“You can fill gopher holes with soil, sand, gravel, or humane deterrents, depending on whether your goal is prevention, safety, or long-term control.”
Gopher holes can quickly turn a beautiful lawn or garden into a landscape full of unsightly mounds and uneven ground. These small burrowing rodents dig extensive tunnel systems that not only damage grass and plants but can also compromise irrigation systems and pathways. Homeowners often face the challenge of not just spotting the holes, but figuring out how to fill them safely and effectively without causing further issues.
Filling gopher holes isn’t just about aesthetics—properly addressing them helps prevent injuries to children and pets while discouraging gophers from returning. The right materials and techniques can restore your yard’s appearance, protect your plants, and reduce the likelihood of repeated digging. This guide breaks down the best options for filling gopher holes and offers practical tips for keeping your yard gopher-free over the long term.
Why Filling Gopher Holes Matters
Gopher holes might seem small, but they can pose significant hazards to your property. Open holes create tripping risks for children, pets, and even adults walking across the yard. Beyond safety, these holes can damage lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens, leaving uneven ground that makes mowing and landscaping more difficult. Addressing gopher holes promptly helps maintain both the safety and visual appeal of your outdoor spaces.
Filling gopher holes also discourages these burrowing rodents from re-establishing their tunnels in the same area. When holes are left open or improperly filled, gophers can easily dig new passages, creating a cycle of repeated damage. Using the right materials and techniques to fill the tunnels makes the area less inviting and helps prevent future digging.
In addition to safety and deterrence, properly filling gopher holes protects your property from long-term damage. Burrowing activity can weaken soil structure around irrigation systems, walkways, and garden edges. Over time, this may lead to costly repairs or extensive lawn restoration. Taking the time to fill holes effectively not only restores your yard but also preserves the integrity of your landscape, saving time and money in the long run.
Safe Materials to Fill Gopher Holes
1. Soil and Sand Mixtures
One of the most common and effective materials for filling gopher holes is a combination of soil and sand. This mixture provides enough weight and density to stabilize the tunnel, making it harder for gophers to dig through again. Loose soil alone is easily removed, while a soil-and-sand blend compacts well and restores the ground to an even surface.
To use this method, first clear any loose debris around the hole. Then, fill the hole in layers, alternating soil and sand while lightly compacting each layer. This approach discourages re-digging and creates a solid foundation for your lawn or garden. Over time, the mixture settles naturally and blends with the surrounding soil, leaving your yard smooth and safe.
2. Gravel or Small Rocks
Gravel or small rocks can be a practical option, particularly for lawns, pathways, and garden edges. Unlike soil, rocks create an uncomfortable environment for gophers, making it difficult for them to tunnel through the area. This method also helps improve drainage in wet areas where soil might compact or wash away.
When filling holes with gravel, add it in layers and lightly tamp each layer to ensure stability. For best results, mix the gravel with a small amount of soil to prevent it from spreading out or creating sharp edges on the surface. This combination not only fills the hole effectively but also discourages gophers from returning to the same spot.
3. Humane Deterrents
In addition to physical materials, some homeowners choose to use humane deterrents when filling gopher holes. Products like castor oil granules, pepper, or commercial gopher repellents can be mixed with soil or sand to make the area less appealing to the rodents. These deterrents are safe for pets and children while discouraging gophers from returning.
Humane deterrents work best when combined with proper filling techniques. After placing the deterrent in the hole, cover it with a soil or sand mixture and compact the layers. This ensures that the material stays in place and provides both a physical barrier and an unpleasant environment for gophers, reducing the likelihood of future digging.
Step-by-Step Filling Technique
- Clear the Hole and Surrounding Area– Before filling, remove any loose soil, debris, or plant material around the gopher hole. Clearing the entrance ensures that the filling material can settle properly and creates a stable base. This step also makes it easier to monitor the hole for future activity.
