Question
Hi,

 This year my lawn has developed a problem. For some reason there are two spots in my yard where water will not drain from. Because of this, the grass is dying in those spots. Do you have any suggestions that may help? I have tried aerating the yard with spiked shoes. That did not work. Some one mentioned adding sand to the spots where the water is standing. I have never had this problem in the past. I am not sure what to do. Thanks for your help.

Answer
To improve drainage, I usually recommend digging 18" deep with a shovel and mix the soil with about 20% compost (by volume). Then reseed the areas. If this does not help, you need to put in a drainage pipe to lead the water away from the lawn. Spike shoes probably do not work as there is probably a clay layer a foot or deer which creates a tub effect. The shoes probably do not punch deep enough.