Why Daily Watering Leaves Soil Hard and Lawn Spots Dry: Compaction, Disease, or Pests?

Soil in pots looks hard/stiff despite daily watering. Lawn has dry spots; fertilizer helped briefly but spots returned. Fertilizer bag says twice a year only.

Lawn Dry Spots: Many Causes

• Actual dry soil.
• Fungal disease.
• Insect or mole/vole damage.

Fertilizer is not the issue. Take photos and soil/grass sample to a garden center for diagnosis.

Pots: Likely Just Need Mulch

Plants appear healthy; a thin mulch layer will dress the surface.

Follow-Up: Mulch and Termites

After fumigation, owner worries mulch attracts termites. Cedar mulch repels insects. Termites rarely infest mulch alone; they need wood contact (siding, timbers) kept wet by mulch. Bark mulch safer than shredded hardwood. Keep mulch away from wood structures.