- Fill in Layers– Add your chosen material—soil, sand, gravel, or a mixture—in layers, compacting each layer lightly as you go. Layering creates a solid barrier that is difficult for gophers to dig through again. Avoid dumping the material all at once, as it may collapse or leave gaps.
- Create a Small Mound– Once the hole is filled, build a slight mound of soil or gravel over the top. This compensates for settling over time and discourages re-digging by gophers. Monitor the mound periodically and refill if necessary to maintain an even, safe lawn.
- Use Deterrents if Desired– For additional protection, sprinkle natural deterrents or commercially available gopher repellents into the hole before final compaction. This makes the area less appealing and increases the chances of keeping gophers away. Combining physical filling with deterrents creates both a barrier and an uninviting environment for the rodents.
Preventing Future Gopher Problems
Maintain Your Yard Regularly
Keeping your yard tidy is one of the simplest ways to discourage gophers from returning. Trim tall grass, remove thick brush, and clear fallen leaves or debris that provide cover and nesting opportunities. A well-maintained lawn not only looks better but also reduces hiding spots that attract gophers.
Regular inspections are equally important. By checking for new mounds or holes frequently, you can catch gopher activity early and address it before it spreads. Prompt action makes it easier to control the population and protect your garden and landscape from long-term damage.
Install Underground Barriers
In areas where gophers are a recurring problem, physical barriers can offer long-term protection. Bury hardware cloth or mesh at least 18 inches deep around flower beds, vegetable gardens, or other high-value areas. These barriers block gophers from tunneling into vulnerable spots and prevent costly damage to plants and irrigation systems.
Proper installation is key for effectiveness. Ensure the mesh is securely anchored, with no gaps or openings that gophers could exploit. Combined with regular yard maintenance, underground barriers significantly reduce the likelihood of gophers returning and give homeowners greater peace of mind.
Consider Professional Gopher Removal Services
Sometimes, prevention and filling techniques are not enough to fully control gopher activity. Professional wildlife removal services offer humane, effective solutions to remove gophers and protect your property long-term.
Experts can assess your yard, identify high-risk areas, and implement targeted strategies that are safe for children, pets, and landscaping. Engaging a professional service ensures that gopher problems are handled thoroughly, reducing repeated digging and restoring your yard to a safe, healthy condition.
Restore Your Yard and Keep Gophers Away
Filling gopher holes correctly is more than just a quick fix—it’s a crucial step to protect your lawn, garden, and family from potential hazards. Using the right materials, layering properly, and compacting the fill helps restore your yard to a safe, even surface. This approach also discourages gophers from returning to the same area, giving your landscape a chance to recover and thrive.
Beyond filling holes, preventing future problems is essential for maintaining a healthy yard. Regular maintenance, underground barriers, and the use of humane deterrents can significantly reduce the likelihood of gophers digging new tunnels. By staying vigilant and proactive, homeowners can safeguard their lawns and gardens while keeping gophers at bay.
For persistent gopher issues or large infestations, professional help is the safest and most effective solution. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas offers expert gopher removal, humane control methods, and long-term prevention strategies. Acting early ensures your yard stays safe, attractive, and gopher-free, giving you peace of mind and a healthy, well-maintained outdoor space.
Take Action Against Gophers Today
Don’t let gophers keep ruining your lawn, garden, or landscaping projects. Even a few holes can lead to tripping hazards, damaged plants, and uneven ground. Filling the holes yourself can help temporarily, but persistent gopher activity requires professional strategies for long-term results.
AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas offers expert gopher removal and prevention services tailored to your property. Our team uses safe, humane methods that protect children, pets, and your garden while effectively controlling gopher populations. We also provide guidance on the best techniques and materials to fill existing holes and prevent future burrowing.
With our help, you can restore your yard to its full potential, keeping it even, safe, and visually appealing. Don’t wait for gophers to cause more damage—taking action early reduces costly repairs and protects your landscaping investments.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas today or schedule a consultation online to get personalized gopher removal solutions. From hole-filling tips to professional removal and long-term prevention, we’re here to keep your yard healthy, safe, and gopher-free.
