Lawn Aeration & Overseeding

It's like a two punch combo to get your lawn into shape

Lawn Aeration And Overseeding - A Two Punch Combo For Your Lawn
Lawn aeration and overseeding are a lawn care professionals secret weapon

Aerating and overseeding your lawn is a key part of any professional lawn care program.  Over a long period of time your grass can grow thick and matted near the soil and become very difficult for oxygen and other nutrients to reach the roots of your grass.  This along with issues like fungus, drought stress, and foot traffic can cause problems that generally manifest themselves as an unhealthy looking lawn with brown or dead patches everywhere.

Haughey Brothers Landscaping is a landscaping contractor based out of Westfield, New Jersey and serving Union County, including: Berkeley Heights, Chatham, Cranford, Madison, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Springfield, and Summit. We specialize in providing lawn aeration and over-seeding as part of our regular lawn care services or we can also provide it as a standalone service for large residential and/or commercial clients with high visibility lawns.

Lawn aerating is the process using a machine to punch hundreds of small holes into your lawn.  As the machine punches the holes it also removes a small amount of grass and soil, that we call “plugs”.  These holes assist the delivery of oxygen and nutrients directly to the root system of your lawn.  This is also an excellent time to overseed your lawn too which encourages new grass to grow in areas that might be patchy or are dead or dying.  It’s a two punch combo that can really help bring back a lawn from looking poorly cared for, to lush and healthy again.

Top Reasons To Aerate And Overseed Your Lawn

  1. It’s never been done on your lawn before.
  2. Your lawn appears patchy and brown.
  3. You always leave your clippings on your lawn.
  4. Your lawn has been scalped by mowing, leaving bare patches.
  5. Your lawn sees heavy foot and pet traffic.
  6. You just want to give your lawn it’s best chance!

As professionals, we recommend aerating your lawn at least once per year.  This frequency can help counter the natural thatch and works to improve your overall soil conditions which is key to a beautiful lawn.  The health of your grass is ultimately determined by the health of your soil.  A properly aerated lawn will also respond much more vigorously to fertilization and regular watering too if you have an irrigation system (and you should have one for a beautiful lawn).

Does My Lawn Really Need Aeration?

The simplest answer is yes, your lawn will always benefit from being aerated at least once a year in the fall.  If you are serious about the health and appearance of your lawn then aeration and over-seeding are just a normal part of a regular lawn care regime.

In order to know for sure we need to view your property to determine the overall condition of your lawn.

  • Does your lawn get used frequently by your children or pets?
  • Do you let your grass clippings fall back onto the lawn?
  • Was your lawn just recently installed?
  • Does your lawn dry out very quickly in the summer?

These are all signs your lawn could benefit from aeration. The best time to aerate your lawn is during the fall when the roots can recover quickly and the existing grass can work to fill in all of the plugs of grass/soil that will be removed during the aeration process.

What Does Lawn Aeration Do For Your Lawn?

This process delivers oxygen, water, and nutrients directly to the roots which encourages the roots to grow deeper and works to improve their uptake of nutrients and resilience to produce a more vigorous lawn.  Aerating has long been a lawn care secret that golf courses and sports fields groundskeepers have employed because it really makes a difference especially when used as part of a total lawn care program. We use a special machine called a “lawn aerator” to aerate our clients lawns.

This machine was specifically designed to perforate your soil with hundreds of small holes that allow oxygen, water and nutrients to penetrate directly into your lawns root system. The “plugs” of grass that are removed by the aerator usually contain an inch or two of soil and are about 1/2″ to 3/4″ in diameter.  These resulting holes are what allows the air and nutrients down into the soil and close to the root systems where they really need to be.

What Does Overseeding Do For Your Lawn?

The aeration process creates the perfect environment for planting new grass seed which is why we also recommend overseeding at this time.  Lawn overseeding is the process of sprinkling new grass seed over the patchy, brown, or scalped areas of your lawn.  These could be areas where the mowing deck was set too low and the grass has been scalped, crowns or high spots in your lawn, bald spots, brown patches, or areas where the grass is just really thin.  Overseeding helps your lawn grow thicker in these areas.

A lawn with thick, healthy, lush growth is also great at preventing weeds from growing in your lawn too.

If you’d like to see if lawn aeration and overseeding could help make your lawn more vibrant and healthy then please give us a call (908) 265-3847 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you right away.

