Knowledgebase

What is causing the indentations in my yard? #174879

Asked April 14, 2014, 9:56 AM EDT

I have hundreds of small indentations (or holes) in my yard. I have attached two photos. I have used a spade to dig around a few of them, and they do not appear to be a part of any tunneling effort. Can you help me?

Monroe County Michigan

Expert Response

This looks like skunk damage. There may be a raccoon hole or two because if you have one, you often have the other. It was an extremely harsh winter, and wild animals had a difficult time finding food and lost a great deal of weight. In the spring when the soil thaws, skunks and raccoons begin to root for earthworms, dormant soil insects, and hopefully grubs. They are on a desperate search for protein. This DOES NOT mean you have grubs.  Do not treat for grubs because you will get no results.

Skunks smell something in the soil and begin digging while pivoting around their nose. That is why the soil is usually mounded around most of the hole, just not to one side. If it was a raccoon, their digging is often on one side. There is going to be no way, other than seeding, to repair this damage. Be sure to rake the area and remove all the chunks and fill in the divots. Most years, the ideal seeding time is between mid-April and mid-May. But if it is snowing tomorrow, wait.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 14, 2014, 10:21 AM EDT

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