Growing Grass In Your Impossibly Muddy Yard
There are few things more frustrating than attempting to grow grass in your chronically muddy yard. As beautiful as Middle Tennessee is, many landscapes are hindered by a swampy turf. Many of us have tried every seed and turf builder on the market to no avail. Problem is, no turf builder in the world can sprout lush, green grass if your yard has not been made ready.
Soil Drainage:
If you are planning on seeding your yard, wait for your yard to be as dry as possible. If your yard is currently a giant mud puddle, monitor the area and wait until it is at its driest point. Tiling a yard that is overly wet will make the soil even more compact and will result in more future mud. When your yard is at its least soggy point, till it and add organic material like compost or manure. After doing this, till it again.
French Drain:
Building a French drain is a good way to relieve your yard of some excess moisture. A French drain is a trench built below the soil and is meant to direct water away from grassy areas and towards your water-loving plants, a pond, or a drainage ditch. A French drain is usually two feet deep, one foot wide, and full or gravel. Make sure and lay PVC pipe across the bottom as well as weed cloth lining and be sure to slope the trench so the water flows to a desired location. The drain can be topped with soil and grass can be planted over it.
The Right Grass:
Be sure to choose a grass that has a proven track record in your climate. For recommendations for the Middle Tennessee area please consult one of our previous blogs The Grass Is Always Greener: Which Grass is Best for my Lawn? If your yard has a mixture of sun and shade, plant a seed mixture containing a species that grows in the sun and one that thrives in the shade. Remember that healthy grass has strong roots and will prevent runoff and mud.
Caring For Your Grass:
If your yard is wet, try your best to keep people from walking on your beautiful grass. Also be sure to cut back plants with reaching limbs to provide your lawn as much sunlight as possible.
There is nothing better than stepping out into a lush, green yard and feeling grass between your toes. If you believe your muddy yard will make this an impossible dream, think again. By carrying out these simple steps you can be on your way to an unbelievable lawn.
Soil Drainage:
If you are planning on seeding your yard, wait for your yard to be as dry as possible. If your yard is currently a giant mud puddle, monitor the area and wait until it is at its driest point. Tiling a yard that is overly wet will make the soil even more compact and will result in more future mud. When your yard is at its least soggy point, till it and add organic material like compost or manure. After doing this, till it again.
French Drain:
Building a French drain is a good way to relieve your yard of some excess moisture. A French drain is a trench built below the soil and is meant to direct water away from grassy areas and towards your water-loving plants, a pond, or a drainage ditch. A French drain is usually two feet deep, one foot wide, and full or gravel. Make sure and lay PVC pipe across the bottom as well as weed cloth lining and be sure to slope the trench so the water flows to a desired location. The drain can be topped with soil and grass can be planted over it.
The Right Grass:
Be sure to choose a grass that has a proven track record in your climate. For recommendations for the Middle Tennessee area please consult one of our previous blogs The Grass Is Always Greener: Which Grass is Best for my Lawn? If your yard has a mixture of sun and shade, plant a seed mixture containing a species that grows in the sun and one that thrives in the shade. Remember that healthy grass has strong roots and will prevent runoff and mud.
Caring For Your Grass:
If your yard is wet, try your best to keep people from walking on your beautiful grass. Also be sure to cut back plants with reaching limbs to provide your lawn as much sunlight as possible.
There is nothing better than stepping out into a lush, green yard and feeling grass between your toes. If you believe your muddy yard will make this an impossible dream, think again. By carrying out these simple steps you can be on your way to an unbelievable lawn.
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