why has the soil in my yard been getting rockier?

Question

I don't think it's drying up and blowing away, because we haven't been in a drought, and I haven't seen any dust storms.

Answer 1

Erosion and/or settling. Erosion is more commonly caused by water. Rainfall can be slowly moving the soil from your yard/land to your neighbours or into the road or ditches. Settling can be caused by new soil being brought in and placed on top of rocky unsettled land. When land is levelled for building on, they sometimes bring in large rocks and gravel as easy landfill or to ensure drainage under the buildings. Then they bring in top soil for grass and landscaping. Over time the soil drops into the rocks and gravel, letting you see what is underneath. OR Your property has a heavy clay base and it is becoming hard and forming clumps as you break it up for planting or whatnot. I doubt this is it because I think you would know the difference between dried clay and rocks. Hope this makes sense?

Answer 2

Just like when you're at a party and you want the walnuts in the party mix you shake the bowl and they all come up to the top. When the Earth shifts and moves all the big rocks will come to the surface because all the little ones have fallen farther down. Im not saying there was an earthquake but tiny shifts in the soil can cause this. It also could be erosion, either wind or water, you won't see it as it happens but you will see the results.

Answer 3

What you need is top soil. May I suggest to pick up all the grass clippings and leaves bagged outside on the streets ready to be recycled and dump those on your back yard. In a few months this material mixed with your own leaf mold and lime will decompose and is ready for grass seed for shady areas. Or you might consider shade-loving shrubs or perennials. For the steep front and sides ground-hugging evergreen shrubs, like Cotoneaster Damneri, might be useful. Being on a tight budget find cuttings for rooting to start the shrubs you like. Start plants from seeds or visit private plant sales, and plant sales held by garden clubs.Talk to a gardening enthusiast in your new neighbourhood. These people are only too happy to help and advice you.

Answer 4

You must be growing rocks, just like I do in my garden. Farmers have this problem, too. Sometimes it takes years to get rid of all the rocks.

Answer 5

I suppose it depends where you live...where I'm from when the soil freezes and thaws it can force rocks up onto the surface...

Answer 6

rocks naturally come to the surface. hydrostatic pressure just pushes up. this is why we move rocks out of the same gardens for decades.

Answer 7

soil after time washes away and breaks down into finer mater and will blow away with the littlest breeze

Answer 8

Maybe you need to re-till it and break it up some more.

Answer 9

If you are in rolling hills, you can ROCK & ROLL while enjoying a ROLLING ROCK beer. (I had to do it.)