I'm not sure where you're at with your lawn and goals, but late August- early September is a good time to overseed. I like to focus on keeping weeds in check during the spring, summer in preparation for overseed. I'd recommend a mechanical aeration followed by an overseed. You can then start spoon feeding N a few weeks after the grass comes up. I do it on the day of the first mow. Best of luck!

Check out the Cool Season Guide if you haven't yet already.
https://thelawnforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1595

Jesse

 

The decision will ultimately come down to what your primary grass is. If it's KBG overseeding is an extremely difficult task since it takes so long to establish. If the current lawn is mostly KBG the nitrogen blitz would probably be the best option to encourage growth and spreading.

If the lawn is primarily PRG or TTTF then overseeding is the only way to improve density as these two don't spread. They also germinate and establish quickly so with correct watering you will usually do the first cut about 2 weeks after seeding.

Aeration: I'm not a big believer in aerating unless you truly have compacted soil. Best way to check is just after a good watering use a flathead screwdriver and insert it into the soil in various locations. If it easily goes in 6" or so you really don't need to aerate. The biggest problem with mechanical aeration is the potential to bring up old weed seeds to the surface.

If the lawn is watered and fertilized properly it shouldn't need dethatching. Best way to check is try to part the grass and get down to the soil. If you run into a thick layer of dead brown grass and can't easily see the soil you might want to dethatch, otherwise I would leave that alone.

For now, get the soil test done as soon as possible and begin getting that straightened out.

 

Thank you both for the advice!I have a mix but its mostly fescue with a little ***. I'm planning on taking my samples Saturday after I water again so I can check the compaction

 

Plan wise I'm looking to set myself up to go tier 2 next year since I only mowed sprayed post emergent and just started watering twice a week

 

With mostly fescue I would think an overseed is the way to go this fall. Not sure if you can eventually get the KBG to take over without a full reno. Here in NC KBG is a no go unless you plan on a ton of work (and water)! I know a few guys that have done it successfully but I wouldn't want to pay their water bill.

 

I'm thinking eventually going to mostly *** in a few years once I have more experience in the front yard. Ohio is more forgiving with the rain and temps. I want to do a full Reno in a year with the back yard after the pool fill settles. I'll want a more foot traffic resistant grass for the eventual parties and kids

 

Sounds like you have a good plan! Yes, KBG will do well in your area.