Restoring Your Lawn after Flooding: A Comprehensive Guide

Restoring Your Lawn After Flooding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Flooding can take a toll on your lawn, leaving it brown, patchy, and looking worse for wear. But don’t despair! With a little care and attention, you can restore your lawn to its former glory.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from assessing the damage to reseeding your lawn. Following these tips, you can bring your lawn back to life and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn once again.

We recommend using our Flood Recovery Guide For Your Lawn as a starting point and add in any additional details that you think would be helpful for your readers.

Key Insights

• Assess the damage: The first step to restoring your lawn after flooding is to assess the damage. This will help you determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action.
• Remove debris: Once you have assessed the damage, it is important to remove any debris from your lawn. Debris can smother the grass and prevent it from growing.
• Aerate the soil: Aerating the soil helps to improve drainage and allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. This is especially important if the soil has been compacted by flooding.
• Fertilize the lawn: Fertilizing your lawn helps to provide the nutrients that it needs to grow and repair itself. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for lawns that have been flooded.
• Water the lawn: Watering your lawn is essential for its growth and repair. Water your lawn deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.

1. Assessing the Damage

After a flood, it’s important to assess the damage to your lawn so you can determine the best course of action. Here are a few things to look for:

• Standing water: Standing water can drown your grass and cause it to rot. If there is standing water on your lawn, pump it out as soon as possible. To remove standing water, use a pump to remove the water from your lawn. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water.

• Brown or yellow patches: Brown or yellow patches indicate that the grass is dead or dying. These areas will need to be reseeded.

• Compacted soil: Compacted soil can prevent water and oxygen from reaching the roots of the grass. This can be caused by the weight of the flood water or by debris that has been deposited on the lawn. Aerating the soil will help to improve drainage and allow water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. You can use a core aerator, a spike aerator, or a liquid aerator to aerate your lawn.

Once you have assessed the damage to your lawn, you can develop a plan to restore it. With a little care and attention, you can bring your lawn back to life and enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn once again.

Check for standing water

Standing water can be a major problem for lawns, as it can drown the grass and cause it to rot. If there is standing water on your lawn, it is important to pump it out as soon as possible. Here are a few tips for removing standing water from your lawn:

• Use a pump: A pump is the most effective way to remove standing water from your lawn. You can rent or purchase a pump from your local hardware store. To use a pump, simply place it in the lowest point of the flooded area and turn it on. The pump will suck up the water and discharge it away from your lawn.

• Use a wet/dry vacuum: A wet/dry vacuum can also be used to remove standing water from your lawn. However, wet/dry vacuums are not as powerful as pumps, so it may take longer to remove the water. To use a wet/dry vacuum, simply attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum cleaner and turn it on. The vacuum will suck up the water and deposit it in the vacuum cleaner’s tank.

• Use a squeegee: A squeegee can be used to remove small amounts of standing water from your lawn. To use a squeegee, simply drag the squeegee across the flooded area. The squeegee will push the water away from your lawn.

Once you have removed the standing water from your lawn, it is important to aerate the soil. Aeration will help to improve drainage and allow water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. You can use a core aerator, a spike aerator, or a liquid aerator to aerate your lawn.

Inspect the grass

Once the standing water is gone, it’s important to inspect the grass for damage. Look for brown or yellow patches, which could indicate that the grass is dead or dying. These areas will need to be reseeded.

In addition to brown or yellow patches, you should also look for signs of disease. Disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including flooding. If you see any signs of disease, such as wilting, yellowing, or brown spots, you should contact a lawn care professional for advice.

If the damage to your lawn is severe, you may need to reseed the entire lawn. Reseeding is a process of planting new grass seed in the damaged areas. To reseed your lawn, you will need to purchase grass seed that is suitable for your climate and soil type. You will also need to prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the grass seed using a spreader. After planting the grass seed, it is important to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. With a little care and attention, your lawn will soon be back to its former glory.

Check the soil

Flooding can also damage the soil in your lawn. One of the most common problems is compaction. Compaction occurs when the soil is compressed, which can prevent water and oxygen from reaching the roots of the grass. This can lead to a number of problems, including brown or yellow patches, wilting, and even death.

To check for compaction, simply take a screwdriver or other sharp object and insert it into the soil. If the object can be easily inserted into the soil, then the soil is not compacted. However, if the object is difficult to insert, then the soil is compacted.

If the soil in your lawn is compacted, there are a few things you can do to improve drainage and aeration. One option is to aerate the soil. Aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow water and oxygen to penetrate. You can aerate your lawn using a core aerator, a spike aerator, or a liquid aerator.

