Question
I hired a contractor to clear, grade and sod my property.  He cleared it, said it was graded and put down sod.  I watered it for 2 hours as he instructed, and now there is a big puddle where a tree used to be -- not at the edge of the property but near the middle.

The contractor said the sod needs to establish itself and then the land will be flat and hard and it will drain properly.

In the meantime I am withholding the next 1/3 of my payment to him.  Please advise, it's very much appreciated.

Answer
Hello Ken, it could be that the soil structure has been ruined by heavy machinerey, if there was any. However, it seems to me that 2 hours from a modern irrigation system is way too long. I would reccomend trying to water the grass for just 15 mins max and then seeing if the puddle dissapears.

If it doesn't, you can dig a hole in the puddle area and fill it with rubble or large gravel and this will act as a soakaway. Be sure to line the hole and cover the gravel's surface first with that nylon fabric that builders use. This will stop the hole from clogging up with soil.

Good luck!

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com