What Causes Lawn Depressions

It is a dream of every homeowner to have a beautiful lawn, but not every lawn is free of problems. Lawn depression is also one of the common issues all around the world and can throw a wrench in your ideas to give your lawn a gorgeous look. What causes lawn depressions? The answer may vary from one scenario to the other. But the common causes include poor drainage, compact soil and construction, etc.

These lumps and bumps in the lawn don’t look good and can ruin the aesthetic look of the lawn. If you avoid healing a depressed lawn, it may become costly, lead to further damage, and reduce soil productivity. Therefore in this guide, we have discussed the causes of lawn depression and their relevant fixes, so keep reading.

Signs of Lawn Depressions

If you want to know whether your lawn is depressed, the following indication will help you in this scenario:

• You will see the cracks in the building and home foundations.
• These cracks are very prominent in the interior walls.
• The exterior ground also has cracks.
• The fence posts and trees may tip.

So if you notice all of these signs around you, it’s time to pay attention to your depressed lawn.

Why Are There Depressions In My Lawn

If there are depressions in your lawn and you are worried about them and want to know why then the following are the main causes of depression in your lawn:

1. Poor Drainage

One of the common reasons behind lawn depression is poor drainage. If there is not a proper system for the drainage of excess water, then it may build up a lawn depression. The excess of water not only ruins grass but also makes the soil bumpy and leads to cracks in the exterior lawn.

2. Cracks on the Soil

Lawn depression also occurs due to the cracks on the soil’s surface. The surface of the soil cannot hold the air and water, and because of this, water accumulates and causes the sinking of the ground. The presence of extra water makes cracks and depresses the lawn.

3. Construction

The use of heavy machinery on your lawn can cause lawn depression. The impact of the heavy machines on the grass during construction affects the soil and then the growth of grass because the land becomes hard and resists the growth.

4. Soil Compaction

With time the soil becomes compact and reduces the water or air penetration which is important for a healthy lawn. Soil compactness makes the area hypersensitive to depression.

5. Buried Items Like Rocks

Buried items like rocks also depress your lawn and the entire area. Most of the rocks are heavier than the soil, when you dig them out, they leave a hole in the soil and depress the surface.

6. Using Heavy Equipment

Using heavy equipment on the lawn, like trimmers, mowers, and other gadgets, can also risk your lawn. These heavy tools can remove the topsoil, which has important nutrients for the growth of plants.

7. Climate Change

Temperature changes greatly impact the lawn, especially the spring weather changes, causing lawn depression. The rise in environmental temperature can expand the soil, and the groundwater tends to evaporate and sink.

8. Pets And Animals

When pets and animals trample off the grass and dig holes, they lead the lawn to depression due to the lumps and bumps.

9. Gardening Equipment

Sharp edges of gardening equipment can also cause lawn depression. When you use these gadgets without safety precautions, you will not only damage the grass but also the soil.

10. Leaky Pipe or Oil Tank

The nearby leaking pipes and oil tanks also create a depression in the ground. Remember not to move them without protection because it may be hazardous.

How to Fix Lawn Depressions

Nothing is impossible in this world, and mending a saggy lawn is possible if you have enough information. However, the method of repairing lawns depends on the type and causes of depression. Some methods are below for common causes, but if the damage worsens, you may need to use some above-and-beyond tricks:

1. Proper Nutrition

Proper nutrition is one of the important things that can overcome the effects of depression. The lack of essential nutrients weakens the soil, affects grass growth, and leads to vulnerable damage. So fertilize your lawn at regular intervals and when needed.

2. Soil Aeration

Regular aeration and water drainage are also required if the damage is severe. So make sure that the soil has proper aeration and make possible the drainage of excess water from your lawn. For aeration, you can use a small fork and extract small cores in the soil. In this way, the air and water penetrate properly and reduce lawn depression.

3. Overseeding

It is another great way to hide the lawn depression. When you overseed the lawn, it will repair the damaged areas by lessening the sagginess and promoting grass growth. Overseeding is an excellent way to get a thick lawn, leading to dense grass growth.

4. Leveling

It is a great idea to level your lawn if it faces depression due to poor drainage and water ponding. When you level your lawn, the soil becomes more productive, and the growth rate will increase with glossy leaves. In this process, you can level the sand and fill the depression by filling the holes and flatting the area. But don’t use too much sand, as it can suffocate your lawn and make root growth difficult.

5. Weed And Insect Control

When your lawn becomes prone to weeds and insects, it may lead to low grass growth and more exposure to soil. Even various insects can kill entire lawn patches. So it is important to control the growth of weeds and insects.

6. Replanting

It is good to replant the area if weeds and insects damage your lawn. Healthy grass is key to preventing depression in your lawns and is a critical step for your lawn repair. It is best to replace dead grass with the same type, giving your lawn a more uniform appearance.

How to Level My Lawn Without Killing the Grass

You can level your lawn whenever you want, but it may become difficult when it has grass on it. But don’t worry, you can still level your lawn without killing the grass by following the below methods:

Topdressing With a Leveling Mix

Using a thin layer of a level mix of compost becomes very helpful for your uneven lawn if it doesn’t run deep. You can easily fill this general unevenness with sand, compost, and soil. The variation of top spreading may require several applications.

Cutting Out a Patch of the Turf

But if there are small depressions and holes in your lawn and they are covered by grass, then only cut out that patch, mix the soil, and put the patch back. This technique, known as sweeping under the carpet, and very suitable for leveling the depression without soil exposure.

Compacting the Soil

Compact the soil gently and water the area after filling the deep, uneven surface. When you pile the loose dirt, the soil settles down without killing the grass, and regularly walking on it will make the soil compact.

( Tip: Although, all of these ways are best for leveling your lawn without killing the grass, whatever way you choose, start the process during spring. The condition of this season is excellent for nourishing grass, and it will gain shape before the rough summer conditions.)

Conclusion

The uneven lawn and the bumps contribute to lawn depression and are very annoying for lawn owners. These bumps hinder making a lush green lawn without lumps and bumps. Lawn depression is a serious thing and is a restriction for a thriving lush lawn. I hope that after this guide, you will get rid of these depressions in your lawn, and your dream of a healthy green lawn will come true.

FAQs

1. How Do You Fix Big Dips in a Lawn?

It depends on the leveling of the dips in a lawn. It is important to cover these big dips, the quick fix is to level them until you get a flat surface.

2. How Do I Make My Lawn Smooth And Bumpy?

For a bumpy and smooth lawn, topdressing is a perfect option. The good thing is that you can do it without returfing and lifting. Distribute the topdressing around the lawn and use the broom or back of the rake for an even spread.

3. What Causes a Lumpy Lawn?

The reasons behind a lumpy lawn are fertilization, aeration, pest damage, and improper irrigation. All of these reasons force them to arise. The grass will become thicker and healthier as long as you take care of the grass.