I have a skimpy stand of grass, but mainly weeds and the ever present onions!
Backyard Issue
+11
I recently purchased a home and I’ve noticed the backyard stays damp to wet depending on the weather. Unfortunately my backyard is the lower of five that adjoin mine. My septic drain field is located in an area close by, but I’ve had it inspected and no problems were found. Is there a type of grass that I can plant to help or can I have some soil brought in? I’m on a limited budget, but I need to do something about my yard. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have!!
This is a frustrating situation. We had the same situation in our front yard that was corrected by installing storm drains to reroute the run off that came to our property from across the street directed to our property and home.
As to the garden landscaping suggestions I would suggest a personal consultation with your planting zone and soil in mind.
A great resource that I have used and highly recommend .....is your local Cooperative extension. These offices are manned by a wonderful team of master gardeners that know your local situation quite well. There's also email ( submit a photo) Q&A resources that have helped my concerns and questions many times. Consider googling up your local extensions office.
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Yours is a frustrating situation.... if you bring in dirt to raise your yard area... the water run off will be directed back onto one or all of your neighbors properties creating flooding issues for them... and you would be liable for flooding damage, because YOU changed the current drainage dynamic.
Personally... I would consult a landscape engineer or architect.... they can help you decide if you need a special drainage solution like a french drain, or a wet garden or catch basin for the run off... The engineer may also be able to provide information that will convince your neighbors to aide you in solving the issue (if needed)
Check out YouTube. Perhaps you'll find a workable solution there: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+fix+a+damp+back+yard
consider a water feature in that area.
WEEPING WILLOW TREE(s) will grow faster and thicker where they happen to encounter wet soil. Because they love water, they're great for planting in low areas that stay soggy. Their roots can soak up all that extra water and make a swampy part of the yard usable again. Weeping Willow roots invade and clog underground pipes, tho. FYI: You can take a swig off a weeping willow tree and put it in water and it will root and you can plant it in the yard if you don't want to buy more.
I had the same problem when we moved. We brought in loads of black dirt till it was level with the rest of the yards.
It is so much nicer now. That was about 11 years ago.
Wetland trees--weeping willow, river birch, eastern cyprus, sycamore, black gum, tulip poplar. I have the same problem but the previous owner started planting these trees, and I will plant a few more.
Looks like your property is somewhat like mine.
If you’ve just moved in there might be a law in your area that the homeowner didn’t disclose this problem they might still be responsible for that for some money towards fixing it I don’t know what state you’re in so I don’t know what your laws apply to
Since your septic system is near by stay away from weeping willows and other trees that travel to water. They get into your septic system and destroy it. The roots cracked the cement in ours and we not only had to remove all trees but put in a costly new septic system. If you can afford to have some one give you some ideas its less costly than a new septic system. If they draw up plans (you pay for.) You can do the work yourself when you can afford it.