Question
Hello, we purchased a home last summer and the backyard area has a small slope to it. We have a shed in the sloped area and when it rains, the area leading towards the shed gets very muddy.  I would love to put new sod in this area but, I am afraid the rain water and winter snows would still leave this grassy section just as wet and muddy.  Any advice would be helpful.. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Rose, this is a common problem and relatively easy to fix.

Basically, good drainage will help you here and by simply installing a 'soak-away' in the middle of the low area, you will allow the access water to drain away freely. A 'soak-away' is simply a large pit dug into the middle of any low area where water can gather. The pit (hole) should be at leat half a yard deep and lined with builder's nylon fabric, this will prevent the soil from entering and clogging up the hole. It should then be filled with builder's rubble or large round gravel and capped with more builder's nylon, again to prevent the soil from reaching the gravel and the soak-away will work for many years.
Try also a top-dressing of sand on the same area to allow a water free area for the grass roots. This should be applied in the fall.

Let me know if you need any more info and thanks for any bonus points in advance.

Kind regards

Jonathan www.ecologicagardens.com