Question
I have a Tifton Bermuda lawn in Alabama.  It is very "spongy", that it, my feet and lawnmower wheels sink into it, particularly when it is or has recently been wet.  I use a grass catcher, so the problem isn't thatch, and there is no evidence of insects or moles.  I'm pretty certain it is due to the type of soil put in when the house was landscaped 25 years ago.  I think I need to add something to the soil to give it more "body", to make it mose solid.  But what?  Sand?  Something else?  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Tim, You're right, it's just the soil type.  When the soil becomes saturated, it flows under the weight of a person.  My yard is the same way in Bermuda and Zoysia. Making it harder would mean removing (or tilling) your grass, incorporating a significant amount of coarse sand several inches deep, packing and then re-sodding if you want quick results or re-establishing your tilled grass.  The soft soil only matters to you, not the grass. I've learned to live with mine.  Jim