Expert: Long Island Gardener - 3/11/2007

Question
When it rains a lot, we get a nice puddle which drains slowly.  It is only about 5ft. by 5 ft. and an inch or so  deep, but it is annoying.  The grass also grows pretty poorly there probably because of the pooling.  I was told to dig a hole about 3 or 4 feet deep and put some crushed rock down, then put some new soil on top.  Does this sound right, or do I need something more elaborate?

Answer
Jim, this drainage problem of yours is not such an unusual problem, believe it or not.  Compacted soil never drains the way you want it to.

To solve your grade problems, the simplest answer would involve raising the level of the dip in the yard.  Right now it collects water because it is the lowest point.  Raise the grade.  Water won't flow uphill.  Just fill it in.

Even a minimal change could be just what you need to solve this water pooling situation.  You could put a couple of drainage holes in, a few feet deep, and just fill the holes with your crushed rock, just as you are describing.

If you want to go to the trouble to install a drain, I can help you with that, but it's a lot more elaborate than I think you need.  The Polylok website devotes an entire department to high-quality landscape drainage products (http://www.polylok.com/products_list.asp?prod_subcat=Landscape%20/%20Drainage%20...) that are worth looking into.  That would be Plan B if this does not work.

But make sure you also solve the soil problem.  You want grass there, and it won't grow in compacted soil.  This is going to require some work.  You'll need some good organic amendments to raise the quality of the tilth, which will help your grass grow.  Assuming you have plenty of sun, you can mix some donated horse manure, some Starbucks coffee grounds (which are also free), and humus or compost from Home Depot with the soil there.  By summer you'll have the nicest yard in town.