How to Tell if Your Lawn Is Compacted
A lush lawn requires healthy soil. If the soil in your yard or garden is compacted, it's difficult for grass and plants to get the nutrients, oxygen, and water they need to develop a strong, dense root network and thrive. Learn how to tell if your soil is compacted and what lawn care steps will prevent and address compaction.
What Is Compacted Soil?
Compacted soil is so dense that it decreases porosity, preventing water, nutrients from fertilizer, and oxygen from penetrating deeply into the ground. Compaction often results from heavy foot traffic or machinery, including kids playing on the lawn a lot or using a riding mower.
Signs a Lawn Is Compacted
Soil compaction makes it hard for grass roots to get the nourishment they need to thrive, causing turf thinning. Signs of compaction include patchy areas of grass, bare dirt areas, and pooling water in your lawn that doesn't absorb into the earth but runs off.
You can test how densely your soil is compacted by trying to pierce it with a shovel. If you can't get through, your soil is compacted.
How to Remedy Compacted Soil
Aeration is the solution for compacted soil. This process involves piercing the earth's surface to remove plugs of dirt, leaving small holes behind. These holes allow the ground to decompress and let nutrients, water, and air into the earth.
Aeration reduces the risk of compaction and can fix already compacted soil, resulting in thicker, healthier grass growth. Regular aeration is also beneficial because it allows fertilizer to penetrate deep into the earth to the roots below.
Nature Plus Lawn & Irrigation serves Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding areas with comprehensive lawn care services, including aeration. These professionals have served area residents for over 25 years. They have the tools and knowledge needed to nurture healthy lawns, performing everything from pest and weed control to fertilization and irrigation. Visit their website to review their services, and call (513) 755-9434 to schedule a lawn care appointment.
