Why is my lawn lumpy?

Question

We grow beautiful thick green lawn and it doesn't look lumpy until you wlk on it. The soil underneath is terribly lumpy, but it didn't use to be. It has become much more lumpy this summer. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I'd go with the moles answer myself. Do the "lumps" tend to collapse when you step on them? Then they may be mole tunnels. Check the two links below for information on how to get rid of them. If the lumps don't collapse, bend down and look more closely. Are there holes in the top of the lumps with ants crawling out of them? From Iowa State University:

"There are many species of ants which occur in lawns and other turfgrass areas. Most ants do not require controls and are considered beneficial. However, ants may become a nuisance by constructing mounds or small hills in the lawn or by invading the home from the yard in search of food." (third link for info on getting rid of them)

Then, finally, from About.com:

"There are many reasons that your yard could develop "lumps". You have already hit on one and of course that is a root problem. I would suggest that you have someone find one of these lump areas and dig down to see if it is a root problem. Soft Maple trees, for one, are notorious for surface roots
Another reason could be an ant or earthworm problem. Earthworms throw up casts of mud that can harden over time. Earthworms are prevalent if the lawn is consistently damp and shady. If that is the case you will not have a good lawn as turfgrass, other than the Fescues, do not grow well in shady conditions.
If the person that is mowing your lawn cuts in the same pattern each time they mow they could be creating ruts in the lawn from the mower wheels. This would be especially pronounced if the soil was damp when being mowed. Ask the mowing person to change patterns periodically and mow only during dry conditions. (fourth link for more information)"

Hope some of this helps. Good luck!

Answer 2

In certain conditions, lawn slippage occurs. Driving on your lawn with a vehicle, even a mower, when the ground is wet will cause some of this lumpiness you see. Tree roots tend to push the ground up over time as well.

One way to fix this without resodding is to get a heavy duty roller & roll over your lawn East to West. Then start in a corner and roll from corner to corner to flatten the lumps out.

This will cause your soil to compact, but you can aerate the soil with golf shoes, a sharp stick, etc. Then scatter seed to fill in any bare patches and refrain from walking or mowing your lawn when wet. This process should be repeated every 3-5 years or as needed. Lawns which see a lot of use, particularly for sports, are susceptible to developing lumps or waviness, so check your sprinkler heads if you have them to make certain you are watering evenly. Also adjust watering time if necessary to avoid pooling or puddles. I have one spot in my yard that for some reason tends to sink over time. Adding a little topsoil to this area every year seems to help.

Good luck!
gg

Answer 3

It could be the ground settleing. This fall or next spring take a lawn roller and roll your yard with it . It should smoothen it out greatly.

Answer 4

My thought immediately is you have Moles now. They eat grubs, which infest healthy lawns. Get rid of the grubs, and the moles will have nothing to eat. There are also products to get rid of moles directly, including a pretend/poison grub.

Answer 5

there are bodies buried under your lawn

Answer 6

probley moles go to garden supply for answers

Answer 7

i buried some bodies there.

Answer 8

regrade it