Drainage Swales and Wet-Yard Fixes That Work

Wet yards show up as soggy lawns, mosquito puddles, and mulch that never dries. The cause is almost always grade, compacted soil, or roof and hardscape runoff with nowhere to go — not a lack of “water-loving plants” alone.

A shallow swale can move water across a lawn to a safer outlet. French drains, dry wells, and regrading help when the problem is deeper or closer to the house. Planting in a chronically wet spot without fixing drainage just buys you dead plants twice.

If water sits against the foundation or neighbors are affected, get a professional assessment. Drainage mistakes are expensive; a correct plan is usually cheaper than repeated sod replacements.