How Lawn Aeration Works

Lawn Aeration and Overseeding

Healthier Roots

The aeration process loosens the soil and promotes healthy root growth by encouraging the roots to grow deeper.  The result is healthier, stronger grass.

Nutrient Uptake

With a healthier root system your grass is able to uptake the nutrients in the soil much more readily.  This encourages the lush, green, growth you're after.

Loosens Compacted Soil

The aeration process improves drainage and helps prevent the soil from becoming compacted and developing into a "hardpan" situation with pooling water.

Questions About Lawn Aeration?

Lawn aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate down to the grass roots. This process helps reduce soil compaction, which can occur from foot traffic or heavy use. Aeration is important in New Jersey due to our varying soil types and seasonal changes, promoting healthier grass growth and a more vibrant lawn.

Your lawn might need aeration if it feels spongy, you notice water pooling after rain, or it's subject to heavy use that leads to soil compaction. Lawns in New Jersey, especially those with clay soil, benefit from regular aeration to combat compaction and prepare for the intense summer and winter seasons.

The ideal time for aeration in New Jersey is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in any open areas after soil plugs are removed. For cool-season grasses, early fall or spring is optimal, allowing the grass to peak in growth and take full advantage of aeration benefits.

Overseeding introduces new grass seed to fill in thin or bare spots, improving your lawn's density and color. In Connecticut, overseeding is best done in the fall, following aeration. This timing allows the new seed to establish before winter and reduces competition from weeds.

Yes, aerating your lawn before overseeding is highly beneficial. Aeration creates openings in the soil that help grass seeds make direct contact with the soil, improving germination rates and encouraging deeper root growth. This combination is particularly effective for enhancing lawn health and resilience.

Prepare your lawn by mowing it to a lower height and watering it a day or two before aeration. This preparation helps the aerator penetrate the soil more effectively and ensures the overseeded grass seeds have adequate moisture to germinate.

While not all lawns may require annual aeration and overseeding, most can benefit from these practices every year or every other year. Factors such as soil type, lawn age, usage level, and existing lawn health determine the necessity and frequency of these services.

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

joe muratore
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joe muratore
April 15, 2024

Thank you to Ethan and his team! Our property looks the best its ever been, with new shrubs, trimming, and landscaping details. We appreciate working with you and trust your guidance for our property. Great work!!

Michele Belier
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Michele Belier
February 7, 2024

I highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping. They did an excellent job repairing our front walk, where tree roots had pushed up the paver stones; and our driveway, where a number of stones had sunk below the edge of the garage. They totally evened out both areas, and power-washed them as well. Now they look brand new! Haughey Brothers really did a great job.

Stavros Makris
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Stavros Makris
December 21, 2023

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to work with Haughey brothers landscaping for the installation of my new patio, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The owner, Devin, personally oversaw the project, bringing an unmatched level of professionalism and expertise to the table. From our first meeting, Devin impressed me with his deep knowledge and passion for landscaping. He was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the design process, ensuring that every detail was tailored to our preferences and needs. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence were evident throughout the project. The team working under Devin was just as professional and efficient, completing the patio on schedule and to the highest quality. The final result is a breathtaking outdoor space that has become the highlight of our home. Devin’s leadership and personal involvement as the owner truly made a difference. It’s clear that he and his company Haughey brothers landscaping stand for quality, customer satisfaction, and beautiful craftsmanship. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch landscaping services.

Steve Aronson
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Steve Aronson
November 6, 2023

The Haughey Brothers were recommended to us for some backyard landscaping work. They were highly responsive in providing us with proposals and patient as we changed our plans several times. They were prompt and professional throughout the 1-day installation. The crew was highly industrious in properly preparing the area for the plants, rock landscaping and sod. Ethan and his team went above and beyond to ensure the job was successful. We will use them again next year for other yard improvements.

Trevor Deal
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Trevor Deal
October 30, 2023

Ethan and Devin (the Haughey Brothers) are awesome! They are responsive, professional, reliable and do great work for a reasonable price. They are hard workers and always go above and beyond, while getting things done on time (and as promised). I recommend them for all of your landscaping needs.

