Soil Coming Up Through Grass

Question

I have noticed now that the rain has come and now the soil is clumping up along the fence side of yard and it is very wet and soft. In other areas, it seems like my lawn is very squishy when walked upon. We did have our yard re-done over a year ago, so would there be drainage issues? How could I tell?

Answer 1

It does sound like you have some drainage issues and if you had your yard done a year ago, it is possible that the grading (the slant) of the lawn changed. Typically, you want to grade your yard slightly so that the water runs away from the house so as not to cause issues in the house with excess water.

If the dampness of the yard is minor and not causing issues, then you do not need to worry about it. But if it is causing some issues, you can regrade the yard some by adding thin layers of topsoil over the grass in the trouble areas and around the house. You will probably have to do it a few times, but just add a thin layer of topsoil, not enough to completly cover the grass,but enough to bury the grass about half way up the blade. Once the grass has re-established at the higher level, do it again until the drainage issues are gone.