Looking for advice on a lawn that has poor drainage.

[sandman512]

Good day. I have a lawn where 2/3 of the lawn looks great, excellent drainage. The other 1/2 is turning into a disaster. The grass for now is green, but the soil looks and feels like you're in a swamp. The irrigation system to that section has been turned off. It is extremely muddy and when mowing over, there are tire marks left. Now, there is a drainage pipe that runs under that, WORKS fine no holes. Even after the a week of nice sun, the soil looks dry, a little rain and back to the same old story. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated. THANKS!!!

[94gt331]

it's hard to answer that question not seeing the lawn. That part of the lawn is there a low spot maybe there is an underground spring there have any pics?

[sandman512]

First, thanks for the reply. There is no spring underneath there. We actually confirmed this via the DEC for another reason. No low lying area, there is a pitch to the rear. I'm thinking just POOR drainage, the ground seems really compact.

[WenzelOSLLC]

I have an issue like this on one of my properties. After a lot of thinking it turned out it was a very slight low spot (less than 1/2" dip) that made a basin with compacted clay.

I don't know what you're options are but I would check compaction and maybe aerate it. Also check to see if it's a real heavy clay or loam or sandy soil. A light topdressing might fix the problem if it is a slight low spot, keep it from collecting.

[Smallaxe]

Most lawns are levelled with skidsters so soil compaction may take years to correct... I would remove a square of sod and dig a narrow hole as if planting a post and see what I run into...

Once you do that, then you'll have ideas about options...

[sandman512]

I should add that the lawn(which was all fill and topped with sod) was extremely rocky. It almost looked like all rocks. The sod originally took beautifully.

[capetrees]

Aerate twice a year, three times is possible too. Get the soil to loosen up a bit over time and change out the sprinkler volume tip inside the head. The rest of the lawn will get the regular amount of water and the moist area will get a bit less. I have this issue on one of my lawns and that's how we are taking care of it. If the wet area is a sprinkler zone unto itself, just back off a bit on the time as opposed to changing out the heads but do aerate.

[sandman512]

I actually shut off that particular zone. Funny thing, it has been pretty warm and try here for a week, BUT as soon as there is water, back to the same problem....

[agrostis]

Originally Posted by sandman512

I should add that the lawn(which was all fill and topped with sod) was extremely rocky. It almost looked like all rocks. The sod originally took beautifully.

It sounds like pictures of the lawn will be needed for any further advice.

[sandman512]

Originally Posted by agrostis

It sounds like pictures of the lawn will be needed for any further advice.

Here are some pics: Thanks!