Fixing Soil Erosion Around Your Foundation Without Killing the Lawn

A 13-year-old house has soil receding around the foundation, exposing concrete in spots. The homeowner wants to add soil without killing the grass.

Method Depends on Grass Type

• Sod-forming grasses (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia): Rent a sod cutter, remove the sod, add and compact soil, then replace the sod.
• Seed-established grasses (e.g., fescue): Spread soil on top, compact it, then overseed.

Critical Step

Compact the added soil thoroughly, or the first heavy rain will wash it away. Most grasses won't survive several inches of soil dumped on top without removal and replacement.