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rake4leaves

Compacted soil w/ daily foot traffic

Rake4Leaves
13 years ago

We have a very small rear yard, on a slope with 2 huge pine trees at the back,

with pine needles (no grass) underneath, a metal shed and 2-3 compost piles.

On the slop of the yard, I line dry our clothing, bedding

and have been doing so for 33 years.

The clothes line goes across the width of the yard.

On the sides of the yard, I have beds of perennials, hydrangeas, butterfly bushes, etc.

With daily foot traffic, the soil where the grass has died, is very compacted.

That no longer grassy area is approximately, 20x20, "give or take" a foot.

I know once the cold weather comes, that slope will be hard

and slippery as I walk to the compost piles.

I've already fallen down that small slope, when it is wet and slick.

Getting older, so falling down is not a good thing.

I know about aerating the soil, but am looking for another

way to loosen the soil, without having to hire someone to

aerate and reseed the soil. The pine trees' roots also

grow underneath the sloped area.

I thought about purchasing a tiller, but they are too expensive.

Any ideas as to what alternatives to consider?

Is there a grass that can handle daily foot traffic?

is there an alternative to grass? I already tried

growing clover.

Is there any other way to loosen the compacted soil,

in the coming months this fall?

I look forward to hearing some suggestions.

Thank you.

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