Soil Quality Restoration

Soil Quality Restorations (SQR) improve your soil for a healthier, greener lawn by incorporating organic matter.  Organic matter improves the tilth of clay soil and water holding capacity of sandier soils.

SQR is also a stormwater management best practice that helps infiltrate stormwater and may qualify for cost share funding.  Although I prefer rain gardens and other practices with more pollinator habitat and visual appeal, the SQR is the best "Bang for the Buck" with regards to pure stormwater infiltration.

SQRs can be performed in both the Spring or Fall, avoiding the summer heat where sunshine can heat up the dark compost cooking any seed and the grass below.

Fall applications can give better grass seed results and if any compost remains, it will be covered by snow and worked into the soil by freeze/thaw action.

SQRs start with a deep tine aeration, 4-6" is best!  This eXmark unit is great for going deep, especially compared to most walk behind rental units that usually go about 2" deep.

Aeration is generally followed by a light overseeding of turf grass seed.  You can also target thin spots in the yard with a little extra seed.  Be aware that some cities won't cover seeding if you are applying for cost share.

After aeration (and seeding) a layer of compost is applied.  Evenly spread compost at a depth of 1/2" to 3/4" is recommended.  You may use a wheel barrow and rake if you want to do it yourself, or bigger contractors may use a blower like in the video further below.

Side by side comparison after compost application
with my Dingo and evening it out with a rake

Soil Quality Restoration • Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership

You can read more about Soil Quality Restorations and see if you qualify for funding at the Rain Campaign.org

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful Fall weather!!!