Pros and cons of slice seeding. Using a slice seeding

Lawns can become weathered over time due to various factors. Among them are weed crops, heat, insufficient watering, and mechanical damage. At such times, lawn rejuvenation is required. More about the pros and cons of slice seeding you can find in this article.

What is slice seeding?

Before studying the question of pros and cons of slice seeding, you need to decide on the technique. There is an unusual lawn care technique called slot seeding. It is designed to rejuvenate the area. At the same time, sowing grass is quite fast and efficient. Many are interested in the question, what does a slice seeder do?

To work, you need a slotted slice seeder. It is special machine places grass seeds. The slice seeder is intended for the distribution of slice seeding. The slice seeder is equipped with steel blades that cut into the ground. The media create grooves into which lawn grass seeds are dropped. The devices themselves determine the desired sowing depth.

Definitions: aeration and overseeding of grass seed

It is believed that seeding with slots allows you to grow a strong and healthy plant that creates a beautiful lawn cover. The technique involves the use of several concepts, including overseeding and aeration. Overseeding is a method that is actively used in landscape design and allows you not only to repair the lawn, but also to take care of it.

Overseeding involves spreading the grass seed over the lawn that is already on the site. Due to this, it becomes more lush and thick. For overseeding, a special tool is required – a sprinkler or a seeder. It scatters the grass seed all over the area. As soon as the work is done, you need to properly water the lawn, and provide it with full further care.

Only in this way, the grass grows quickly, which positively affects the restoration of the lawn. Aeration is recommended before overseeding. The essence of the method is that the soil needs to be perforated, creating small uncovered soil holes in it. This contributes to better penetration of air into the soil. The supply of water and nutrients to the roots also improves.

The reaction of the roots to aeration is manifested in the form of deepening them into the ground. If the roots deepen, the grass becomes more rigid. Thanks to this, the lawn is more resistant to adverse climates, cold snaps, or storms.

If you prefer simple aeration methods, you can prick the soil a little with a pitchfork. There are also special devices – aerators. They can be fitted with spikes or plugs. Aeration helps prevent soil compaction and dryness. It is the prevention of water accumulation after rains, which can spoil the landscape.

Pros of slice seeding method for healthy lawn

Many gardeners are wondering what are the advantages of the slice seeding technique.

Fast germination rate

If you use slice seeding, the grass seed germinates faster. After all, they are in direct contact with the soil. Thanks to spreading seeds, they absorb a sufficient amount of water and nutrients that are contained in the soil. If you simply scatter the seeds around the site, this effect is not be achieved.

Overseeding does not guarantee that the grass sprout. Some seeds may grow slowly or disappear altogether. Therefore, bald spots on the lawn remain in place.

An ideal place to work with grass seeds

If you use rifling planters, their blades create an optimal place for sowing. As already mentioned, they cut into the ground, forming grooves. They are deep enough. If required, the depth can be adjusted independently. In this case, you need to focus on the type of seed used.

The use of a slice seeding drill ensures that the grass seed is evenly distributed over the existing lawn. This is much better than spreading it by hand.

Economic efficiency and no bias

It is safe to say that slotted seeding is less expensive and easy to maintain. At the same time, lush and dense grass appears on the site. The cost is small, so the procedure can be repeated as needed.

Lawn grass seeds are often dispersed by birds, animals, or strong winds. If you use not the manual method, but a special slice seeder, then movements are excluded. The slice seeder determines the desired depth, after which it deepens the plant seeds into the ground.

Cons of slice seeding

As you can see, sowing in slices is quite practical and effective. However, it should be noted that it has several disadvantages. To decide on the final decision, you need to study not only the pros, but also the cons.

Spreading weeds

If the grass takes root, it can fight weeds. However, the possibility that weed crops spread inside is not ruled out.

To avoid this shortcoming, weed crops must be properly dealt with. First, the healthy lawn must be weeded from them, and then it is necessary to prepare for spreading seeds. Remember to keep your lawn regularly in the future.

Possible aesthetic problems

For a healthy lawn, sowing in slices may cause more damage. Especially when it comes to the appearance of the site. If dry spots are present in small quantities, it is better to look for another option for slit seeding.

The need for precise fertilization and proper storage

It is important to note the fact that in the future it is necessary to regularly and pointwise apply fertilizers. This is a very time-consuming process that scares many. If this is not done, the planting seeds die.

It is important to properly store the tool that is used for slice seeding. After all, the blades can become rusty. To make it easier to take care of your lawn next season, try to keep the tool in a clean and dry place.

The best option for this would be a barn. If you live in a house with a small area, it may be difficult to find the best place.

Should you ventilate the lush green lawn?

Many gardeners wonder if their lawn needs to be ventilated. This procedure is completely optional. Aeration and overseeding can be carried out separately. However, to achieve the best result, it is better to combine these two stages.

Aeration promotes better grass growth. If it is suspected that the lawn grass has weakened and begun to be affected by diseases and weed crops, aeration is recommended. It solves the problem from the very source – the soil.

It is recommended to ventilate the lawn at intervals of 1-2 years. With the same interval, a complete reconstruction of the lawn is carried out. This reduces financial costs in the future. To promote grass growth, you should always combine aeration and slit seeding.

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Parameters for slice seeding

If you decide to perform slice seeding, there are a few important rules to keep in mind.

Removal of invasive plants

This process is important because nothing holds back the growth of lawn grass. First, you need to dig out all weeds and invasive plants. If the area is quite large, it is better to treat it with herbicides.

Prevention of competition

Before starting work, it is recommended to mow the lawn. Yes, it is a laborious and lengthy process. However, it helps to get rid of invasive plants. Once the growing season arrives, the grass grows much better than the weeds. Therefore, the appearance of the lawn pleasantly pleases you.

A watering

Watering grass seeds that have recently been planted is carried out daily. A little water needs to be added. Watering should be carried out within three weeks after sowing. After the watering interval should be 2-3 days.

FAQ

When it comes to slice seeding a lawn, there are many questions.

1. Should I use a slit seeder? This method is relevant if the lawn is not completely spoiled, and is in semi-decent condition. Use this method if the lawn looks scary, and you need to return it to its former beauty. This is because the slice seeder partially uproots healthy plants. After all, she plows the site, so a semi-decent lawn can finally deteriorate.
2. How often should you slice the seed? It is recommended to carry out such a procedure with an interval of several years. This is enough to keep the lawn thick and resistant to weeds.
3. Should you dethatch before slice seeding? It is very important to remove grass residues that have been cut by the slice seeder machine. If it is left as mulch, the seeds can contact the soil. That is why the quality of their germination is reduced.

Conclusion

As you can see, slit seeding is quite effective if the area is almost filled with bald spots. Given that you need to work with a special tool, the process is not taking much time and effort.