Jack wrote:
Hello all,
I've been in my new house for about two years. It is a typical builders lot
with hard pack soil. When it rains, and/or I run the sprinkler system, most
of the water just seems to run off. I am going to plug aerate in the fall,
but I was hoping to do something now. Perhaps spike aerate. I need to get
the water down the to roots of the grass.

Advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Aeration is a first step. But you need to take stronger measures if you
have Subdivision Soil Syndrome. This happens when the developers scrape
off all the topsoil and sell it, leaving the house sitting on often very
nasty clay subsoil. Then they drive their heavy machinery around on it in
wet weather just for good measure to make sure it is properly compacted.

Dig a hole. Do you see any earthworms? If not, you soil is never going
to get any better than it is now. You can encourage earthworms by adding
organic matter to the soil. Topdressing the lawn a couple time a year
with 1/2" of compost is a start. Aerate first, then topdress for maximum
effect.

Improving a truly lousy soil is a long, uphill battle, especially if you
are trying to do it over an established lawn.

For more ways you can test your soil, including testing drainage, go to
Plantfacts: http://plantfacts.osu.edu/web/ and search for -- soil
testing drainage compaction -- and whatever else you're interested in.

Also, check with your local Extension office and see if they have a
Horticulture Educator or turfgrass specialist. Extensions can be a good
source of free advice that will address problems specific to your growing
area.

Cheers!

-- Karen

The Garden Gate http://garden-gate.prairienet.org
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