Cold air temperatures and winter weather are on the way, and checking if the ground is frozen is an important part of a healthy garden. Sometimes it’s just part of making it from one end of your driveway to the next without slipping and falling. So, how do you know for sure if the ground is frozen?
How Do I Know if the Ground Is Frozen?
Sometimes, contractors might need to check if the ground is frozen before they proceed with a specific landscaping job. The same is true for anyone who works in the garden.
Here’s how to check the temperature, and why it matters to check the state of the ground before any attempts to dig further down.
Why check if the ground is frozen?
Frozen ground happens often in winter and snowy weather. The ground freezes and thaws every year but it’s not always ideal for gardeners. Snow and ice can make things complicated. It might mean that you have to proceed differently until the ground thaws.
Seasonally frozen ground temperatures don’t make a good planting companion. Once you know if the ground is frozen or not, you can figure out a better way to proceed. But you’ve got to check first!
DON’T use your weight
Never use your weight to check if the ground is frozen. This can be dangerous and you might slip and fall or walk away with an injury.
The full extent of the surface is never apparent to the naked eye, and you should never gamble your full weight on it.
DON’T walk without being sure
Don’t walk over potentially frozen ground without being sure. Frozen soil could mean that you are more likely to slip, loose soils like sand have more space for water and you can’t always see what you’re stepping on. Don’t guess where your next foot is going to end up.
Unless you want to lose your footing, you want to be sure exactly what you’re going to step on next.
Check the surface
The first thing that you want to do is check the surface. The frozen ground will be colder to the touch, even if the surface temperature of the soil doesn’t feel like much – and where iced over, the ground will tend to feel more solid and compacted.
Water turning into ice might also be present on the surface, usually as a result of condensation from what’s frozen around it.
Dig up some soil
If you can’t tell what’s going on from the top surface of the ground, you might want to try digging up some surface soil next. Use a shovel or sturdy rock, and unturn some soil from where you are. Choose a central point to stand so that you don’t lose your footing while checking.
Scratch away the first layer of bare ground, and you should be able to tell what’s going on underneath. Frozen or not?
Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.
Click on a heading bar below for more information:
Fire Pit Designs Landscaping Services
Imagine the ambiance created in your backyard landscape by a custom fire pit. In fact, nothing is more inviting on a cool spring night or for fall and winter gatherings of family and friends.A fire pit may be used to provide warmth during outdoor entertaining, but also as a heat source for outdoor cooking or simply roasting marshmallows. Our trained custom fire pit installers are experts in turning your vision into reality. More…
Outdoor Living Landscaping Services
Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen offers a professional outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, and outdoor living room design, building, and installation services with FREE ESTIMATES. More…
Retaining Walls Landscaping Services
Enhance the beauty of your landscape with a retaining wall that is customized to coordinate with your home’s exterior.At Arbor Hills, our retaining wall designer will create a functional retaining wall that is aesthetically pleasing for your personal taste, and within your target budget. With the many materials available today, the retaining wall project you’ve been considering is just a phone call away! More…
Stamped and Colored Concrete
It is time to upgrade or replace some of the hardscape features surrounding your home? Stamped and colored concrete is a beautiful and affordable material. It enhances the color and texture featured on your home’s exterior.Stamped concrete in textures from modern to rustic is available to coordinate with your home’s existing design features. Colored concrete can be blended to match or enhance your home’s exterior color scheme. A designer from Arbor Hills will consider all these existing features at your site visit and when designing your project. More…
Patio Pavers Landscaping Services
Concrete pavers are a great way to improve your landscape and garden. In fact, they are super strong and lend themselves to many hardscaping projects. They rarely crack but if they do, each piece is easily replaceable. More…
Landscape Lighting Designs
Outdoor lighting can be nearly as important to the overall look and feel of your home as the landscaping itself. So you shouldn’t short-change yourself by skimping on quality lighting products. We are a full-service landscape and waterscape company that can solve all of your residential and commercial lighting needs anywhere in Omaha and the surrounding areas. More…
Water Feature Landscaping Designs
Imagine the sight and sound of bubbling water as you relax in your outdoor sanctuary. A water feature can give just the right ambiance to your outdoor retreat. Or, if you are looking for a water feature with traffic-slowing curb appeal, a designer from Arbor Hills will help you choose the water feature that best enhances your home. More…
Sod Installation Services
Whether you have just built your home, cleared agricultural land for your personal use, or simply want to improve the look of your existing yard, having sod installed is a fast way to create the lush, green carpet of grass you want.It offers instant satisfaction rather than weeks of waiting and anticipating whether or not your grass seed is going to grow. Plus, using sod offers a host of other benefits. More…More…
Mulch & Rock Landscaping Services
The concept, to design, to delivery and installation, we have more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our services include delivery, full installation, and mulch and rock cleaning around your beds, trees, and more. More…
Plants & Shrubs Landscaping
Plants and shrubs are the backbones of your landscape, therefore they should be the first things you plant. Proper selection will enhance a home’s appearance and increase property value while reflecting the homeowner’s style and personality. More…
Tree Nursery
Let our trained nursery professionals assist you in selecting the perfect tree or shrub to complete your landscape. We carry a selection that is unmatched in Omaha and the surrounding areas and are willing and eager to explain our favorites. Improved varieties are introduced each year and we always strive to carry the best and newest – varieties more resistant to disease, shade trees better able to withstand storm damage, and ornamentals in unique colors, shapes, and sizes you have to see to believe. More…