All soil has some sort of problem structure, texture or chemistry. Good soil is loose and crumbly because it has lots of air spaces, the National Garden Bureau says.
Plant roots penetrate good soil deeply for extended drought resistance and stability.
Typically, soil in the home landscape is compacted, the air compressed from it by the weight of feet tromping across lawns and gardens. Construction, mechanical yard-care equipment and harsh weather do their own share of damage to soil. To reduce compaction, regularly add humus as a top dressing to existing lawns. Spread mulch of some organic type on bare soil in beds and under trees and shrubs year-round. Dig in compost, peat moss or something similar into gardens when you can.