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Location

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Ohio

I have started to noticed that in the past two weeks the dirt is getting kinda hard and compacted about 3 feet around my stump area,I know this is where all the major roots are but would it be ok to losen the dirt a little so i can get better water penetration deeper? This is prolly a no-no but i thought i would ask because by next month its going to be like concrete. I use walking boards.
Brooks

7/21/2004 8:08:02 PM

Whidbey Island

SC
Keep using the boards. You don't want to till the soil. You'd be amazed how many rootlets you would till up. A gentle soaking should keep things loose enough. Don't worry about how compact the surface is, just keep that deep soil happy and untouched.
WPM

7/21/2004 10:39:54 PM

Ohio

okie doke, I wont touch it then,I Also had a idea of taking a really small metal rod about 3 feet long(about the diameter of a pencil)and just air rating my soil a little bit with tiny holes here and there.
Thanks

7/22/2004 9:32:27 AM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Hey Brooks,I put some old leaves around mine to keep the rain from pounding the ground and it is working great, Not to thick .just enough to stop the impact of the rain or water.I also mixed them with miricle grow potting soil.Makes a nice mulch and it can breathe.

7/22/2004 6:53:47 PM

Western Pa.

Leaves no good, can harbor insects, critters and leaf mold!

7/23/2004 9:37:39 AM

Mt.Pleasant,Iowa

Go to the (How to..) section under soil compaction, lots of help.

7/23/2004 8:49:17 PM