Fresh Cut Pros Blog

How Much Does Aeration & Overseeding Cost in Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, and Channahon? One of the most common questions we get this time of year is: “How much does aeration and overseeding cost?” The truth is, the price can vary depending on the size of your lawn, what seed mix we use, and the overall condition of your turf. But here in the Chicago suburbs, most homeowners fall into a pretty predictable range. Typical Aeration & Overseeding Costs Core Aeration Only : $120–$180 for an average suburban lawn (5,000–8,000 sq ft) Aeration + Overseeding Package : $150–$250 depending on lawn size and seed selection Larger Lawns (1/4 acre+) : $250–$400+ Our clients in Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, and Channahon often fall right in the middle of these ranges. What Impacts the Price? Lawn Size : The biggest factor. Bigger lawns = more time, more seed. Seed Type : Shade seed (tall fescue blends) tends to cost more than sunny bluegrass/rye mixe...

Help! I Accidentally Killed My Lawn with Weed Killer Fresh Cut Pros | Lawn Care Services in Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield & Beyond We get the call more often than you'd think: "I sprayed for weeds and now my whole lawn is dead. What do I do?" If you’ve accidentally used a non-selective herbicide (like Roundup) or misapplied weed control, take a breath. You’re not the first, and your lawn can recover—but you’ll need to take the right next steps. What Likely Happened? There are two common reasons people kill their lawn with weed killer: Non-selective herbicide used on turf Products like glyphosate (Roundup) kill everything—broadleaf weeds and grass. Even overspray or drift can do damage. Selective weed killer misapplied Products like 2,4-D or Triclopyr are meant for lawns—but used at too high a concentration, or in hot/dry weather, they can still stress or burn turf. How to Tell if Your Lawn Is Dead or Just Damaged Brown but anchored = possibly d...

Fall Aeration & Overseeding in the Chicago Suburbs – Your Complete Guide If you’ve been wondering when the best time is to get your lawn back in shape, fall is it. In the Chicago suburbs — including Shorewood, Joliet (west of the river), Plainfield, Channahon, and Minooka — fall aeration and overseeding is hands down the most effective way to transform a tired lawn into a thick, healthy, green carpet by next season. Why Fall is the Perfect Time Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and warm soil create the perfect conditions for grass seed to germinate. Unlike the spring, when weeds like crabgrass and dandelions are fighting for space, the fall growing window gives new grass the head start it needs to outcompete weeds next year. By aerating in the fall, we break up compacted soil, improve root development, and increase the uptake of water and nutrients. Pair that with overseeding and you’re giving your lawn a double boost — better soil structure plus new, healthy grass plants. W...

Why Lawn Fungus Has Been So Common in 2025 — A Midwestern Perspective If your lawn in the Chicago suburbs is struggling with brown patches, thinning spots, or strange growth patterns this summer—you're not alone. At Fresh Cut Pros, we've seen a noticeable uptick in lawn fungus issues across Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, and Channahon. Here’s what’s going on. The Perfect Storm for Lawn Fungus Lawn fungus loves two things: moisture and humidity —and 2025 has delivered both in abundance. This spring and early summer, much of the Midwest experienced above-average rainfall combined with higher-than-usual overnight humidity levels. According to Purdue Extension and the University of Illinois, this creates ideal conditions for common turf fungi like: Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani) Dollar Spot Leaf Spot Red Thread These diseases typically affect cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Rye, which are common in Illinois lawns. Brown Patch...