What is the purpose of breaking up the top 7-8 inches perpendicular to the slope during mound site prep?

• A. To eliminate surface mat that could impede vertical flow into the in situ soil
• B. To compact the surface for stability
• C. To create a drainage channel for surface water
• D. To plant grass seed on the surface

Answer: (A)

Breaking up the top layer across the slope is all about letting water move into the soil rather than run across the surface. The surface mat or crust, if left intact, can impede vertical infiltration, causing water to pond or run off instead of seeping down into the in situ soil. By discing or breaking that top 7–8 inches perpendicular to the slope, you create roughness and more pore space, which promotes downward infiltration and more even moisture distribution in the soil beneath the mound. This helps the absorption area work as intended and reduces surface runoff. Compacting the surface would do the opposite by decreasing porosity, creating a different incorrect effect; routing water along a channel would encourage lateral flow rather than vertical infiltration; planting grass seed isn’t the immediate purpose of this prep step.