INQUIRY FROM A CUSTOMER:
Customer: Do you do lawn rolling?
Simply Grounds: Why?
Customer: My lawn is bumpy
Simply Grounds: In a word, no
Why Lawn Rolling is Usually a Bad Idea: An Expert’s Perspective
As lawn care experts, we never recommend rolling a lawn. In fact, most reputable lawn maintenance companies would agree. While many homeowners believe rolling will flatten bumps and create a perfectly smooth surface, it rarely achieves the desired result.
Think about it: you’d need something similar to a steamroller to truly flatten out significant bumps and lumps. This presents a catch-22. A roller light enough to avoid negatively impacting the soil won’t be powerful enough to smooth out the imperfections. Conversely, a roller heavy enough to make a difference will severely compact your lawn, hindering healthy grass growth while ironically making it easier for weeds to thrive.
The Problem with Compacted Soil:
Compacted soil is detrimental to a healthy lawn. It lacks the necessary spaces, or “pores,” that allow it to hold the correct balance of water and oxygen, both crucial for grass growth.
Waterlogging: When water can’t drain properly due to compaction, the grass roots become waterlogged and begin to decompose.
Oxygen Deprivation: Tightly compacted soil prohibits oxygen exchange in the roots, leading to root decomposition and, ultimately, plant death.
Therefore, rolling your lawn in an attempt to flatten uneven surfaces can be counterproductive and potentially harm your lawn’s health.
Alternatives to Rolling: Consult the Experts
If you believe your lawn needs rolling, we urge you to consult with Simply Grounds for a professional assessment. We can evaluate your lawn’s condition and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
In many cases, alternative practices can achieve your desired results without the negative consequences of lawn rolling like:
Aeration: Relieves compaction and improves air and water circulation.
Overseeding: Thickens the turf density, filling in bare patches.
Topdressing: Improves soil structure and provides nutrients.
Proper Mowing Techniques: Encourages healthy growth and prevents scalping.
Contact Simply Grounds today for a consultation and let us help you achieve a beautiful and healthy lawn.
