(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Fall weather may be upon us, but that doesn’t mean our lawncare duties should go into hibernation just yet. In fact, now is the time to tend to our lawns and ensure they’re in good shape come spring.

And if you’ve noticed that your once lush lawn is looking patchy, soggy, or generally in bad condition, it could point to compacted soil. Essentially, this is when pressure or certain weight squeezes soil particles together. This thick layer blocks any water, essential nutrients, or air from getting into the roots — affecting healthy growth.

But how do you know? And more importantly, what can you do to repair it? To help solve this dilemma, I asked the garden experts to share the key signs of compacted soil, how to test for it, and the best ways to fix it this fall.

1. Water sits on your lawn

Waterlogged grass (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Puddles or standing water on your lawn clearly indicate compacted soil underneath.…