Why is my lawn which was put in 3 years ago becoming bumpy like walking on golf balls?

Question

It is being treated 5 times a year by lawn service, weed and feed, etc. Even my lawnmower bumps up and down as it runs over it. It looks ok but doesn't feel ok when you walk on it.

Answer 1

Taking into consideration how you describe your lawn in it's present state with bumps, like walking on golf balls, doesn't fit the damage left by moles, voles or even rodents digging for grubs as some have concluded. I must admit, as my first thought was moles.
With a little research, though, regarding bumps in lawns, please click on the links below and hopefully they will prove very helpful and you will be able to relay this information to your lawn service people and be able to go from there.
Be reassured, if moles were your problem, it would be evident by volcano shaped piles in your yard up to 2 feet in diameter, easily flattened by stepping on them.
Your description actually fits the "damage" done by,...earthworms...nightcrawlers.
In the third link below, Ron Smith, a Horticulturist, offers some help through his answers to some, like yourself, having (what sounds very much like) the same troubles with their nice lawns. One person even described that when walking on their lawn was like walking on rocks!
Hope this is of help to you.
By the way, to help you further rule out moles, the 4th link below is just one of many sites I found regarding the mole thought. Please don't let your yard service people charge you for mole control or removal, please! Not Mole Crickets either. Nor ants.
If possible, print out the information to help you with getting the best solution in alleviating what is causing the bumps in your lawn. The evidence (per your description) of an excessive amount of (very possibly) nightcrawlers is actually an excellent indication that your lawn is very well maintained/aerated. Worms love that!

Answer 2

I'm agreeing with the others. Sounds like Moles.

First, thatch your lawn and then go rent a roller. It looks like a mini steam roller that you just fill with water for weight. Roll it around you lawn and make it flat.

Then, get one of those tin windmills. Not too pretty, but they cause a thumping and vibration in the ground that keeps the Moles away. If you have a large yard, you might need a few of them.

Another option, and this a problem I have, Grubs. Not that they cause the lumpiness themselves, but the other animals coming on your lawn to dig them up are. A Chemical application can solve that problem.... but you will still need to thatch and roll your lawn flat.

Answer 3

Many times it is cause by frost heave. As the ground freezes and unfreezes the ground expands and contracts.
To correct the problem you will need to roll your lawn with a weighted roller that will smooth out your lawn. This should be done once a year in the spring.

Answer 4

I agree with others -- this sounds like Moles or some form of animals coming along and causing this problem.

This solution may sound crazy but you could always get a garden spade and try 'whacking' the lumps down. You may also want to use a garden spade, stick it in the lumps to see if anything is underneath them.

Answer 5

It is up to the lawn service to fix it.

Call some other lawn companies and ask them what it is.

It sounds like you have moles or voles, little burrowing rodents, making underground passages.

Answer 6

It's either ants or moles, if moles treat lawn with worm killer & they won't have anything to feed on,so will go elswhere. If ants ,they will probably be the flying type which will fly around about late Aug/ Sept, rake and treat with ant killer.

Answer 7

maybe cuzz you live on a golf cores lol.

Answer 8

Sounds like mole crickets..ugly little creepies........

Answer 9

So that's where I left my golf balls......