Water Holding Areas And Lawn Not Remaining Smooth Over Winter, Major Dips And Mounds

Question

We recently added a below ground drain out to the street, we are landlocked on three sides with no drain…we are probably the lowest yard but have installed a drain out to the street. It has helped that side of the yard but the lawn is very bumpy, not growing grass super well.. lots of dips and large mounds of dirt/grass. I tried adding dirt last year with seed to make it more even level but over winter, its bumpy again. On the other side of the yard, its become very wet and water sits. We probably should have extended the drain to that side of the yard at the time… Any suggestions of why our lawn is so bumpy…do we need to aerate? We haven’t done that in years. And on the wet side, are there plants that would help soak up the draining water from our neighbors yard?

Answer 1

This can require major reconstruction, unfortunately. I would, first, contact your local extension service. They can help you to make sure that you are following in accordance to the regulations in your state about digging.

This link will help you to find the closest extension service to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search

These articles will offer information on adding drainage to your lawn: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/yard-drainage-problems.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/fill-uneven-lawn-low-spots-how-to-level-a-lawn.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wet-soil-trees.htm