have any questions please contact us.
Stay well and be healthy!
