Rutting in lawn caused by over-watering – TCPalm

Carol Cloud Bailey, Special to TCPalm Published 6:30 a.m. ET Sept. 3, 2017

Over-irrigation makes the soil wet and more susceptible to rutting. Runoff is one of the indications of over-irrigation. The algae against the curb in the road is a sign that water stands in this location often.(Photo: CAROL CLOUD BAILEY/SPECIAL TO TCPALM)

Lawns work hard. Turf grasses slow erosion, moderate rain, keep the soil in place (less tracking of sand into the house), provide a place for recreation and relaxation, and cool the air. But, they are also expensive in terms of needed inputs of labor, fertilizer, and water. One of the main tenets of a Florida-Friendly landscape is to reduce turf. Is turf good or bad? As for many things, Id say some of both. Where there is a need for an open space, then turf works.

However, turf does require regular maintenance. The most commonly overlooked or mismanaged aspects of lawn maintenance include proper mowing and irrigation. The results of poor care in these areas often result in weak lawns full of weeds and ruts.

Automatic irrigation systems make it easy to use too much water. It is easy to allow the system to run on whatever program as long as the grass is somewhat green. A full check for good coveragethe water from one head should reach the next head, rate is the run time sufficient to put out the amount needed or too much, and frequency, is a needed monthly chore.

Over-irrigation can result in wet soils. In addition to making the grass more susceptible to insects, diseases and weed infestation, wet soils are prone to rutting from lawn mowers of other vehicles. The first step to fixing the problem is to evaluate the irrigation system and adjust as needed.

However, once ruts occur, repairs are often needed. The seemingly simple answer is to fill the rut with soil. The problem with this solution is that it causes more problems. The sod underneath the additional soil often dies creating a layer that makes water movement in the soil slower, compaction is relieved, and if the soil is different from the original, long term issues can occur with differing irrigation and nutrient needs.

Shallow ruts, from 2 to 4 inches deep can be repaired by the use of a pitchfork or other implement with tines. Use the tines to lift the rut and allow the soil to settle from time and water. This process helps reduce compaction.

Deeper ruts require more. Use a sharp spade or sod cutter to lift the sod out of and around the rut and then use a spade to loosen the soil including the soil that was pushed out of the rut. Regrade so the area is level or slightly higher than the surrounding area, it will settle over time. Reinstall the turf or use new sod. Treat the area as newly installed sod, but use a temporary irrigation line to avoid over-watering the entire zone.

Turf in the right place, managed well, and in small quantities can be a good thing.

Carol Cloud Bailey is a Landscape Counselor & Horticulturist. Send questions tocarol@yard-doc.comor visitwww.yard-doc.comfor more information.

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Rutting in lawn caused by over-watering - TCPalm