After rain, our yard stays boggy for weeks. How can I improve drainage
by
Kate
+7
Our block is level and the soil is clay based.
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Can you plant a weeping willow or Cypress tree? They will love the water, and dry out your yard. You'll have to watch for roots, though.
Regrade the yard, install French drains or as Jeanne suggested, plant some trees. Here are some links as to others have solved the problem.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/problem-solving/clay-soil-and-boggy-lawn/74423.html
http://www.gardendesignexposed.com/heavy_clay_soils.html
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=204
A French drain would work and a dry rock bed can look nice in a yard and be useful at draining water.
We have a sump pump in our backyard which efficiently rids our yard of extra rain watER, a very common issue in the Northwest. It can be turned on and off as needed but will stop pumping on its own when the water level lowers enough.
If you dig a trench in the area which has the worst problem and place in 4-5 inch weeping tile and then put in a stone bed at the end of the tile to catch the water your problem should be alleviated. Weeping tile is perforated with holes in it so that the water runs into the pipe and then travels to the bed. It is the same pipe that is installed around the footings of building so water does not get into basement areas. Install the weeping tile with a little ellevation so that the water will run freely to the bed.
Your welcome