diff --git a/code/game/turfs/simulated.dm b/code/game/turfs/simulated.dm
index 034a3ea1963..76b5c509f6f 100644
--- a/code/game/turfs/simulated.dm
+++ b/code/game/turfs/simulated.dm
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
 		var/mob/living/carbon/M = A
 		if(M.lying)	return
 		dirt++
-		var/obj/effect/decal/cleanable/dirt/dirtoverlay = locate(/obj/effect/decal/cleanable/dirt, src)
 		if (dirt >= 50)
+			var/obj/effect/decal/cleanable/dirt/dirtoverlay = locate(/obj/effect/decal/cleanable/dirt, src)
 			if (!dirtoverlay)
 				dirtoverlay = new/obj/effect/decal/cleanable/dirt(src)
 				dirtoverlay.alpha = 15