Is Lawn Rolling Good or Bad? The Pros and Cons of Lawn Rolling
Introduction
Many people think that lawn rolling is an essential part of lawn care, but it’s not always the case. There are both benefits and drawbacks to lawn rolling, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before deciding whether or not to roll your lawn.
Benefits of Lawn Rolling
- Levels out the soil surface: Lawn rolling can help to level out minor bumps and uneven areas in your lawn. This can make your lawn look more attractive and improve its overall health.
- Prepares a bare area for seeding: If you’re planning to seed a bare area in your lawn, lawn rolling can help to push the seed into the soil and ensure more even germination.
- Helps sod take root: Lawn rolling can help sod to take root and encourage the roots to grow deeper. This can make your sod more resistant to drought and other stresses.
Disadvantages of Lawn Rolling
- Compacts the soil: Lawn rolling can compact the soil beneath the grass, which can prevent water from penetrating the soil and cause runoff. This can lead to drought stress and other problems for your lawn.
- Increases thatch buildup: Lawn rolling can also increase thatch buildup, which is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that can smother your lawn and prevent it from getting the nutrients it needs.
When to Lawn Roll
If you do decide to lawn roll, it’s important to do it at the right time of year and in the right conditions. The best time to lawn roll is in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist but not wet. Avoid lawn rolling in the summer, as this can cause drought stress.
How to Lawn Roll
To lawn roll properly, follow these steps:
- Choose a lightweight water-filled roller.
- Start by filling the roller with about a quarter of water.
- Do a test run to see if this is sufficient to smooth out bumps.
- If not, gradually increase the water until you find the right weight.
- Roll the lawn in a back-and-forth motion, overlapping each pass by about half.
- Avoid rolling the lawn too heavily, as this can compact the soil.
Tips for Lawn Rolling
- Use a lawn roller after you seed or sod your yard.
- Use a lawn roller to correct small bumpy areas of your lawn.
- Use a lawn roller to make a playing turf for putting, croquet, or cricket.
- Avoid lawn rolling if your soil is composed of heavy clay.
Conclusion
Lawn rolling can be a useful lawn care technique, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether or not to roll your lawn. If you do decide to lawn roll, be sure to do it at the right time of year and in the right conditions.
