New Builds & The Unseen Damage To Your Yard
New construction builds can be an exciting time for homeowners. However, some significant concerns arise concerning the landscape soil we encounter often. These issues range from soil quality and erosion to water drainage and nutrient depletion. We've gotten calls from entire neighborhoods with new construction because many homeowners are having lawn issues, including yellowing and lumps, and bumps as well as dying plants and an overall sickly look to their landscape.
New construction builds often disrupt soil, leading to soil compaction, nutrient depletion, and reduced water absorption. During construction, heavy equipment and machinery can cause soil compaction, compressing the soil particles together and reducing pore space. This means that air, water, and nutrients cannot penetrate the soil, making it difficult for plants to grow, having a negative impact on plants and lawns.
Construction activities often remove vegetation cover and disturb the soil surface, which can lead to soil erosion. Soil erosion is the process of soil particles being washed or blown away from the land surface. This can cause issues like the loss of soil fertility, the contamination of water sources, and the destabilization of slopes and hills.
New construction builds can also impact water drainage by increasing runoff and reducing the soil's ability to absorb and store water. When soil becomes compacted, it can't absorb as much water, which increases the risk of flooding and erosion. Additionally, new construction often results in the creation of impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which further reduce the soil's ability to absorb water.
Finally, new construction builds can lead to nutrient depletion in the soil. Construction activities often remove topsoil, the soil layer that contains the most organic matter and nutrients. This can make it difficult for plants to grow, as they need these nutrients to thrive. Additionally, soil disruption and compaction can cause nutrient loss, as the soil cannot absorb and store nutrients as effectively.
New construction builds can lead to a range of landscape soil concerns. These include soil quality, erosion, water drainage, and nutrient depletion. While these issues can be challenging to address, they can be mitigated through proper soil management practices, such as soil testing, soil amendment, and the use of erosion control measures. With professional interventions, you can take steps to protect and restore the soil for long-term landscape health.
Erica is an avid lover of the outdoors, and transformed that love into a partnership running Valley West with Ryan 2012.
