I have a new fescue lawn in my backyard. I sowed the seed in March and it was up by the middle of April. It has filled in nicely since, but I can still see some soil when standing over it and looking down. I'd like to aerate (especially since the soil has compacted some) and overseed this fall, but I know I shouldn't aerate the first year. What, then, would be the best way to overseed -- keeping in mind I do get some runoff because of the slightly compacted soil and a slight slope?

Hi raleighjoe77

The reason being aeration shouldn't be done in the first year, is the newly planted grasses roots are between one and one and a half inches long, and "terminator" style aeration will damage the first years crop.

There are different forms of aeration.

An aeration machine that can be adjusted to leave just holes or slits (especially) in the lawn would be ideal. I would also adjust it to go only an inch deep.
You could go to your lawn, take a random core sampling (have one of those step on tulip bulb planters?) to see how deep the root system actually is, and go half that distance. Replace your divots! :)

You will still end up with some loss, but you are overseeding , right?

Try here for further information. Pick your State, it will then take you to your State Extension Office:
National Turfgrass Evaluation Program - pick your State

This one 'bout the same, only more commerical:
Turf Help|Lawn Grass State Planting Guide|Lawn Species Guide By State

Have your open-house yet?

k

KUXJ - great advice! I'll take a core sample in early September and go from there.

Your welcome.

Check this site.
It gives a monthly account on what to do, to have a healthy lawn:
Cornell Cooperative Extension: The Homeowner's Lawn Care and Water Quality Almanac

Main Site:
Gardening Resources, Cornell University

K