Compacted soil can cause big problems for your lawn. When soil gets compacted, grass cannot effectively grow.
Compacted soil is often caused by heavy foot and/or vehicle traffic. For these reasons, compacted soil can often be found along the edges of driveways and sidewalks. Remember that lawns with children and pets are much more susceptible to soil compaction. This is because those lawns often see a lot more foot traffic. It’s not just feet. Mowing the lawn once a week can cause compaction in areas where soil is already tight.
Soil compaction can also lead to weeds. Prostrate knotweed grows in lawns where soil is compacted. A think, healthy lawn that can growly freely will prevent the knotweed.
If your soil is compacted, your lawn likely needs to be aerated. There is a simple test to see if your soil is compacted and needs aeration. Take a screwdriver and press into the soil. This will be very difficult to do if the soil is compacted. You’ll likely get plenty of resistance trying to push the screwdriver into the ground.
Lawn aeration simply means punching holes in the soil. Each hole should be about three inches deep. This will help “loosen” the soil. Getting rid of compacted soil will immediately improve soil quality.
Early to mid-spring a great time to aerate the lawn. There are a few different ways to aerate your lawn. You can you a simple, hand-held aerating tool. This should be fine for small to medium-sized yards. Larger yards can benefit from an aerating machine that pulls plugs out of the lawn and soil. Lawn care companies often have such a machine and equipment rental businesses may have them as well.
Remember that your lawn is still going to need water to remain healthy and prosper once the compacted soil has been loosened.
