A Seed-a-vator should only be used in the overseeding process. I would not recommend using this machine early in the spring prior to growth, unless one is overseeding. A Seed-a-vator has thin slicing tines that will cut the rhizomes of bluegrass plants at a time when they cannot heal because the plants are still inactive. Once active growth has started, this process will actually propagate the bluegrass plant and help increase the density of the turf. Use this machine when the grass is actively growing, make two passes at a 45-degree angle and set the machine approximately 1/4" below the soil surface to ensure that you get down through any thatch layer that may exist.

This machine will only provide surface disruption and will not penetrate the soil profile to any great depth. Thus, it will not provide a real source of aeration.

Disturbing the soil surface can break the pre-emergent herbicide barrier causing what would have been dormant weed seeds to be exposed. As a result, the weed seeds will germinate causing weed encroachment.

George Bernardon, Director of Grounds Maintenance Services GCA Services Group (GBernardon@gcaservices.com)