Bumps, dips, and ruts in the lawn can be a real problem. Not only do they make it hard to push a mower across the lawn, but often they also lead to areas with thinner grass or no grass growth at all. Getting rid of the ruts requires understanding how they form as well knowing what steps are necessary to fill them in and prevent them from happening again. The following tips can help.
Tip #1: Stay off wet lawns
Pushing a lawnmower across saturated soil is a sure way to get deep ruts. In fact, the best practice is to stay off the lawn when it is saturated from recent rainfall, snow melt, or over irrigation. Even walking across wet soil can compact it and lead to ruts or dips. If the ground always seems wet and you are sure there are no water leaks, have the lawn aerated so that drainage is improved in the area.
Tip #2: Avoid heavy equipment
The time may come when you need to drive up on the lawn, take a piece of equipment across the lawn, or stack heavy supplies for a home improvement project on the lawn. You can minimize the chances of compaction and ruts by working to distribute the weight. Lay sheets of plywood down on any tracks you will be driving over or stacking items. This helps spread out the weight more evenly, which prevents ruts.
Tip #3: Switch up your habits
Following the same path repeatedly is a recipe for ruts. Instead, change up your habits. Mow in a different direction each time you trim the grass—this way wheel ruts won't form. Of course, not all habits are easily changed, so you may need to also embrace some habits. For example, if you find yourself always taking the same shortcut across the lawn to the back door, then put down stepping stones. It's better and more attractive to actually have a path in place than it is to wear down a rutted path through the lawn.
Tip #4: Fill in dips promptly
If you notice a dip or rut forming, fill it in as soon as possible. Mix equal parts sand and compost or potting soil together, and cover the low area with the mixture. Rake it level. You may need to repeat the process several times over a few months to fully level the area. If the grass is thin, reseed over the spot once you have it successfully leveled.
For more help, contact a landscaping company in your area.
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