How to Fix a Yard that Holds Water: A Practical Guide

There's nothing quite as frustrating as spotting a puddle of water surrounding your yard– especially if you know it's not because of a previous rainshower. Even if you follow a seasonal yard maintenance schedule, you may still wonder at some point: How do I get rid of standing water in my yard?

Remember that your backyard is one of your pride and joy as a homeowner. If it is in decline, it can be a huge disappointment to you and your visitors and neighbors. When overlooked, standing water in your yard may lead to possible mold growth, issues with the foundation, and lawn or landscaping issues.

So once you notice that your yard is currently saturated with water, it's best to fix the problem at once. Let's walk you through how to fix a yard that holds water with expert-backed, proven methods.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Standing Water in a Yard

Clearing standing water in the yard (especially after a heavy downpour) can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Most people wait until the water has evaporated before they even want to deal with the issue. After determining the exact cause of the puddle of water in your backyard or garden, here are some proven methods you can try to get rid of the excess water.

1. Re-grade

Fortunately, landscape pros can help survey the trouble spots of your lawn (including the channels and the natural drains). Once they're done with the survey, they can determine the areas of your lawn that require re-grading. Ideally, completing your lawn before fixing the pooling water issue in some parts of your backyard is best.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

One poor maintenance activity is overwatering, which results in standing water issues. Here are some things to remember to avoid watering your lawn a bit too much, regardless of whether you are watering it by hand or using an automatic sprinkler system.

When you observe any of these signs, you may be better off toning down your lawn watering schedule. Ideally, water your lawn between one and two inches of water every week.

3. Dethatch

In most cases, it's best to clear your yard of any thick thatch layer– as it may be why it doesn't drain properly. You can use a dethatcher or a lawn rake to help you get rid of the excess debris. Also, use a bag (or mulch feature) to avoid leaving behind heavy debris patches as you mow. (Related: What are the Pros and Cons of Lawn Dethatching? (A Comprehensive Guide))

It's likely that you have standing water pooling in your yard because your soil cannot properly soak it. Cases like these often boil down to excessive thatch layers (more than half an inch or so). Remove thick layers of dead plant matter for your lawn's benefit!

4. Aerate Your Lawn

After removing debris, it's time to use a lawn aerator to poke tiny holes in your yard's surface. This process breaks up compacted soil so the air, nutrients, and water can easily reach the grassroots. Ideally, ensure that the holes are at least four inches deep with a two-inch spacing between them. Homeowners without any aerator machine can contact local landscaping professionals to avail of their expert services.

If you have compacted soil on your lawn, chances are it won't soak in water as much as you'd want it to. As such, opt to regularly aerate your yard once in the fall or before winter. You can also schedule it in the spring, once the grown has been thawed. (Related: Aerating vs. Dethatching: Which is Better for Your Lawn?)

5. Give Your Soil a Boost

If you're dealing with stiff/sticky soil in your lawn that only pools water over time, you may consider breaking up the ground using tools such as a rake or shovel. Also, add compost, mulch, or manure for further boost.

6. Find the Hardpan

Homeowners with a hardpan no more than a couple of feet thick can break up their yard soil with a mere garden shovel. Just ensure to give it ample time to dry out completely. This may be harder if the ground is covered with grass, so you may need to replace brown patches of your yard with new grass seed. If you can't break up the hardpan completely, hire a professional contractor to drill through the soil for you.

7. Extend Downspouts

Those with a plant bed surrounding their home or landscape featuring rocks and an artificial border may have trapped water in the gutters. To help divert this water away from your home, you can extend the downspouts or the sump pump drain pipe. In most cases, this may solve your drainage issues.

8. Raise the Soil

Homeowners who struggle with their landscaping needs due to a high water table may opt to build raised beds, primarily for the benefit of their plants. You’ll benefit the most from shallow-rooted plants and flowers, as these can thrive in a standing water environment.

9. Install a French Drain

A French drain helps you direct water away from home, and fortunately, it can be constructed quickly and easily. Start by digging a trench in the lawn with deep holes as you direct the water near a dry well or a storm drain. Once the water is diverted, it will eventually drain into the surrounding soil. You can also fill the trench with gravel before placing a perforated pipe (made of plastic) at the base.

10. Create a Rain Garden (Bonus)

As the adage goes, if you can't beat it– you might as well embrace it. In this case, plant a rain garden to welcome the wet spots in your yard. You can consider the wet spots on your lawn as an opportunity instead of a problem. These can add something new to your yard and take it to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)