Another option is to add organic matter to the soil. Organic matter, such as compost or manure, can help to loosen the soil and improve drainage. You can add organic matter to your lawn by spreading it over the surface of the soil and then working it in with a rake or shovel.

With a little care and attention, you can improve the drainage and aeration of the soil in your lawn and help your grass to thrive.

2. Removing Debris

Once you have assessed the damage to your lawn, it is important to remove any debris from the lawn. Debris, such as sticks, leaves, and rocks, can smother the grass and prevent it from growing. It can also provide a breeding ground for pests and diseases.

To remove debris from your lawn, you can use a rake or a leaf blower. A rake is a good option for removing small debris, such as leaves and grass clippings. A leaf blower is a good option for removing larger debris, such as sticks and rocks. Once you have removed the debris from your lawn, you can dispose of it in your compost pile or in your trash can.

If there is a lot of debris on your lawn, you may need to rent or purchase a lawn vacuum to remove it. A lawn vacuum is a machine that sucks up debris from the lawn. Lawn vacuums are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a lawn vacuum, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn and the type of debris you need to remove.

Use a rake or leaf blower

A rake or leaf blower can be used to remove small debris from your lawn. Rakes are best for removing small debris, such as leaves and grass clippings. Leaf blowers are best for removing larger debris, such as sticks and rocks.

To use a rake, simply rake the debris into piles. Once you have raked the debris into piles, you can dispose of it in your compost pile or in your trash can. To use a leaf blower, simply point the leaf blower at the debris and blow it away. You can then dispose of the debris in your compost pile or in your trash can.

If you have a large lawn, you may want to rent or purchase a lawn vacuum to remove small debris. Lawn vacuums are machines that suck up debris from the lawn. Lawn vacuums are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a lawn vacuum, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn and the type of debris you need to remove.

Use a shovel or pitchfork

A shovel or pitchfork can be used to remove larger debris from your lawn, such as sticks, rocks, and branches. To use a shovel, simply scoop up the debris and place it in a pile. Once you have shoveled up all of the debris, you can dispose of it in your compost pile or in your trash can.

To use a pitchfork, simply stab the pitchfork into the debris and lift it up. You can then place the debris in a pile and dispose of it in your compost pile or in your trash can.

If you have a large amount of debris to remove, you may want to rent or purchase a lawn vacuum. Lawn vacuums are machines that suck up debris from the lawn. Lawn vacuums are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a lawn vacuum, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn and the type of debris you need to remove.

Dispose of debris properly

Once you have removed the debris from your lawn, it is important to dispose of it properly. Do not put it in your compost pile, as this could spread disease. Instead, you can dispose of the debris in your trash can or at a local landfill.

If you have a large amount of debris to dispose of, you may want to rent or purchase a dumpster. Dumpsters are large containers that can be used to dispose of large amounts of debris. Dumpsters are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a dumpster, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the amount of debris you need to dispose of.

You can also hire a junk removal service to remove the debris from your lawn. Junk removal services are companies that specialize in removing unwanted items from homes and businesses. Junk removal services typically charge a fee for their services. When choosing a junk removal service, be sure to choose one that is reputable and has a good track record.

3. Aerating the Soil

Aerating the soil helps to improve drainage and allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. This is especially important if the soil has been compacted by flooding. Compacted soil can prevent water and oxygen from reaching the roots of the grass, which can lead to a number of problems, including brown or yellow patches, wilting, and even death.

There are a few different ways to aerate the soil. One option is to use a core aerator. A core aerator removes plugs of soil from the lawn, which helps to improve drainage and aeration. Another option is to use a spike aerator. A spike aerator pokes holes in the soil, which also helps to improve drainage and aeration. Finally, you can also use a liquid aerator. A liquid aerator is a chemical that can be applied to the lawn to help improve drainage and aeration.

No matter which method you choose, aerating the soil is an important step in restoring your lawn after flooding. Aeration will help to improve drainage and aeration, which will allow water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass and help your lawn to recover.

Use a core aerator

A core aerator is a machine that removes plugs of soil from your lawn. This helps to improve drainage and aeration, which allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. Core aerators are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a core aerator, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn and the type of soil you have.

To use a core aerator, simply push the aerator across your lawn. The aerator will remove plugs of soil as it moves across the lawn. Once you have aerated your lawn, you can dispose of the soil plugs in your compost pile or in your trash can.

