Knowledgebase

Unusual lawn markings #825262

Asked April 11, 2023, 8:50 PM EDT

As the snow has melted I noticed a couple of days ago this unusual marking in my lawn under a tree and extending into the lawn that appeared and each day since more have appeared. I thought when I first saw the marking it looked like someone had drug a branch across the ground. It is varies in depth but is generally 1/2 - 3/4 inch deep…any idea what this may be and if we need to be treating it to prevent further spread.

Minnehaha County South Dakota

Expert Response

My first thought is vole tunnels. 

This resource from UMN is really excellent - https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/vole-damage

Repairing the damage can start in a few weeks by reseeding the damaged area. UMN has some tips in the vole article. I am not a turf expert, so if you would like more details on that part, please submit a separate question.

Amanda, 
Thank you so much for the rapid response and link…the picture in the link matches what we have in our yard. Now we know what we are dealing with and how to remedy the situation. 
Thanks again!! 
Christy 

On Tue, Apr 11, 2023 at 8:20 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied April 11, 2023, 10:56 PM EDT

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