You can have your soils tested. Compost or other organic material will also help soils hold moisture and support heartier, more drought-tolerant plants. Try leaves, grass clippings, manure, aged sawdust, wood chips, or humic acid. Mulching is an excellent way to hold moisture, keep the ground from overheating, and discourage weeds. You should also loosen the soil by rototilling or spading while you add the organic matter.
Looser soil can make a healthier lawn.
This page was last updated on June 29, 2000.