Stabilizing Wet Soil Over Clay: Don’t Rototill Wet

After brick patio installation, 15–20 yards of topsoil over clay in SE Michigan stays mucky. Rototilling wet clay + topsoil creates “natural cement”—destroys structure. Only rototill when soil is reasonably dry (crumbles, not gooey).

If it dries: rototill deep with compost, humus, peat moss. Add granulated lime, test soil later. Grade for downhill drainage. Consider drainage system if extreme. Seed in early fall with quality grass (Seedland).

If it never dries: seek professional drainage solutions—rototilling will worsen it.