What Causes Soggy Spots in a Memphis Yard? Irrigation, Drainage, and Grading Explained

Experiencing soggy spots in the yard can be incredibly frustrating…particularly if you aren’t sure why they’re occurring. When the yard is persistently wet, it can be hard to enjoy your time outside. Nobody wants to get wet shoes every time they’re spending time in their own yard. If you have pets, the muddy paws can also be a pain.

But getting to the bottom of what’s going on might feel daunting. You shouldn’t have to become a drainage expert in order to have a usable yard.

In this article, we’ll provide some helpful advice about why you might be experiencing standing water in the yard.

Jump to:

• Why soggy spots in the yard are more than an eyesore

• What causes soggy spots in a yard: Common culprits

• How to troubleshoot Memphis yard drainage problems

• FAQs

• Choosing irrigation and drainage services in Memphis

Why soggy spots in the yard are more than an eyesore

We know that soggy spots are ugly and they’re also a nuisance. As we mentioned, nobody likes getting their shoes wet or having muddy dog paws tracked across the house.

But soggy spots can be more than an eyesore or a nuisance. They can actually cause more serious problems.

• Drowning grass roots: When excess water fills all of the pore space in the soil, there’s no room for oxygen. This can actually lead to root death if the problem is persistent.

• Harboring disease: Consistently wet grass can also encourage fungus to grow. Lawn disease is already a common problem here in the Memphis region and persistent wetness can escalate the issue.

• Soil erosion: Water can also lead to soil erosion and actually start to change the grading of your yard. Water can also wash out plant beds and mulch.

• Foundation damage: Finally, standing water that is not addressed can lead to problems with your foundation. When water pools near the home you always start to run the risk of it getting inside and causing structural problems with your home.

It’s important to keep in mind that not every single puddle indicates a problem. There are going to be times when a lot of rainfall means water might temporarily pool. But when water is persistently pooling, then it’s time to start talking about what’s causing that and what can fix it.

What causes soggy spots in a yard: Common culprits

Figuring out why you have soggy spots in the yard can take some sleuthing. But in order to fix the problem, you’re going to make a proper diagnosis. Not all soggy areas can be solved with the same solution.

These are some of the most common reasons for standing water in Memphis.

Compacted soil

Here in Memphis, our heavy clay soils can become compacted easily. When soil becomes compacted, the tiny spaces between particles become tightly pressed together. This makes it hard for water to infiltrate the ground. Instead, it is often left sitting atop the soil, creating a soggy spot or a puddle.

If you have compacted soil, you might have soggy spots in the yard even when there aren’t heavy rains. That’s because the water has nowhere to go. The soil lacks the space needed to absorb water.

Improper grading

Sometimes soggy spots in the yard are the result of low spots. Water is always going to follow the path of least resistance and if you have low spots, then you can anticipate water running to them.

This can be particularly problematic if those low spots bring water close to your home or your outdoor living areas. You don’t want water collecting around hardscaping or near the foundation of your home, where it could potentially cause problems inside.

This is why yards should ideally be graded to slope away from the home and outdoor living spaces. Yard drainage and grading can be a big issue if ignored. Keep in mind if you’re building a new outdoor living area that this can change the way that water moves on your property. That’s why it’s so important to work with a landscaping company that plans ahead for any potential water issues.

Downspout and runoff issues

Water woes can also be the result of roof runoff or downspout placement. Gutters and downspouts dispel a lot of water at once and if they’re too close to the lawn, water can be pooling in one spot due to too much volume. When the amount of water overwhelms the soil’s ability to absorb it, you’ll start to see water pooling.

Irrigation leaks

Irrigation malfunctions can also lead to standing water. Sometimes fixing a leak is simple. Other times, the line could be crushed or obstructed by tree roots, compressed soil, and more. Subtle issues can cause leaky pipes to go unnoticed for years. Unfortunately, leaky pipes are a huge cause of large amounts of wasted water and expensive water bills.

Sprinkler heads can also malfunction and lead to overwatering. They are easy for people to trip over and can also get broken during routine lawn and landscape maintenance.

How to troubleshoot Memphis yard drainage problems

As we mentioned, figuring out your Memphis yard drainage problems starts with determining where water is coming from. Because of the common culprits that we talked about above, it makes sense to check out those areas.

Here’s a simple checklist.

• Evaluate compaction: One simple way to determine if your soil is compacted is to try pushing a sharp object like a screwdriver into it. If it’s very hard to do this, the soil might be heavily compacted.

• Check the yard after rainfall. Where is water collecting and how does it move on your property? Do some areas remain saturated while others are drying out? Observing the yard after a rainstorm can give you important clues about why water might be collecting in certain areas.

• Inspect the gutters and downspouts. During a storm, also take a moment to observe your gutters and downspouts. Are they moving water in a manageable way or are they completely overflowing or dumping too much water at once? A solution could be as simple as extending a downspout to a lower part of the yard. But it depends on exactly what’s going on.

• Check the irrigation system. Are you noticing any leaks or signs or problems? Are there areas that are overly wet and others that are overly dry? It’s definitely possible that a consistently soggy spot in the yard could be related to the irrigation system.

• Look for low spots. You can also get a sense of the grading by watching water movement on your property and assessing the grading. Water should definitely flow away from the foundation of your home and not collect there.

FAQs

Why does my yard stay wet after rain?

If your yard is persistently staying wet after rainfall, then you probably have a problem with poor drainage in the lawn. This could be due to compacted soil or to grading. If you are unsure exactly why water isn’t draining properly, you should have a professional evaluate what’s going on.

Why is one spot in my lawn always wet?

A soggy spot in the yard can be an indicator of a yard drainage problem that could be caused by anything from compaction to a low spot to an irrigation leak. Some of the sleuthing tips that we’ve provided should help you narrow it down.

Is my downspout causing a soggy spot?

It could be! If your downspouts are draining close to the home or are delivering a high volume of water all at once, it could be a key contributor to your standing water problem.

Can soggy soil kill grass?

Yes, soggy soil can kill grass. When the soil is filled with water, it does not give any room for oxygen. The grass roots can actually drown.

When should I call a pro about soggy spots in the yard?

If you have persistent soggy spots that are not easily identified or corrected, it might be time to call in a professional. Soggy spots can be more than an eyesore. They can lead to a lot of problems.

Choosing irrigation and drainage services in Memphis

We know that troubleshooting water woes can be intimidating. But you’re not on your own. Choosing professional irrigation and drainage services in Memphis means that you can let an expert get to the bottom of what’s going on and make meaningful changes.

At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we can troubleshoot problems whether it’s coming from your irrigation system or somewhere else. We also offer irrigation installation, inspections and repairs, winterization, spring start-up services, and emergency services.

If a standing water issue requires drainage, we can help come up with the right solutions for your property.

The bottom line? We are truly here for YOU. This will help you let go of your worries and feel confident that you are in good hands.

Are you ready to talk about troubleshooting standing water at your Memphis home? Reach out to discuss your needs today.