Aeration and Overseeding in Sherman, TX

How to Build a Thicker, Healthier Lawn in North Texas Clay Soil

If your lawn in Sherman, TX feels hard underfoot, looks thin in patches, or struggles despite constant fertilizing, the issue isn't what you’re putting on the lawn—it’s what’s happening underneath it.

In North Texas, our dense clay soil compacts easily, suffocating roots and blocking water. The solution? Core Aeration and Overseeding.

Why Sherman Lawns Struggle: The Clay Factor

Grayson County is famous for heavy clay soil. While nutrient-rich, clay acts like concrete when compacted:

• Restricts Oxygen: Roots can't "breathe."
• Blocks Water: Rain runs off into the street instead of soaking in.
• Limits Roots: Grass stays shallow and dies quickly in the summer heat.

The Solution: Core Aeration + Overseeding

To fix a thinning lawn, you must address the soil and the grass density simultaneously.

1. What is Core Aeration?

Unlike "spike" aerators that just push soil aside, Core Aeration physically removes small plugs of soil.

• Relieves Compaction: Gives roots room to spread.
• Enhances Absorption: Fertilizer and water reach the root zone instantly.

2. What is Overseeding?

This is the process of spreading new seed (usually Bermuda) into your existing turf to fill in bare spots and increase density.

The Secret Sauce: In Sherman, aeration and overseeding work better together. The aeration holes provide the perfect "niche" for seeds to fall into, protecting them and ensuring direct soil contact.

Timing: The Late Spring Window

For warm-season grasses in North Texas, timing is everything.

• The Sweet Spot: Late April through early June.
• The Rule: Soil temperatures must be consistently above 65°F.
• Why Not Fall? Fall seeding in Sherman is for temporary color only. If you want a permanent, thick lawn, you must seed when the grass is in its peak growth phase (Spring/Summer).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Aerating During Dormancy: If the grass is brown (winter), it can’t heal the holes or grow new roots. Wait for the "green-up."
2. Ignoring Weed Timing: Pre-emergent weed control prevents all seeds from growing—including your expensive grass seed. Coordinate your seeding with your weed control schedule.
3. Skipping Water: After overseeding, the soil must stay moist for the first 14 days. If the seed dries out, it dies.

Step-by-Step: The Professional Process

1. Mow Low: Scalp the lawn slightly to allow sunlight to reach the new seeds.
2. Core Aerate: Run a machine to pull 2–3 inch plugs. Leave the plugs on the lawn; they return nutrients as they decompose.
3. Seed Evenly: Use a broadcast spreader for uniform density.
4. Water Consistently: Light, frequent cycles for 2 weeks, then transition to deep watering.

Is Your Lawn a Candidate for Aeration?

If you notice water pooling after a rain, or if your grass looks "tired" despite your best efforts, your soil is likely compacted. Annual aeration is the single best thing you can do for a Sherman lawn.

Get Professional Help with Your Sherman Lawn

Aerating clay soil is hard work, and timing the seed with your weed control takes precision. North Texas Turf and Lighting specializes in the unique challenges of Grayson County soil.

Request a Free Estimate for Aeration & Seeding