[twitherspoon]

I just moved into a home that is about 16 years old. The home inspector mentioned that I should work on the drainage around the home and lawn. What items do I need to do this properly. There are some points around the house where it looks like water would flow into it, but what do I level it off with.

Also there is a point in the middle of my yard where there is a long V spot about 50 feet long. Water drains from both sides of the yard and leaves a long mud puddle. How do I fix that as well?

I've always heard that your tools and materials is the majority of the job, so please let me know what types of tools and materials I need as well.

Thanks for your help,
Tony

[labman]

Code calls for at least 8 inches of foundation above ground level. Builders often create problems by skimping on it. From there, the ground needs to slope away from the house. The vee spot may be meant to do this. To dry up the spot, you need to build it up next to the house if you can, or cut it down at the other end. If the house sets too low, this can be a problem. In 16 years, any ditches out front may have silted in. You could have a difficult people problem if the neighbor down hill has neglected his.

Improving drainage starts with having a lower place for the water to run. From there, you move whatever dirt you must. The common long handled spade is great for rough work. Its flat cousin is better for finish work. A 2 wheel cart may be better than a wheelbarrow. If the job becomes too big, think a Bobcat and a truck. Usually there are places that will come a dump a load of dirt if you need it. If you need rid of dirt, you may need to find a landscape or excavator. Rather than pay to have the dirt hauled away, consider a landscaping mound. You can rent a Bobcat or similar machine, and move an amazing amount of dirt in a weekend. You can rent a truck and sometimes you see fill wanted signs.

Another good tool is a pickax. You can shave down even hard ground with one. A tiller works great to loosen up a larger area. One last tool is a laser level. It can be use to control the slope of an area.

If you ever want grass to grow, try not to have too much clay on top.

[twitherspoon]

Thanks Labman. That gives me a lot to think about and a great place to start.

[DustinBH]

I moved into a house a couple months age and was advised the same. The problem is that there is 12 feet between our house and the neighbors. The houses on our block don't have guuters ( I am fixing that) and sun never gets on about half of the yard. How would I fix the grade if I slope it away it will go straight to my neighbors foundation. Also when I fix it what should I put there since grass needs sun and I don't want rocks. Any help is appreciated.

[labman]

You have to put a swale in to run the water around to either the back or the front. A swale is a nice name for a wide, shallow ditch. See a lot of houses each with a 6 foot one with the property line high and dry. Nobody seems to coordinate with their neighbors.

I have always liked red fescue in shady areas. It can be hard to get started. A fine perennial rye may be easier to start in heavy shade. You may find either labeled as shady mix.

When you instal gutters, you may want to look at running drain lines out to the street too.

[DustinBH]

So basically make a v with the yard? I have never seeded before about how long does it take and should I keep the dogs off (btw yes it is a black lab and a beagle) that might be hard to do. Thanks for the help.

[labman]

Yeah, what I mentioned in my first post you end up with a ''W'' between the houses. After planting, it takes about 2 weeks for grass to sprout, and then most of a summer to form good coverage. Dogs are a big problem. I regraded my back yard about 5 years ago, and still do not have good grass in places. The weather never seems to help, I plant grass seed, and it desn't rain for a monthor 2. I added a second Lab a year and a half ago. She was 10 then, and isn't the problem the younger ones are. Last March, our daughter came with their large, year old male. It warmed up and the ground thawed about an inch. He and our younger Lab had a great time, but I swear he ripped up 6'' spots with every step.

My back yard is on the North side of the house, and it has a huge Osage Orange tree shading it. I am afraid the only way I will ever have any grass is to sod it. Areas with poor soil, shade, and traffic not only have to be sodded, but it may need replacing after several years. I have a flagstone walk just behind the house and graveled the area around the air conditioner. I also armored the service to the air conditioner to stop the dogs from chewing it.