Core aeration is a great way to improve the health of your lawn. Aeration helps to improve drainage and aeration, which allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. This can lead to a number of benefits, including improved growth, increased drought tolerance, and reduced disease problems.

Use a spike aerator

A spike aerator is a machine that pokes holes in the soil. This helps to improve drainage and aeration, which allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. Spike aerators are available in a variety of sizes and price ranges. When choosing a spike aerator, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn and the type of soil you have.

To use a spike aerator, simply push the aerator across your lawn. The aerator will poke holes in the soil as it moves across the lawn. Once you have aerated your lawn, you can dispose of the soil plugs in your compost pile or in your trash can.

Spike aeration is a great way to improve the health of your lawn. Aeration helps to improve drainage and aeration, which allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. This can lead to a number of benefits, including improved growth, increased drought tolerance, and reduced disease problems.

Use a liquid aerator

A liquid aerator is a chemical that can be applied to your lawn to help improve drainage. Liquid aerators work by breaking down the organic matter in the soil, which helps to create channels for water to flow through. This can be beneficial for lawns that have been compacted by flooding or that have poor drainage.

To use a liquid aerator, simply apply the product to your lawn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Liquid aerators are available in a variety of formulations, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your lawn and the type of soil you have.

Liquid aeration is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve the drainage of your lawn. It is also a good option for lawns that are difficult to aerate with a core aerator or a spike aerator. However, it is important to note that liquid aeration is not a substitute for regular core aeration. Core aeration is still the best way to remove soil compaction and improve the overall health of your lawn.

4. Fertilizing the Lawn

Fertilizing your lawn helps to provide the nutrients that it needs to grow and repair itself. After a flood, your lawn will need extra nutrients to help it recover. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for lawns that have been flooded. These fertilizers will contain the right nutrients to help your lawn recover from the damage caused by the flood.

When applying fertilizer to your lawn, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Over-fertilizing your lawn can damage the grass and lead to other problems. Water the fertilizer in after you have applied it to help it to dissolve and reach the roots of the grass.

Fertilizing your lawn is an important step in restoring it after a flood. Fertilization will help to provide the nutrients that your lawn needs to grow and repair itself. With a little care and attention, your lawn will soon be back to its former glory.

Choose the right fertilizer

When choosing a fertilizer for a lawn that has been flooded, it is important to select a product that is specifically designed for this purpose. Not all fertilizers are created equal, and some may not contain the right nutrients for a flood-damaged lawn. Fertilizers for flooded lawns typically contain higher levels of nitrogen, which is essential for promoting new growth. They may also contain other nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, which can help to strengthen the grass and improve its overall health.

When selecting a fertilizer, be sure to read the label carefully to ensure that it is appropriate for your lawn. You should also consider the type of grass you have, as some fertilizers are designed for specific types of grass. If you are unsure which fertilizer to choose, you can consult with a lawn care professional for advice.

Once you have selected a fertilizer, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Over-fertilizing your lawn can damage the grass and lead to other problems. Water the fertilizer in after you have applied it to help it to dissolve and reach the roots of the grass.

Apply the fertilizer evenly

When applying fertilizer to your lawn, it is important to apply it evenly. This will help to ensure that all of the grass gets the nutrients that it needs. To apply fertilizer evenly, you can use a spreader. Spreaders are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that is appropriate for the size of your lawn. Once you have selected a spreader, fill it with the fertilizer and adjust the settings to ensure that the fertilizer is being applied evenly.

When applying fertilizer, start at one end of your lawn and walk in straight lines, overlapping each pass slightly. Be sure to avoid applying too much fertilizer in one area, as this can damage the grass. Once you have applied the fertilizer to the entire lawn, water it in deeply. Watering the fertilizer in will help to dissolve the fertilizer and allow it to reach the roots of the grass.

Applying fertilizer evenly to your lawn is important for ensuring that all of the grass gets the nutrients that it needs. This will help your lawn to grow and repair itself more evenly, and it will also help to prevent problems such as brown patches and weak growth.

Water the fertilizer in

Once you have applied the fertilizer to your lawn, it is important to water it in. Watering the fertilizer in will help to dissolve the fertilizer and allow it to reach the roots of the grass. This will help the grass to absorb the nutrients in the fertilizer and use them to grow and repair itself.

To water the fertilizer in, simply use a garden hose or sprinkler to water your lawn deeply. Be sure to water the entire lawn evenly, and avoid overwatering. Overwatering can damage the grass and lead to other problems.

Watering the fertilizer in is an important step in the process of restoring your lawn after flooding. By watering the fertilizer in, you will help the grass to absorb the nutrients it needs to grow and repair itself. This will help your lawn to recover from the damage caused by the flood and regain its former beauty.

