If you notice that your yard is always wet, it could be caused by poorly planned landscaping, lower areas that collect water, an irrigation or drainage system which is blocked, or other things. Here is a guide to help you solve these problems.
The Yard Has Poorly Planned Landscaping
Property owners that intend to alter their landscapes through the addition of features such as pools, patios, or sheds must consider how rainwater and moisture will collect and flow in the space. You’ll often need to move a considerable amount of vegetation and soil The less soil and vegetation you have, the less natural space to soak up water. The solution to this problem is to properly grade your property and incorporate drainage systems when changing your property so that the water is correctly managed and standing water is prevented.
The Lawn Contains Lower Areas Which Collect Water
Because of gravity, water has a tendency to gather near the lowest spot. Those who are encountering standing water within their yards may have a lower region where water is draining to solution to this problem is to build up your lower areas—regrade the land—which can be accomplished by adding gravel and dirt to the lower region to make it level with the rest of your yard. You can also add a retaining wall to give more options in adjusting the grade.
Your Yard Is Comprised of Moisture-Retaining Soil
Certain soils tend to retain moisture. This makes it challenging for the water to be absorbed within the dirt. If you aren’t sure whether your yard falls under this category, you’ll need to have your soil inspected. If it contains clay, this is one of the types that lead to standing water so you’ll need to till it through the addition of sand and dirt soil amendments which will enable water to drain more quickly.
The Irrigation or Drainage System Is Blocked
Landscapers know too much water means puddles and too little water means dead plants. To help manage the water, landscapers build-in irrigation or drainage systems in their projects. However, such systems are subject to becoming blocked, which prevents water from draining the way it should. Things that might block your irrigation or drainage system include sticks, trash, debris, and grass clippings. Once they are cleared out, the system will work as intended. For drainage pipes, you may need specialized equipment which can extend within the tube to eliminate the blockage.
Your Lawn Has Excessive Shade
While a degree of shade can be beneficial to lawns and certain plants, an excessive amount will cause moisture to remain in the grass longer than desired. Furthermore, if your yard has lots of bushes, trees, or shrubs, they might block sunlight which is required for the moisture to evaporate. This can prove problematic as a yard that retains excess moisture is one that can breed various diseases and fungi. The solution to the problem is to trim or remove some of the bushes or shrubs and prune the trees to allow in more sunlight.
Drainage SalesNorm Speth
Location
MD: Gaithersburg
FAQs
Aerate Your Lawn
How to fix a yard that is always wet? ›
"Drainage can be improved by cutting a gentle swale to lower elevations; adding soil (if there are no trees nearby) to raise the low spot; or installing a French drain of four-inch perforated pipe with a sock, gravel, and sand." Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to call in a professional for help ...
Why does my yard feel wet all the time? ›
Leaky water pipes, lawn sprinkler systems, outdoor faucets, ponds, pools, fountains or other damaged water-related features can be a cause for yards that are always wet. Be aware that the actual source of the wetness may not be at the same place where you see wetness on the surface.
How to deal with a wet lawn? ›
Wait for the majority of the water to evaporate, but if there is any left that won't go, gently push it toward the borders of your lawn or a drain with a broom or brush. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet before you take any further action on it. Spike the lawn with a garden fork, creating large holes in the lawn.
How to fix soggy soil? ›
To dry out soil quickly, you can apply hydrated lime to the soil, add compost and then turn the soil thoroughly to aerate it. Adding hydrated lime and compost will help absorb the water in your soil, and turning it all will help distribute the water in the waterlogged soil throughout your garden.
Why is my lawn not absorbing water? ›
If grass clippings or leaf litter clog on your lawn, they can prevent the soil from absorbing water as it would under normal conditions. Soils. Hard, compact soils and heavy, sticky clay soils are also less absorbent and prevent surface water from seeping into the ground.
How can I dry out my lawn? ›
To drain your waterlogged lawn quickly begin pricking or slitting the surface. We recommend using a pricking or slitting tool designed to leave holes 10-15cm (4-6in) deep. It is worth remembering that the pricking and slitting methods are best carried out once the excess water has drained away.
Why is my yard so swampy? ›
Though you might have low spots and grading issues causing water to pool, you could also have compacted soil, which can make it difficult for areas to drain well. With water having a difficult time penetrating to the subsurface level, it can start to pool on top of your soil.
What is the best fill for wet areas? ›
Since fill sand doesn't retain moisture, it is ideal for drainage areas. With a more aesthetic look to it, it can be great to use in areas where it will be exposed without ruining your landscape design. With this in mind, fill sand is commonly utilized around water tanks, ponds, septic tanks, and other wet areas.
How do you dry an overwatered lawn? ›
If you notice any of the above signs, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. You may also need to aerate the soil to improve drainage and root growth. If you are still having trouble, consider hiring a professional lawn care company to help get your lawn back on track.
If water stands in your yard for hours or even days after a moderate rain, you have poor drainage, which can be caused by heavy, compacted soils or improper grading. If this occurs near your home's foundation, it can lead to nasty moisture issues in your basem*nt or crawlspace.
What to do when your yard is always wet? ›
Aerate Your Lawn
The simplest strategy you can try if there are parts of your yard that stay wet too long is to aerate your lawn. Aerating reduces compaction in the soil so that water can percolate through it faster.
How do you dry out wet property? ›
Wait for plenty of sunny weather. As long as the rain water and runoff have somewhere to go, and the rain holds off, then the sun will - eventually - dry out the land. This option is free in monetary cost, but can take quite a bit longer than other options, and there is no guarantee on timeline.
What soaks up a lot of water? ›
Towels typically dry quickly and are designed to absorb as much water as possible. These linens are highly versatile, and you can place them under areas that would be hard to reach with a vacuum or mop. When removing water from the floor with towels, try to choose ones made of 100% cotton for the best absorbency.
How do you fix an overwatered yard? ›
How to Fix Overwatered Grass. Overwatering your lawn can be detrimental to the health of your grass and soil. If you notice any of the above signs, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. You may also need to aerate the soil to improve drainage and root growth.
Why does my yard hold so much water? ›
Standing Water in Yard
If water stands in your yard for hours or even days after a moderate rain, you have poor drainage, which can be caused by heavy, compacted soils or improper grading. If this occurs near your home's foundation, it can lead to nasty moisture issues in your basem*nt or crawlspace.
How to dry up swampy land? ›
Draining Wet, Muddy Areas
- Install area drains or a French drain. ...
- Install a vegetated swale. ...
- Plant wet areas with native wetland or bog plants. ...
- Create meandering paths with materials that rise above the wet, muddy areas. ...
- MYTH: Water hungry plants such as willow dry out wet areas.
Step one: Strip off the old turf. Step two: Dig over the area. Step three: Add enough organic matter (e.g., compost) to improve clay soil drainage. Step four: Rake and level the surface.
