A lawn that's hard and tamped down isn't conducive to healthy grass or flourishing flowers and vegetables. The harder and more compacted the soil is, the more difficult it's going to be for you to grow anything. That's why it's so important to take steps to prevent soil compaction, or to address it when it occurs. Discover how to prevent soil compaction in your front lawn, backyard, and garden areas.
Limit Foot Traffic to Pathways
When people walk over a certain area of the lawn or backyard again and again, those passing feet eventually tamp down the soil and cause it to harden. If this is happening in various areas of your lawn, try creating a pathway with pavers to confine that foot traffic to a specific area so the rest of your lawn can have a break.
Aerate the Soil on a Regular Basis
The ideal time to aerate your soil is during the spring, especially if you have cool season grass. If you have a warm season type of grass, aeration works better in the early fall. Aeration involves introducing small holes into the soil, allowing for better airflow and permitting water to permeate deeper into the earth.
You can aerate your soil with a spike aerator, a plug aerator, or even a standard fork-style rake. A standard lawn rake is also useful for dethatching the lawn prior to the aeration process.
Don't Mow When Soil Is Wet
If you have a large piece of land and you use a riding lawn mower to cut your grass, you may need to be more careful about the timing of each mowing session. If you mow when the ground is wet, the weight of the mower will more easily compact the muddy soil. When the ground dries, it will be packed tighter and harder as a result. Instead, try to mow with the earth is dry.
Ensure Proper Irrigation and Stormwater Management
Incorrect drainage throughout your lawn or garden area can cause certain areas of the ground to become harder and more compacted. To ensure that all areas of your lawn are being thoroughly watered and properly drained, hire an expert to check out your property and give you tips for enacting more beneficial drainage paths and stormwater management processes.
Add Mulch to Protect Soil
Mulch provides a blanket of coverage for soil, as well as aiding with water drainage and discouraging foot traffic. Mulch around trees and bushes, as well as throughout flowerbeds, and add compost as necessary to keep soil rich and fertile rather than hard and dry.
To purchase the supplies and tools you need to prevent soil compaction, visit the Kurtz Bros. website to place your lawn care order. If you have questions or you need advice, feel free to call us, and our landscaping experts will be happy to help you.