Worth soaking front and back garden, to prevent soil shrinkage?

Phil4432

At this time of the year, the clay soil our house is built on shrinks a fair bit.  In the nearby park, large cracks appear. 

I was wondering if it was worth soaking the ground, to prevent shrinkage and potential movement?  We do not have any signs of subsidence, it would be more of a prevention measure.  Worth it?  I tend to give the front and back garden a good soak at this time of year, three times per week.  But only enough for grass, hedges etc.

TELLIT01

No.  It would take massive amounts of water to have any effect.

stuart45

Especially if it's that dry and you have a hosepipe ban.

NeverTooLate

Phil4432 said:

I was wondering if it was worth soaking the ground, to prevent shrinkage and potential movement?  We do not have any signs of subsidence, it would be more of a prevention measure.  Worth it?  I tend to give the front and back garden a good soak at this time of year, three times per week.  But only enough for grass, hedges etc.

If you water an established lawn it will encourage the grass to have shallow roots which makes it even more prone to problems in hot weather. Yes, it will go brown, but it'll soon bounce back when the rain comes.

...also you don't need to mow it as much.

Thumbs_Up

Costly bill if on a water meter.

Phil4432

Seems like its not going to be feasible. 

Thanks all.