Lawn Drainage Problems

Lawn drainage problems can't be ignored. Minor difficulties can be solved by aerating, adding sandy soil, and/or adding a more clay based soil.

Too Much Drainage

This usually means too much sand in the soil. This is a common problem in coastal areas. The water literally drains too fast leaving turf thirsty.

This results in the turf drying out, going dormant and/or dying.

Solution: Add a clay based soil or compost to condition and allow grass sufficient time to absorb water. The compost or clay based top dressing is best spread after aerating and/or thatching an inch at a time so as not to smother the existing lawn.

Inadequate Lawn Drainage

If your soil has a high clay content, water will not drain well. This results in flooding, puddling, fungus and drowned grass.

Solution: Add a sandy based soil after aerating to alleviate this problem. However, extreme situations can require either a French drain or regrading the pitch of the earth. Both of these options are very labor intensive and would probably require a professional.

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