Anyone else interested in searching private residences, but worried about leaving little yellow patc

pcgs69

I'd love to search some local houses around here but am worried that I'd kill the grass. So, I'm thinking of searching in the fall before the grass dies anyway... Am I paranoid, or is this a concern?

pocketpiececommems

That's why I use a screw diver. Probe carefully so as not to leave nics in coins. Fall and winter are a better time if you don't want to leave spots.

BunchOBull

Maybe consider carrying around a small spray bottle of Miracle Grow and water to spray on the dig spots when you finish? I've never had major issue with grass dying, though I generally cut only a horseshoe plug to keep some of the root system intact.

demodigger

i used to hunt houses, but only looked for the the ones with dirt yards. also looked for yards that were just weeds and/or dying grass.

mr3holesinone

Try to cut a big plug that goes down past the roots before you tear it off. I try to cut a plug probably six to seven inches around and maybe five to six inches deep. You may also want to try when the ground has a little moisture in it. Practice in your yard and see what it takes to avoid leaving dead grass. I think you will do very well if you can find some older residences from before the 1940s...Good Luck!

grip

If all else fails,carry a few cans of green spray paint with you

windwhispersintrees

Don't cut plugs. Get good at pinpointing your target. Then use a strong flat blade digging knife (like a Lesche) to slice an upside down V above your target.
First cut starts above your target and angles down and away from you. Second cut goes in above target and down towards you.
After you make each cut, push the handle front and back a bit make the slot bigger before pulling the knife out. This will leave you with a dirt slot at ground level you can dig into with your knife to pull out/probe your target. Stomp down to close up slot when done.

It also helps if hunting yards to invest in a handheld pinpointer. Results in less digging and quicker retrieval.