Ripping the Soil

It became clear after completing the basic earthwork for the site that the soils were very compacted - so compact that it might jeopardize healthy plant development.  A decision was made to "rip" the soil.  This is a process used by farmers to loosen and aerate compacted soil by digging it up with deeply penetrating tines pulled by a tractor.  Plant roots and seeds can then grow more easily.