Tire tracks in a lawn result from soil compaction and the physical displacement of the turf layer. When heavy weight, such as a vehicle, presses down on saturated ground, the pore spaces between soil particles collapse. This compaction inhibits the flow of air and water necessary for healthy root growth, while the tire’s weight simultaneously pushes the sod down, creating depressions known as ruts. Repairing this damage requires addressing both the soil structure beneath the surface and the uneven contour of the turf.
Assessing the Damage and Preparation
The repair approach depends on categorizing the damage. Shallow depressions are ruts less than two inches deep where the grass remains mostly intact but the soil is compressed. Deep ruts involve severe displacement or tearing of the sod, often exceeding four inches in depth. Before beginning physical work, the soil must be dry enough to crumble easily in your hand; attempting repairs on wet soil will only cause further compaction. Clear the affected area of any loose debris, broken sod pieces, or rocks displaced by the tire.
Repairing Shallow Depressions
Minor ruts can be fixed without removing the grass by focusing on relieving underlying soil compaction. Use a garden fork to penetrate the soil within the track at an angle. Gently lever the handle upward to lift the compacted soil mass, aiming to raise the turf one to two inches above the surrounding lawn. This action reintroduces air pockets into the soil structure, which is necessary for root recovery.
After lifting the turf, fill the resulting void beneath the grass with a thin layer of topsoil blended with compost. This mixture maintains better long-term soil structure than pure topsoil, which can settle excessively. Tamp the raised area lightly with the back of a shovel or a hand roller to ensure the new soil makes firm contact with the grass roots. The slightly mounded turf will settle over the next few weeks as you water it, eventually leveling out with the surrounding lawn.
Fixing Deep Ruts and Severely Damaged Sod
Repairing deep ruts requires addressing the significant displacement of subsoil and potential grass tearing. If the sod is displaced but largely intact, use a flat-edged spade to cut the perimeter of the track, allowing you to gently lift and peel back the turf. Once the sod is removed, use the garden fork to loosen the exposed, compacted subsoil to a depth of at least six inches to restore drainage and aeration.
Fill the loosened area with high-quality topsoil or a blend of equal parts topsoil and compost or sandy loam. It is important to overfill the rut slightly, mounding the soil one to two inches above the surrounding grade to account for future settling. Carefully lay the intact sod back into its original position, pressing down firmly to ensure good soil-to-root contact.
If the sod within the track is destroyed, the area must be prepared for replacement or reseeding. After loosening the subsoil and filling the rut to the appropriate level, the area is ready for new turf. For immediate results, new sod should be cut to fit the dimensions of the rut, ensuring the variety matches the existing lawn for a seamless repair. Alternatively, broadcast grass seed appropriate for your region over the new soil. Lightly rake the seed into the top quarter-inch of soil and cover with a thin layer of straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent wash-out.
Long-Term Recovery and Preventing Future Damage
Following any repair, the area requires careful management to ensure the grass re-establishes. Water the repaired sections frequently with light applications, keeping the top two inches of soil consistently moist until new growth is evident. Once new seed germinates or new sod roots, transition to deeper, less frequent watering to encourage the development of strong, deep root systems. Traffic should be avoided on the repaired area for six to eight weeks to allow the new roots to fully anchor into the soil.
Preventing future ruts begins with avoiding driving on wet soil. If vehicle access is necessary, lay down plywood sheets or thick construction mats to distribute the weight over a wider area. During periods of heavy rain or thawing, install temporary physical barriers, such as small posts and rope, to remind people to bypass soft lawn areas. Regular core aeration of the entire lawn will also help maintain healthy soil structure, making the turf more resistant to compaction damage.