5. Reseeding the Lawn

If the damage to your lawn is severe, you may need to reseed it. This is a process of planting new grass seed in the damaged areas. Reseeding is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that your new grass seed germinates and grows successfully.

To reseed your lawn, you will need to purchase grass seed that is suitable for your climate and soil type. You will also need to prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the grass seed using a spreader. After planting the grass seed, it is important to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. With a little care and attention, your new grass seed will soon germinate and grow into a healthy, new lawn.

Reseeding your lawn is a great way to repair damage caused by flooding or other events. By following the steps outlined above, you can help your lawn to recover and regain its former beauty.

Choose the right grass seed

When choosing grass seed for your lawn, it is important to select a variety that is suitable for your climate and soil type. Not all grass seeds are created equal, and some varieties may not be well-suited to your particular growing conditions. For example, some grass seeds are more tolerant of drought than others, while others are better suited to shady areas.

To choose the right grass seed for your lawn, you should consider the following factors:

• Climate: The climate in your area will determine which grass seeds are best suited to your lawn. For example, if you live in a warm climate, you will need to choose a grass seed that is tolerant of heat and drought. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to choose a grass seed that is tolerant of cold and snow.
• Soil type: The soil in your lawn will also affect which grass seeds are best suited to your lawn. For example, if you have sandy soil, you will need to choose a grass seed that is tolerant of drought. If you have clay soil, you will need to choose a grass seed that is tolerant of compaction.

Once you have considered these factors, you can begin to narrow down your choices for grass seed. You can consult with a lawn care professional or visit your local garden center for advice on which grass seed is right for your lawn.

Prepare the soil

Before you plant grass seed, it is important to prepare the soil. This includes loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris. Loose soil will allow the grass seed to make good contact with the soil, which will help it to germinate and grow. Removing weeds and debris will give the grass seed a chance to establish itself without competition.

To prepare the soil, you can use a tiller or a shovel to loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Once the soil is loosened, you can remove any weeds or debris by hand or with a rake. You can also use a herbicide to kill any weeds that are present. Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the grass seed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Preparing the soil before planting grass seed is an important step in ensuring that your new lawn has a healthy start. By following these steps, you can help your grass seed to germinate and grow into a beautiful, new lawn.

Plant the grass seed

Once the soil is prepared, you can plant the grass seed. To do this, you will need a spreader. A spreader is a device that evenly distributes the grass seed over the damaged areas. You can purchase a spreader at your local hardware store or garden center.

To use a spreader, fill it with grass seed and adjust the settings to ensure that the seed is being evenly distributed. Once you have adjusted the settings, walk back and forth over the damaged areas, spreading the grass seed as you go. Be sure to overlap your passes slightly to ensure that all of the damaged areas are covered.

Once you have planted the grass seed, it is important to water it regularly to keep the soil moist. You should also avoid mowing the new grass until it has reached a height of about 3 inches. Mowing the new grass too soon can damage the seedlings and prevent them from establishing themselves.

6. Watering the Lawn

Watering your lawn is essential for its growth and repair. Water your lawn deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Deep watering encourages the roots of the grass to grow deep into the soil, which makes the lawn more drought tolerant. Regular watering also helps to prevent the grass from going dormant during hot weather.

To water your lawn deeply, use a sprinkler or soaker hose to apply water to the lawn for about 30 minutes. This will allow the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. You should water your lawn regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Watering your lawn is an important part of lawn care. By watering your lawn deeply and regularly, you can help your lawn to grow and repair itself, and you can also prevent problems such as drought stress and brown patches.

Water deeply

When you water your lawn, it is important to water it deeply. This means watering the lawn for a longer period of time, so that the water can penetrate the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Deep watering encourages the roots of the grass to grow deep into the soil, which makes the lawn more drought tolerant. Deep watering also helps to prevent the grass from going dormant during hot weather.

To water your lawn deeply, you can use a sprinkler or a soaker hose. If you are using a sprinkler, move the sprinkler around so that the entire lawn is watered evenly. If you are using a soaker hose, place the hose on the lawn and turn on the water. The water will slowly seep out of the hose and into the soil.

Watering your lawn deeply is important for the health of your lawn. Deep watering helps to encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep into the soil, which makes the lawn more drought tolerant. Deep watering also helps to prevent the grass from going dormant during hot weather. By watering your lawn deeply and regularly, you can help your lawn to stay healthy and green all season long.

