The frost heave: How to stop it

In cold-weather climates, with extreme temperature swings or in regions that have a lot of hard frost throughout winter, roads, plants, and other structures could be negatively affected through frost heave. This happens most frequently toward the end of autumn or at the start of spring, when conditions are favorable, and it can occur in any kind of soil. Find out how to prevent the frost heave from creating destruction to your landscape, home, or commercial property with the help of experts.

What is Frost Heave?

Frost heave is a normal phenomenon caused by the expansion and contraction of soil over alternating times of freezing and melting. To allow frost heave to occur, there are certain conditions that must be satisfied, such as the following:

• Temperature: Frost heave can only occur in regions that have temperatures that are low enough that they can penetrate into the upper layer of soil.

• Moisture content: There has to be sufficient moisture present in the soil for the expansion process to take place.

• Soil: It is the soil that should be prone to frost. Clay, loam, and silt are at the most danger due to their high water content.

If temperatures outside are lower than 32°F, the cold air enters the soil and freezes water in the soil, which causes it to expand. The expansion and subsequent formation of ice occur when water from deeper below is pulled toward the upward direction, which lifts soil roots, plants, rocks, and other substances from the soil. This process continues as the ground is continually exposed to freezing and thawing processes and gives the impression it has become "growing rocks."

Tips to Prevent Frost Heave

In terms of your landscaping, it's essential to be aware of how to prevent frost heave in order to safeguard your plants, hardscape, and even the foundation of your home. Some of the tips include:

Think Ahead

Plant perennials at a minimum of six weeks ahead before the frost's first day to give sufficient time for the root systems to establish. Select your plants based on the zone of hardiness within your region, including the ones that are cold hardy.

Be Vigilant

Keep an eye on the plants that are vulnerable. If you notice an area of heaving there, you can gently push the soil back into position or protect the roots exposed with more soil and mulch.

Promote Drainage

A well-drained soil is an essential component in preventing frost heave. It is essential to treat both subsurface and surface layers to avoid the pooling of water. Some steps include:

• Include organic matter in the soil every spring and autumn to loosen soil and encourage drainage.
• Rake and fill in the low spots during the preparation process and clean the gardens.

Insulate by using mulch

Alongside advantages like the control of weeds and nutrients, mulch can also assist in regulating temperatures in the soil by creating an insulation layer. Spread a layer of organic mulch, such as compost, shredded leaves, straw or bark mulch to a thickness of 4 inches following the initial hard freeze.