Dear forum,
We have a problem. Since we considered the pond on our newly purchased property (with house) too risky for our 1.5-year-old child, we decided to fill it in. The pond (approximately 32 m² (344 sq ft) with depths mostly up to 1.60 m (5.25 ft)) was partially drained by removing as much of the pond liner as possible, then filled in with a mix of edging stones, stones from a terrace, and topsoil. This was done using a mini excavator. The soil was moved around using a Bobcat. The mini excavator was also used elsewhere in the garden, causing some disturbance, so we were advised to spread new topsoil for lawn seeding using the Bobcat. We actually intended to sow the lawn ourselves.
Although the pond area has not visibly settled, water accumulates there during heavy rain. The landscaper told us this is normal and will resolve itself once the grass grows.
Is that really the case? Does water only collect there because it is the lowest point (since soil was simply added everywhere else, raising those areas), or has the former pond area become too compacted due to the excavator and Bobcat traffic? Can we still do anything to improve the situation? Using a tiller or rotary cultivator will likely not get very far because of the stones.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice,
Stephan
We have a problem. Since we considered the pond on our newly purchased property (with house) too risky for our 1.5-year-old child, we decided to fill it in. The pond (approximately 32 m² (344 sq ft) with depths mostly up to 1.60 m (5.25 ft)) was partially drained by removing as much of the pond liner as possible, then filled in with a mix of edging stones, stones from a terrace, and topsoil. This was done using a mini excavator. The soil was moved around using a Bobcat. The mini excavator was also used elsewhere in the garden, causing some disturbance, so we were advised to spread new topsoil for lawn seeding using the Bobcat. We actually intended to sow the lawn ourselves.
Although the pond area has not visibly settled, water accumulates there during heavy rain. The landscaper told us this is normal and will resolve itself once the grass grows.
Is that really the case? Does water only collect there because it is the lowest point (since soil was simply added everywhere else, raising those areas), or has the former pond area become too compacted due to the excavator and Bobcat traffic? Can we still do anything to improve the situation? Using a tiller or rotary cultivator will likely not get very far because of the stones.
Thank you very much for your helpful advice,
Stephan
B
Baumeister8613 Jun 2023 01:32Thank you for your replies.
So: I had cut the pond liner just above the bottom of the empty pond all around, and only a small part of the "base area" probably remained (we’re talking about maybe 6 sqm (65 sq ft)), which was also broken up further with the excavator. Additionally, I poked holes in it with a spade and fork so that the pond would actually drain.
In hindsight, filling the hole with a mix of surrounding stones and soil was probably not a sensible solution. But since the budget was tight and we didn’t want to pay disposal costs on top of labor, we made this decision without much consideration.
Grass seed has since been sown and so far there hasn’t been any sinking. I actually feel that the soil where the pond was (and where the Bobcat drove over) is very hard, and puddles form very quickly when watering the lawn. I guess aeration is the only solution here (either by stomping with shoes or does anyone have experience with high-pressure aerification?). Unfortunately, after applying the soil in early March, aside from the rain in Brandenburg (the last rain was probably in mid-April; the seeding was done mid-May), we didn’t do anything to the soil except removing weeds and lightly loosening it 2–3 cm (1 inch) deep with a hand rake before sowing. Watering was only done after sowing and rolling.
What I find most puzzling and would like some advice on is this: We used RSM lawn seed, which germinated very well, and the first few centimeters also grew nicely. It is still a healthy green now, but it hardly grows any further and often appears patchy even where there are no puddles. It’s been like this for over a month, and it is only about 4 cm (1.5 inches) high now. In other spots where I loosened the soil with a motor tiller, the grass grows very thick and would need mowing by now. Could this be due to excessive compaction? The new topsoil reportedly contained extra compost and was sold to me as seed soil.
What can I do about this? Will fertilizing and overseeding the areas where the grass was washed away by the puddles before germination help? Or do I need to remove the entire turf layer, loosen the soil everywhere with the motor tiller, and reseed?
I won’t even mention the huge amount of chamomile flowers growing in my lawn right now. While they probably aren’t from the new soil, they should be manageable by regular mowing, right?
So: I had cut the pond liner just above the bottom of the empty pond all around, and only a small part of the "base area" probably remained (we’re talking about maybe 6 sqm (65 sq ft)), which was also broken up further with the excavator. Additionally, I poked holes in it with a spade and fork so that the pond would actually drain.
In hindsight, filling the hole with a mix of surrounding stones and soil was probably not a sensible solution. But since the budget was tight and we didn’t want to pay disposal costs on top of labor, we made this decision without much consideration.
Grass seed has since been sown and so far there hasn’t been any sinking. I actually feel that the soil where the pond was (and where the Bobcat drove over) is very hard, and puddles form very quickly when watering the lawn. I guess aeration is the only solution here (either by stomping with shoes or does anyone have experience with high-pressure aerification?). Unfortunately, after applying the soil in early March, aside from the rain in Brandenburg (the last rain was probably in mid-April; the seeding was done mid-May), we didn’t do anything to the soil except removing weeds and lightly loosening it 2–3 cm (1 inch) deep with a hand rake before sowing. Watering was only done after sowing and rolling.
What I find most puzzling and would like some advice on is this: We used RSM lawn seed, which germinated very well, and the first few centimeters also grew nicely. It is still a healthy green now, but it hardly grows any further and often appears patchy even where there are no puddles. It’s been like this for over a month, and it is only about 4 cm (1.5 inches) high now. In other spots where I loosened the soil with a motor tiller, the grass grows very thick and would need mowing by now. Could this be due to excessive compaction? The new topsoil reportedly contained extra compost and was sold to me as seed soil.
What can I do about this? Will fertilizing and overseeding the areas where the grass was washed away by the puddles before germination help? Or do I need to remove the entire turf layer, loosen the soil everywhere with the motor tiller, and reseed?
I won’t even mention the huge amount of chamomile flowers growing in my lawn right now. While they probably aren’t from the new soil, they should be manageable by regular mowing, right?
H
HeimatBauer15 Jun 2023 09:32If lawn seeds have been washed away, simply apply new seed to the affected area.
The soil will settle repeatedly over several years. You just need to level out the depressions regularly if you want a smooth surface.
The soil will settle repeatedly over several years. You just need to level out the depressions regularly if you want a smooth surface.
X
xMisterDx15 Jun 2023 11:40Why wasn’t it actually possible to remove the entire pond liner?
Once the water is drained, you can reach the whole liner, right?
If you just threw rubble in there, no wonder.
I’m currently filling in my construction water pit.
One wheelbarrow of gravel, wet it, compact with a hand tamper... next wheelbarrow of gravel, compact, and so on.
For 32m² (344 ft²), you should consider renting a vibratory plate compactor.
Once the water is drained, you can reach the whole liner, right?
If you just threw rubble in there, no wonder.
I’m currently filling in my construction water pit.
One wheelbarrow of gravel, wet it, compact with a hand tamper... next wheelbarrow of gravel, compact, and so on.
For 32m² (344 ft²), you should consider renting a vibratory plate compactor.
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