Turf-Tec International
Common Lawn Soil Problems

Layers - Bad areas - Problem spots

Here are some common soil problems and ways for you to investigate the problem yourself.

Poor soil, layers and compaction are typical problems with poor soil. Also if sod or seed will not grow in one area, a soil problem is usually the cause. Look for buried materials. To find out if any of the above causes exist, the following tool can be used.

Turf-Tec Pocket Tubular Soil Sampler

The Turf-Tec Pocket Tubular Soil Sampler Stainless Steel - 1/2 inch Diameter extracts a sample 1/2 inch in diameter and will allow you to examine the soil type and conditions.

This small tool allows you to examine the soil from a good area and compare it to a poor area or a dead spot to determine if the soil is identical in both areas.

It also allows for a quick inspection to see if water or irrigation is needed.

Turf-Tec Pocket Tubular Soil Sampler Stainless Steel - 1/2 inch Diameter - TSS1-S
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Mascaro Profile Sampler	Soil Profile Sampler - 6" deep and 12" deep model.
Mascaro Profile Sampler - MPS1-S Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog	Turf-Tec 6" Soil Profile Sampler Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog Turf-Tec 12" Mascaro Profile Sampler Click here to see this item in the Turf-Tec Virtual Catalog

Compaction - Thin areas - Worn areas - Seed or sod that will not grow

Compaction will create problems because the soil becomes so hard that grass roots cannot penetrate and grow. This will also cause water and fertilizer to runoff hard soils.

If you are in the lawn care or golf course industry, you should purchase our Turf-Tec Penetrometer to determine if compaction is a problem. Homeowners can determine their compaction by taking a wire hanger and cut a piece about ten inches long and bend a 90 degree angle in the top. Push the long end of the clothes hanger into the ground and if resistance is met, you have compaction. If the wire hanger bends, compaction is severe.

Be sure to test several areas, good and bad spots, to determine if compaction is a problem in one area or in the entire area. When compacted areas are identified, use a Turf-Tec Aeri-Forke to loosen up the soil and remove plugs. This will correct compaction problems. If the whole area is compacted, you can aerify a small area at a time or contact a local lawn care company to aerify your entire area.

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