Water regularly

Watering your lawn regularly is important for keeping it healthy and green. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water your lawn more frequently.

When you water your lawn, it is important to water it deeply. Deep watering encourages the roots of the grass to grow deep into the soil, which makes the lawn more drought tolerant. To water your lawn deeply, use a sprinkler or a soaker hose to apply water to the lawn for about 30 minutes. This will allow the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of about 6 inches.

Watering your lawn regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep it healthy and green. By watering your lawn deeply and regularly, you can help to prevent problems such as drought stress and brown patches. You can also help to encourage the roots of the grass to grow deep into the soil, which will make your lawn more drought tolerant.

Avoid overwatering

Overwatering can damage your lawn. Overwatering can lead to a number of problems, including:

• Thatch buildup: Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic matter that can build up on the surface of your lawn. Thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of the grass, which can lead to problems such as brown patches and weak growth.
• Compacted soil: Overwatering can also lead to compacted soil. Compacted soil is hard and difficult for water and air to penetrate. This can make it difficult for the grass to grow and can also lead to problems such as drought stress and brown patches.
• Disease: Overwatering can also create a favorable environment for disease. Disease can damage the grass and lead to brown patches and other problems.

To avoid overwatering your lawn, only water it when it is necessary. The best way to determine if your lawn needs water is to check the soil moisture. Stick your finger in the soil to a depth of about 2 inches. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water your lawn.

If you are unsure about how often to water your lawn, you can consult with a lawn care professional. A lawn care professional can help you to determine the best watering schedule for your lawn based on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have.

7. Mowing the Lawn

Mowing your lawn helps to keep it healthy and looking its best. Mowing removes the tips of the grass blades, which encourages the grass to grow thicker and fuller. Mowing also helps to control weeds and prevent the lawn from becoming overgrown.

However, it is important to avoid mowing your lawn too short after it has been flooded. Mowing the lawn too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. It is best to wait until the grass has had a chance to recover from the flood before mowing it. Once the grass has recovered, you can mow it at your usual height.

If you are unsure about how to mow your lawn after it has been flooded, you can consult with a lawn care professional. A lawn care professional can help you to determine the best mowing height and frequency for your lawn based on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have.

Wait to mow

After your lawn has been flooded, it is important to wait a few weeks before mowing it. Mowing the lawn too soon can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease. The grass needs time to recover from the stress of the flood and to regrow its roots. Mowing the lawn too soon can also remove the new growth, which can stunt the grass’s growth.

Once the grass has had a chance to recover, you can mow it at your usual height. However, it is important to avoid mowing the lawn too short. Mowing the lawn too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to drought and heat stress. It is best to mow the lawn at a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches.

If you are unsure about when to mow your lawn after it has been flooded, you can consult with a lawn care professional. A lawn care professional can help you to determine the best mowing height and frequency for your lawn based on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have.

How long should I wait to mow my lawn after it has been flooded?

It is best to wait at least 2-3 weeks after a flood to mow your lawn. This will give the grass time to recover from the stress of the flood and to regrow its roots. Mowing the lawn too soon can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to disease.

What is the best height to mow my lawn after it has been flooded?

The best height to mow your lawn after it has been flooded is about 2.5 to 3 inches. Mowing the lawn too short can damage the grass and make it more susceptible to drought and heat stress.

How often should I water my lawn after it has been flooded?

The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the type of grass you have. A good rule of thumb is to water your lawn when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water your lawn more frequently.

What are some signs that my lawn has been damaged by flooding?

Some signs that your lawn has been damaged by flooding include brown or yellow patches, wilting, and thinning grass. You may also notice that the grass is spongy or that there is standing water on the lawn.

What can I do to help my lawn recover from flooding?

There are a number of things you can do to help your lawn recover from flooding. These include removing debris, aerating the soil, fertilizing the lawn, and watering the lawn regularly.

Key Insights

| Key Insight | Description | |—|—| | Assess the damage | The first step to restoring your lawn after flooding is to assess the damage. This will help you determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action. | | Remove debris | Once you have assessed the damage, it is important to remove any debris from your lawn. Debris can smother the grass and prevent it from growing. | | Aerate the soil | Aerating the soil helps to improve drainage and allows water and oxygen to reach the roots of the grass. This is especially important if the soil has been compacted by flooding. | | Fertilize the lawn | Fertilizing your lawn helps to provide the nutrients that it needs to grow and repair itself. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for lawns that have been flooded. | | Water the lawn | Watering your lawn is essential for its growth and repair. Water your lawn deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. |