Question
Hi Jim,

I have a number of issues with my lawn and would like some advice.  I know absolutely nothing about the things I listed on the subject line, and I can't afford to hire a landscaping professional, so I hope you can get me started on the right track.  

First, I live in an area made up mostly of red clay.  As a result it is very difficult for things to grow, and when it rains the ground stays wet for several days making it difficult to mow before the next rains come.  This is particularly a problem behind my house because there is a hillside that drains into the yard and remains wet for long periods due to it being largely shaded by trees and not getting much sun.  I realize that since you can't see what I'm talking about it would be difficult for you to advise me on how to redirect the water from the hillside away from my yard, but that is just one problem.  Another is the French Drains along my foundation have gravel covering the drain pipe, but the red clay has gotten past the gravel and into the holes of the pipe and is not allowing it to drain properly.  Therefore I am getting water under the house.  I do keep my gutters cleaned out, so thats not an issue.  Should I dig up the entire french drain system and start over, perhaps using regular topsoil to cover it next time?  What do you think about putting plastic sheeting around the foundation and covering it with mulch?  Like about 2 or 3 feet wide from the foundation out?  I've heard its not good to use plastice because it encourages mold/fungus growth underneath?  Is this something to be concerned about in this situation?   

And lastly, my lawn is overrun with weeds, particularly dandelions and crabgrass.  I have spent 100s of dollars on Scott's Turf Builder with Halts and Weed Control, and other brands of fertilizers, but for some reason it doesn't seem to work.  I've heard that applying Lime makes fertilizers more effective, is this true?  Right now my yard looks like a lollypop garden with all the little fuzz balls sticking up (dandelions?) .  I would love to have a lawn I can be proud of, but how do I go about it?

Any suggestions are much appreciated.  

Thank you,
Gary in WV  

Answer
Hi Gary, Homeowners spend a great deal of time and money trying to make our gardens do what we want them to do, like grow pasture in a forest.  Consider letting it become what it wants to be and use plants that like the wet environment.  Use birch, Itea (Virginia sweetspire) and Acorus (sweet flag) for ground cover.  Growing grass in this area will be a constant investment in time and money.
Modifying the flow of water on your property is usually fairly easy to do will small mounds of soil, catch basins and drain pipe to take the water to another spot.  Keep in mind that usually you are required to accept the natural flow of water from your uphill neighbor and your downhill neighbor must accept yours, but if you modify it, increase the flow rate or cause erosion because of your change, you are responsible for fixing it.
If your french drains have failed and are necessary, then starting over is your only option.  A properly designed and built drain should not fill with soil so you may want to consult a local expert before an error is repeated. You'll want gravel on top of the pipe, not soil, but the entire drain should be encased in landscape fabric to prevent soil from getting into the pipe. No plastic.
Your turf...  Homeowner used herbicides work when used according to directions.  Temperature, rain, type of herbicide and target weed are all variables that homeowners often get discouraged over because they listen to too many commercials about the products and expect it to do something it won't. Different products are needed for broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds or sedges, some need to be applied before a rain, some after, some need to be applied on newly cut grass, some on more mature growth, some are very temperature sensitive, some aren't.
I'd recommend finding a locally owned nursery or garden center and let them build you a full turf maintenance program that includes herbicides (both pre and post emerge), correct mowing, fertilizing, pH analysis to determine if you need lime and correct watering based on the type turf you have and the products that are locally available. It will take a year to get your turf in top shape, but follow their instructions. Jim