Rolling Your Lawn: What You Need to Know

Everyone appreciates a healthy lawn!

Maintaining an attractive lawn is hard work, but tools like lawn rollers help make the job a little easier. Lawn rollers resemble small steamrollers that you push or pull the ground. They’re typically used to help level the soil and improve the overall appearance of your lawn, as well as speeding up the establishment of newly seeded lawns.

When Do You Roll Your Lawn?

In the Spring Some people believe that rolling their grass lawn every spring is an essential part of proper lawn maintenance. Spring is a good time of year as the grass is just coming out of dormancy and the roots are in active growth. You should not roll your lawn more than one time per year, as it can compact the soil and damage the grass.

Lawn rolling can also be beneficial in the following circumstances:

• Preparing a bare area for planting. Rolling the soil will level the ground and eliminate low spots and clods of soil.
• When a new seedbed is being established, rolling ensures all seeds are in contact with the soil, which helps speed up germination.
• After sodding. Once the sod is laid, a lawn roller removes air pockets and ensures the roots are in contact with the soil beneath, which helps the sod become established.
• After a turbulent winter.
• When fluctuating temperatures have caused some soil heaving.
• If your lawn has been made bumpy by animal tunnels and warrens. Using a lawn roller helps smooth these areas so you can identify where new sod or seed are needed.

What Type of Lawn Roller Should You use?

On most residential lawns you don’t want to use too heavy of a roller. A lightweight roller is usually enough to accomplish the task. A light lawn roller, half filled water roller, or a pedestrian lawn mower roller can be used to firm top dressing and roll after seeding. You should not need anything more substantial for most household lawns.

Also, results are best when there is moisture in the ground. Rolling the lawn when it is too dry will not be effective in pushing the seed or grassroots into contact with the soil. Rolling the lawn when it is soaked will lead to soil compaction, making it difficult for the grass to get the water and air that it needs.

In Conclusion

A lawn roller can be a handy tool when used correctly. It should not be used more than one time per year unless necessary. It can cause stress to your grass, particularly during the summer. If you use a lawn roller too often, your grass will not thrive, and it could lead to dead patches.

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