The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1102906
The Press-Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 10, 2019 D-5 Compacted soil can result from any number of activ- ities, including walking on a lawn. When soil on a lawn is compacted, grass roots might not receive the wa- ter, oxygen and nutrients they need to grow in strong. e can lead to weak lawns that are vulnerable to vari- ous issues. However, homeowners need not avoid their lawns to prevent soil compaction. Rather, learning to recognize signs of soil compaction and paying special attention to heavily trafficked areas of the yard can help homeowners identify the problem early and ad- dress it before grass begins to suffer. Cooperative Ex- tension, which is supported by the United States De- partment of Agriculture and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, notes that the following are some sign potential indicators of compacted soil. HARD SOIL: Soil that is difficult, if not impossible, to penetrate with a shovel is likely compacted. Even healthy soil is sometimes resistant to penetration, but if homeowners put some muscle into their efforts to penetrate the soil and still can't do so, then the soil is compacted. STANDING WATER: Water standing on top of soil for a long time is doing so because the soil is likely so compacted that the water, which roots need to thrive, cannot get through. EXCESSIVE WATER RUNOFF: Runoff occurs when watering lawns. But if nearly all of the water intended for the lawn and the soil beneath it is seemingly being di- verted away from the grass, then that means the water cannot get through to the soil or that so little is getting through that the lawn's health is in jeopardy. LOSS OF VEGETATION OR POOR PLANT GROWTH: Compacted soil prevents water, nutrients and oxygen from accessing the root zone. As a result, plants, including trees, are vulnerable to disease. SURFACE CRUST: Surface crust, which blocks oxy- gen and water from penetrating the soil and tends to in- flict areas like footpaths and playgrounds due to heavy foot traffic, contributes to runoff and soil erosion. Compacted soil is relatively simple to fix. But when un- treated, compacted soil can threaten lawns, plants and other vegetation. Signs your soil might be COMPACTED Homeowners may associate mulch with springtime lawn and garden care, but mulch- ing in fall can benefit a lawn as well. Accord- ing to the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, mulch protects roots against extreme tem- peratures, and not just those associated with summer heat waves. Mulch is often connected with its ability to help soil retain moisture during especial- ly warm times of the year, when mulch pro- motes strong roots that can help lawns and plants survive periods of extreme heat. But when applied in the fall, mulch also inhibits freezing and thawing in winter, reducing the likelihood that plants will be injured. While applying mulch in fall can be bene- ficial to lawns, homeowners should first con- sider a few factors. TIMING: e Morton Arboretum notes that mulch being applied as winter protec- tion should not be applied too early in the fall, as doing so may delay the soil freezing pro- cess. Homeowners should wait until after a hard frost in the fall to apply winter mulch. In many places, hard frost will not appear un- til late fall. TEXTURE: e Morton Arboretum rec- ommends medium-textured mulch. Fine particles may pack down and retain mois- ture that will evaporate before it reaches the plant roots. Materials that are too coarse may be incapable of holding sufficient amounts of water to benefit the soil. NUTRIENTS: Humus is an organic com- ponent of soil that forms when leaves and other plant materials decompose. Organic mulches provide humus and decompose over time, adding nutrients into the soil. e Mor- ton Arboretum recommends that homeown- ers use organic mulch that was composted or treated prior to application so any weeds, in- sects or microorganisms are killed. APPLICATION: Correct application of the mulch is essential. Applying too much mulch can adversely affect lawns, plants and soil. In addition, excessive application can cause de- cay and make lawns and plants more vulner- able to disease. Homeowners uncertain about when and how to apply mulch in the fall can consult with a lawn care professional to de- vise a plan that ensures their lawns and gar- dens hold up against winter weather. Mulch may be widely associated with spring lawn care, but applying mulch in the fall can benefit lawns and gardens as well. How much mulch? Mention this ad and receive a $25 Visa gi card! Beautiful, Energy Efficient, Replacement Windows & Doors. 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