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Re: Water in areas on a new lawn

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Landscaping
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 28 Dec 2000
Time: 08:42 PM

Comments

While some amount of ground settlement can be expected, it sounds like the soil preparation and lawn installation were not done properly. Anytime you add new soil for a lawn, it must be thoroughly worked in to the existing soil with a rototiller...then carefully graded to provide drainage (ideally away from the house towards the street)...then compacted using a rolling steel drum filled with water. If the grading or compaction step were skipped or done improperly, then you will end up with the condition you describe, with low spots that settle and collect water.

If your lot is totally level, then there is not a lot of room to provide positive drainage away from the house. Depending on the severity of the low spots, it may be possible to fill those areas in with additional top soil (using a rake) and let the grass fill in over time.

If it's more severe, then I suggest you contact your landscaper who did the job and have them remedy the situation. If you installed sod and it's still relatively new, it can be easily uprooted....and additional top soil can be added to the low spots. As we're getting into winter, this procedure may have to wait until you can avoid any frosty periods. If you live in a moderate climate that doesn't freeze, then you can probably do this anytime of year, so long as you be sure to thoroughly water the grass while it re-roots.

Bottom line, you paid $5K to get the job done...and it should be done right. Have your contractor fix it and don't accept substandard workmanship.

Good luck,

Builders Websource

 

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