Chris Palumbo
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Chris Palumbo
October 9, 2023

We were looking for a complete overhaul of our front landscaping and walkway. I reached out to The Haughey Brothers and received a very timely response - which is rare these days as I reached out to a few different companies and received zero response from the majority of them. I submitted a request for a quote through the Haughey Brothers Landscaping website (which was very easy to use) and Ethan gave me a call that same day. We discussed what I was looking for and he actually stopped by to see the space - again, the same day - in order to provide the most accurate quote. He arrived with an idea for the space already in mind and described his plan in great detail. I could immediately tell he was someone with solid experience in this field. He measured the space and then said he would get back to me with a quote as soon as possible. I was pleasantly surprised to find that "as soon as possible" meant that very night! We worked together on revising the quote so that it met my exact needs and budget and then we were ready to get started. The Haughey Brothers team got to work very quickly. They dropped off the plants and began the job within a day or two of signing the contract. Ethan was extremely communicative throughout the entire process and I really could not be happier with how it ended up looking. I would highly recommend their services. They were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to using them again for any of my future landscaping or hardscaping needs. Thanks again to the entire team for a job very well done.

Valentina Rozanova
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Valentina Rozanova
September 22, 2023

Ethan had a lot of great ideas on how to improve our landscaping. He was very thorough and patient. Work was done within needed timeline and price was good.

Marybeth Simpson-Steeber
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Marybeth Simpson-Steeber
September 20, 2023

Shout out to Haughey Brothers Landscaping!! Not only did they do beautiful work, but they are courteous , professional, and most importantly, actually return phone calls! In fact, their communication is excellent. So glad we used them, and recommend them highly!

Laurie Scaturo
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Laurie Scaturo
August 17, 2023

We were so pleased with the work done by Haughey Brothers. They planted a row of bushes that look fabulous. Ethan and Devin were responsive and professional. I highly recommend them for your landscaping needs.

Denise Ridente
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Denise Ridente
July 31, 2023

Since my husband was unable to cut grass because of an injury the past two weeks, Haughey brothers landscaping responded to my message the same day and helped us out! They cut our lawn and trimmed a bush and we were saved from getting a fine from the town. Great job and so appreciated!

Henry Burk
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Henry Burk
July 25, 2023

We have been using the landscaping services of the Haughey Brothers since they started their business. We have been very pleased with their service and would like to recommend them highly. Aside from their work, the brothers are pleasant and pleasant to deal with.

chris brindle
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chris brindle
July 13, 2023

Setting up a job was simple through their online booking system. I was able to get an estimate for the work the same day. The crew that serviced my property was timely, efficient, and did a great job! Highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping.

Christine Palma
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Christine Palma
June 11, 2023

We used Haughey Landscaping and we are very pleased with the outcome. The pricing was fair and the workers were thorough. They cleaned up after themselves, which I consider a very important part of the job. The only negative is that Ethan said he would place a stepping stone in front of the shed and he did not. I reminded him twice and both times he said he forgot but would do it and he didn't. To be fair it wasn't part of the original estimate, I asked on the day the work was done. Other than that we are pleased with what was done. I changed my rating to a five star because they followed up on their promise. 👍

Christine Spassione
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Christine Spassione
June 3, 2023

I couldn't maintain my front and side yard while undergoing breast cancer treatment, and Haughey Brothers Landscaping has given me such a beautiful gift back by fixing up my gardens again! Thank you! I can now sit and enjoy my gardens again! I hope next year Haughey Brothers Landscaping can help me tackle my back yard too!

ericka fong
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ericka fong
April 20, 2023

I highly recommend the Haughey brothers for landscaping services. They arrived on time and completed the work as promised. They were professional and had a great work ethic. They also provided great guidance with design and overall landscaping needs. I would definitely use them again in the future.

Renee Vogler
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Renee Vogler
July 30, 2022

We could not be more happy with the work the Haughey Brothers & crew did with our landscaping. We do not have a green thumb and our landscaping needed a lot of work. They gave us an estimate and started work right away. They brought a team of hard working & respectful guys who transformed our landscaping into the nicest on the block! I can't wait to use them again and again for other items we need done outside. You won't regret hiring them for your next project.

Lori Raab
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Lori Raab
June 18, 2022

Great work landscaping and painting!

Janina Alzate
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Janina Alzate
June 17, 2022

Great work and great attention to detail. Crew worked well and fast. Would recommend for all your landscaping needs.

