I have a new construction home and the backyard grade needed adjustment late in fall. There is an area that meets in the middle that doesn't really hold static water above, but the ground stays soft and muddy in this area for a few days or more longer than the rest.
It originally had seed laid in the back over the summer and then late in the fall after adjusting the grade.. front was sodded so due to size of yard, and time of year everything was done I only had time to focus on the sod in the front while it took in 90 deg weather with no rain, so backyard went to hell. I am adding sod this spring, will the sod depth raise this area enough, or the fact of grass actually being there to absorb the moisture help? Or do I need to add some more dirt?
Pic below:
Troubled area circled. Well, the whole thing should be circled but the area with possible drainage issue 🙂
Best Answer
First might I say..wow that's a big back yard.
If it is a new home I'd get the builder to take a look. If it's heavy clay you, or they, may need to add a drainage trench, filled with rocks, out to the lowest point on the property line (Not the neighbors yard), then covered over with soil and turf..
I would not be too tempted to raise that area though. You want to keep the water AWAY from your house. The soil around the house will also settle with time so the higher it is there now, the better.