What These Strange Soil Clumps Mean in the Hudson Valley

As summer winds down in the Hudson Valley, it is generally time for local animals to slow down as well... so what's the deal with the strange soil clumps found in local parks, golf courses, and cemeteries?

It always seems like there's something new to look out for in the natural New York landscape. While the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) wants to know about local turkey sightings, another organization is easing concerns about the new abundance of what looks like pellets of soil.

"Mystery" Soil Clumps in New York State

Anyone familiar with landscaping practices may immediately recognize the soil cores, however many residents were grateful for the education. "My husband had this done a few years ago and didn’t tell me", said one New Yorker. "I came home and thought I had been invaded by something lol."

It's Lawn Aeration Season in New York State

As a New York State cemetery explained (below), visitors who discover this strange phenomenon are actually finding soil cores, one of the results of lawn aeration. The fall season is the perfect time to start the project that can benefit lawns the following spring.

How to Aerate Your Lawn in New York

There are different ways for New Yorkers to aerate their lawns, but the most effective is "core aeration" (the removal of soil cores) to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass' roots. The most basic method involves manually "stabbing" the grass with a special tool, with a more involved method requiring a machine (below).

Experts say that core aeration is the most viable way to aerate a lawn, as "spike" aerators simply punch holes in lawns that can easily close back up. Check out some more helpful lawncare tips below.