Maxx Kleiner
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Maxx Kleiner
June 15, 2022

We have had the Haughey Brothers come out and help us with landscaping work for the past 2 years and they have done a great job. We have tons of weeds, overgrown bushes and trees, etc. and they cleaned everything up and made our front and backyards look great! Highly recommend.

Nicole Greten
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Nicole Greten
April 5, 2022

Very happy with all the landscaping work they did. Spring clean up, mulch, removed some old trees, planted some new ones and made the yard look really nice. Very professional and easy to work with too!

Barbara Haggerty
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Barbara Haggerty
July 22, 2021

Thank you Haughey Brothers Landscaping for the great work in the front and back of our home. The new garden with the Dwarf Japanese Maple & perennials/Boxwood shrubs looks fantastic, and the rocks behind the garage was a much needed big project that we are so happy with the outcome. We definitely recommend the Haughey brothers and will use them for future landscaping projects!

Diana Garcia
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Diana Garcia
June 16, 2021

The Haughey Brothers have been taking care of our landscaping needs for several years and frankly our lawn has never looked better. I highly recommend them.

Christina Z
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Christina Z
May 10, 2021

Haughey Brothers Landscaping did a wonderful job landscaping our front yard. Everything turned out beautifully. The bushes and flowers they picked are absolutely stunning and exactly what we wanted to make the space pop. They were a pleasure to work with and were very collaborative throughout the entire process. I would highly recommend them for all your landscaping needs.

Brian Lopez
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Brian Lopez
February 17, 2021

Haughey Brothers provides terrific service. I am a lifelong Cranford resident. The brothers were born and raised in Cranford. One is a student in college, the other in high school. I state this as a coming-of-age curmudgeon. They are respectful, hard working and provide their services at a fair price. They also attempt to employ other Cranford students to assist them. I highly recommend them for you snow removal and landscaping needs.

Sara Gardner Dunn
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Sara Gardner Dunn
October 22, 2020

Over the past year, we have hired Haughey Brothers Landscaping for multiple jobs, including spring cleanup and weekly lawn mowing. Our front landscaping needed a complete overhaul, and Ethan and Devin were quick to give us a quote & come out once we were ready to start the project. They completed it in one day - pulling out all of the ground plants, trimming bushes, mulching and filling in a giant hole from where our oil tank was removed! They are very communicative & checked in to ensure that we were happy with the progress. Would highly recommend for all jobs big & small!

Patricia Di Russa
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Patricia Di Russa
September 25, 2020

I initially spoke with Devin on a Thursday evening and Ethan came by on Friday to review what I wanted done. The Haughey brothers provided me with an estimate and reviewed what shrubs I would like planted in a timely manner and the job was complete by Tuesday! They use quality products (top soil/mulch/plants), are polite and respectful AND they get back to you. I highly recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping for your landscape projects!

Kimberly Zarrello
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Kimberly Zarrello
August 11, 2020

Haughey Brothers were amazing! I just moved into my first home and the landscaping was very overgrown and neglected. I needed a fresh start but was too intimidated to take on the work by myself. After reading other reviews I contacted the Haughey brothers and Ethan came over right away to talk through what I was looking to do and his recommendations. Within one week of the original conversation they were over and within two days of work, tore everything out, planted new gorgeous flowers, trees and bushes, mulched, and added a small retaining wall. They could not have been nicer and kept me involved the whole time, making sure I liked what was chosen and was okay with the prices. Highly recommend!!!!!!

John Finnerty
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John Finnerty
April 30, 2020

The Haughey brothers recently did a bunch of landscaping in the front of our house. This included planting bushes, clearing out brush, putting down new mulch and building a decorative block border around our holly tree. The Haughey brothers did an excellent job!! They were professional, reasonably priced and kept us in the loop as they were deciding on bushes to plant and blocks to pick for the border. We definitely recommend the Haughey brothers! I have also posted some pics of their great work!

D&S Lawn & Landscaping Services
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D&S Lawn & Landscaping Services
November 18, 2018

Haven’t used their services as I’m located in Michigan, but these 2 young guys are out here making a difference in the world. Age is just a number. I’ve helped them out in times when they needed and vice versa. They are polite and hardworking, if I was an adult in Cranford, I would definitely use and recommend Haughey Brothers Landscaping.

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