Irish Hill, KY — The lush greenspaces of Cave Hill Cemetery and Cherokee Park are prime groundhog habitat. However, population pressure is pushing these large rodents into adjacent residential yards in Irish Hill and the Cherokee Triangle.

We are seeing extensive burrowing under retaining walls and historic stone foundations. A single groundhog can excavate over 700 lbs of dirt, threatening the structural integrity of older foundations.

If you see large mounds of clay-heavy soil appearing near your foundation, prompt removal is necessary to prevent settling damage.

The “Spillover” Effect

Large urban parks like Cherokee Park and Cave Hill Cemetery act as wildlife reservoirs. They provide excellent habitat, but they have a carrying capacity. When the population of groundhogs (woodchucks) exceeds what the park can support, the younger animals are pushed out to the edges to find their own territories.

This “spillover” affects the residential neighborhoods bordering these green spaces. Homes in Irish Hill, the Highlands, and Cherokee Triangle are seeing a surge in groundhog activity.

Why Groundhogs are a Threat to Historic Homes

Many homes in these neighborhoods sit on historic stone or brick foundations. Groundhogs prefer to dig their burrows next to solid structures because the wall provides a stable roof for their tunnel entrance.

• Excavation: A groundhog burrow system can be 30 feet long and remove hundreds of pounds of soil.
• Settling: Removing this soil creates voids under the foundation. Over time, this can cause the foundation to settle, crack, or even collapse.
• Water Damage: Burrows channel rainwater directly against the foundation, leading to basement leaks and erosion.

Signs of Activity

• Dirt Mounds: Large, fan-shaped piles of fresh dirt near foundations, porches, or retaining walls.
• Holes: Entrance holes are typically 10-12 inches in diameter.
• Garden Damage: Groundhogs are voracious herbivores and will decimate vegetable gardens and ornamental plants.

What to Do

Trapping and removal is the only effective way to stop an established groundhog. Once the animal is removed, we recommend:

1. Backfilling: Filling the burrow to stabilize the ground.
2. Exclusion: Installing a subterranean wire mesh barrier (“rat wall”) to prevent future digging.

If you live near the park and suspect groundhog activity, contact us for an inspection before the damage becomes structural.