If your yard has been frozen for an extended period, it’s bound to have lower water content. In order to thaw it, you need to heat it up slowly with shallow layers to avoid searing the surface or otherwise risk damaging the foundation’s subsoil structure by putting heavy burdens on the top too fast after freezing starts. Well, you might be asking. How do you go about thawing frozen ground quickly and is a machine necessary? This read will cover the steps for drying ground you need to achieve that:
(i) Pic a Place in the Ground to Dig
There are numerous spots in the yard where you can dig in order to thaw the frozen ground. These include the garden, under the deck, under the house, etc. The ground in all these spots will be easier to dig as the cold air the soil is exposed to won’t be as concentrated.
Also, this helps with leveling as by digging a spot near the surface, you’re already at a shallow level and the snow can melt faster. If you come across any obstacles like pipes, seek help from a professional before you begin the thawing process.
(ii) Dig a Trench Around the Frozen Spot
With the help of a shovel, begin to make a trench about the size of the hole you will require later on. This will be useful in thawing the ground as it frees up space in spots where you can put heaters.
(iii) Heat Up the Earth Inside the Trench
There are various ways to heat up the spot inside the trench. You can use, electric or gas-powered heating machines, for example, and put them directly into the ground. These kinds of thawing equipment should be put in all parts of the trench, ensuring you do not overlap any places where you’ll put other machines later. If you do not have a thawing machine, hot water in buckets can be effective, but it takes longer.
(iv) Check Progress Every Now and Then
As the process continues, pay attention to any weak spots that might lead to issues down the line. If anything starts to form due to carelessness when digging or improper placement of the machines, do not fret as it can be fixed later. However, if there’s water dripping out of the holes where you’re thawing, it means you did not position the machines in a spot where they can produce adequate heat. This will result in other issues later on as the machines continue to make more hot water, it will not be able to evaporate quickly enough.
(v) Use a Construction Probe
Once you’re done putting the heating machines in the ground, gradually start to fill up the trench with dirt. Ensure you use a construction probe to test the dirt as it’s being added. Once you get to a spot where the ground feels too weak or loose, halt and let the area thaw again before proceeding.
(vi) Start to Thaw Other Spots of the Ground
Move on to other areas and begin digging trenches. If you have a garden that has become frozen as well, this is the time to work on it as well. Also, it’s an excellent time to build up walls for the garden or any other spot you might have in mind.
With these 6 simple and straightforward steps, you are in a better position to thaw frozen ground without having to fret about things such as how you’ll find the right place to begin or how you’ll do it in time for when you need the ground. However, if you are not confident or something goes wrong, do not hesitate to call a professional.