Question
Hello,

I have some low lying areas that serve as drainage paths in my backyard.  These areas never seem to dry up and is always damp and wet even in 100+ texas temperatures.  Furthermore, they make a mess when you walk through it.  Can I use sand and spread it across this area and use it as a moisture barrier.  My theory is that the sand will lay on the surface of the lawn leaving it relatively dry on top while allowing water to pass underneath.  Can I use something else besides sand?  Thanks in advance!

Answer
Nothing you add to the surface of the lawn will really help with this problem. The problem is the water level which keep the soil wet in low lying areas. You need to have drainage tiles or as minimum a drainage pipe put in depending on the scope of the problem and whether you can vent a pipe to low lying areas outside your property.

Normally, I recommend a 10" diameter "Big-O" (perforated pipe) put down with a 1" drop per 10 feet distance. The highest level of the pipe should be 6" below surface and gradually sloping deeper. The pipe should be wrapped in landscape fabric to avoid silthing and should be placed on a bed of 1-2" of small rocks.

The pipe should gradually fall and vent to a lower spot which could be off your property. It can also vent into a "well" which can be constructed by digging a deep wide hole (4x4x4 foot) and filling it with large rocks. Then wrap the hole w/rocks in landscape fabric and cover with soil. The "well" acts as a temporary holding tank for water draining away.