Which practice helps prevent soil compaction in formal or high-traffic garden areas?

• A. Till the soil deeply after every rainfall.
• B. Avoid working soil when wet; use mulch, stepping stones, and defined paths to reduce compaction.
• C. Use heavier machinery to compact the soil.
• D. Leave bare soil exposed for drainage.

Answer: (B)

Preventing soil compaction in formal or high-traffic garden areas relies on keeping soil from being disturbed when it’s most vulnerable and giving people and equipment a solid place to tread. Wet soil is especially prone to compaction because water makes soil particles slide together and reduces pore space, which blocks air and water movement and hinders root growth. By avoiding work on soil when it’s wet and using mulch on the surface, you protect the soil’s structure and moisture balance. Providing stepping stones and clearly defined paths concentrates traffic on durable surfaces, so the soil in beds and planting areas isn’t repeatedly pressed, helping maintain good drainage and root health.

Tilling deeply after rainfall disrupts soil structure and, once the soil dries, can still lead to rapid re-compaction. Using heavier machinery applies more pressure and worsens compaction. Leaving bare soil exposes it to traffic and erosion and doesn’t address the underlying issue of soil structure, so drainage and root growth can suffer.