Question
Pic of Back Yard area
As the picture shows, this is the back area of my home and the area back there is very damp and wet almost all of the time and grass doesnt grow very well.. I am looking to put in a privacy fence and make a concrete patio at the area directly behond the house. My issue before I even do anything is what can I do about the drainage? I am an amateur home improvist but learning. It seemsw that there is clay soil in the area. I really don't think the builder did a great job excavating when the home was built only 3 years ago. Please direct me do I can rid the area of its dampness and maybe get it looking nice !
AnswerIn the picture you sent me, the ground is clearly sloping away from your house at a very reasonable slope and should be providing adequate drainage. Therefore, the only foreseeable reasons you would still have soil that is regularly wet are the following: Its raining a lot more than typical, the soil is highly organic and holding moisture, maybe you have no gutters, there is some form of underground seepage (AC condenser maybe), the side yards slope extra water towards the back of your house.
You'll need to figure out what the reason is before I can help. This picture doesn't show me enough.
As for the grass, you probably have poor top soil. Add some organic compost and till the area or rake vigorously with a stiff dirt rake. Then overseed and you should be fine.
Best of Luck
Sean Murphy
www.amenityarchitects.com
