Hole in yard, roughly 1 foot in diameter and 3 feet deep

Question

Just couple of weeks ago, I stepped in between my concrete driveway edge and mail box and the soil gave way. My foot sunk roughly 6 inches and the grass on top of the soil was undisturbed. I didn’t think much of it and kept mowing the lawn. Yesterday, I took a look at it with my neighbor and stepped on it again and the hole went another 9 inches before I stopped putting pressure on the spot. We grabbed a rake and stuck the back side of it in the whole to see how deep it was and if it was b/c he believed it could be a city drainage leak. The soil was loose for over 3 feet and the rake was not wet. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!
Jake

Answer 1

I think it would be best for you to contact the city in case there is a leak of some kind. I am not sure what could cause this, but it would be helpful to know the history of that spot. For example, did the previous owner of your house remove a structure or tree from that spot? How long have you lived in the house? Perhaps some city authorities could help you find out what is going on.