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Best Grass For Yards With Poor Drainage (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a solution to your yard’s poor drainage, you’ve come to the right place. Swampy and muddy lawns are not only unattractive, but they can also lead to serious problems like soil erosion, mold growth, and even foundation damage. To fix this issue, many homeowners turn to the installation of grass specifically designed for yards with poor drainage. But before making any decisions, it’s important to consider a few factors.

One important factor to consider is the amount of sunlight your yard receives. Some types of grass require full sunlight, while others can thrive in the shade. Additionally, you’ll want to think about the level of foot traffic your lawn receives, as some types of grass are more durable than others. Also, it’s essential to consider the climate in your area and choose a grass variety that can withstand the temperature extremes.

So, are you tired of stepping into a muddy and slippery yard? Do you want to be guaranteed a beautiful lawn all year round, regardless of the rainfall? If so, keep reading to learn more about the different types of grass available for poor drainage yards, the best practices for installation and maintenance, and the benefits of choosing SOD vs seeds. In this article, we’ll help you make informed decisions and provide you with all the information you need to get started.

7 Best Grass For Yards With Poor Drainage

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for improving soil quality, drainage, and aeration for all types of grass, especially in compact soils.
2
This product is ideal for creating a low maintenance and durable outdoor flooring solution with natural-looking artificial grass.
3
Ideal for cool season lawns and providing a thick, dark green and drought-resistant grass.
4
The product is ideal for growing grass quickly and efficiently in specific areas.
5
Ideal for efficiently picking up grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from your lawn with minimal effort.
6
Ideal for quickly and efficiently sweeping up debris and grass clippings from artificial or natural grass surfaces.
7
This product is ideal for collecting rainwater and managing stormwater runoff.
This product is ideal for improving soil quality, drainage, and aeration for all types of grass, especially in compact soils.
This product is ideal for creating a low maintenance and durable outdoor flooring solution with natural-looking artificial grass.
Ideal for cool season lawns and providing a thick, dark green and drought-resistant grass.
The product is ideal for growing grass quickly and efficiently in specific areas.
Ideal for efficiently picking up grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from your lawn with minimal effort.
Ideal for quickly and efficiently sweeping up debris and grass clippings from artificial or natural grass surfaces.
This product is ideal for collecting rainwater and managing stormwater runoff.

1. Easyaer Soil Conditioner – Simple Lawn Solutions

The Liquid Soil Loosener is a highly effective solution that can be used alone or in conjunction with mechanical or core aeration, aerating and aerate tools. This advanced lawn solution is designed to condition compact soil, promoting the downward movement of water, allowing for vertical drainage and increased water infiltration. The concentrated soil conditioner is easy to use, and a single 32-ounce bottle is enough for up to 32,000 square feet of lawn. This product is ideal for use alongside any turf grass fertilizer nutrient program, and it can be used on all grass types, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Produced by a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience in the turf grass and agriculture industry, Liquid Soil Loosener is made and manufactured in the United States of America. The product is a concentrated liquid solution that softens your soil, making it easier for water to penetrate and promoting better drainage. It helps to improve water and liquid infiltration, reducing standing water and promoting healthy growth for your lawn.

Whether you're a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to improve the health and appearance of your lawn, Liquid Soil Loosener is an excellent choice. It's easy to use, highly effective, and safe for use on all grass types. Try it today and see the difference it can make for your lawn!

Pros

  • Can be used alone or with mechanical or core aeration, aerating and aerate tools
  • Conditions compact soil, promoting the downward movement of water and allowing for vertical drainage and increased water infiltration
  • Concentrated solution is easy to use and covers up to 32,000 square feet
  • Helps standing water and promotes drainage, improving water and liquid infiltration
  • Ideal for use alongside any turf grass fertilizer nutrient program
  • Can be used on all grass types, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Bahia, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass
  • Made and manufactured in the USA by a family-owned business with over 25 years of experience in the turf grass and agriculture industry

Cons

  • – None

2. Petgrow Synthetic Grass Mat With Drainage Holes

Experience the premium quality material of the highest poly polypropylene yarns with this superior quality artificial grass/turf brand. It is made with a resistant synthetic material that can withstand high temperatures. This multi-purpose and durable turf has a blade height close to 0.4" giving it a well-manicured look. It is perfect for all indoor and outdoor projects, so you can use it anywhere.

Low maintenance is the key feature of this pet grass tape. It is rubber-backed and has drainage holes that make it easy to clean and dry quickly. The grass is eco-friendly, safe for kids and pets as it does not require any mowing. This turf has conveniently placed holes that ensure good drainage and can be easily hosed off for a stress-free clean.

Whether you have a round, oval or rectangular area, you can easily cut the turf to fit any space. This synthetic grass mat holds up durably without fading or falling off, making it perfect for year-round use. It can withstand pet poop or pee and any weather condition, so you can enjoy the lush green grass without any worries.

Pros

  • Made of the highest quality poly polypropylene yarns
  • Blade height is close to 0.4" giving it a well-manicured look
  • Perfect for all indoor and outdoor projects
  • Rubber backed with drainage hole, easy to clean and can be dried quickly
  • Conveniently-placed holes for good drainage
  • Eco-friendly and safe for kids and pets
  • Can be easily cut to fit any space
  • Can withstand pet poop or pee and any weather condition

Cons

  • – None

3. Jonathan Green (10323) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)

Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed is the perfect solution for those who want to establish new lawns or fill in bare spots quickly. This grass seed mix is specifically designed to grow rapidly for the speedy establishment of newly seeded lawns. It also fills in patches and invigorates thin or damaged lawns.

The grass seed mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color. It consists of a blend of tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. With roots that can grow up to 4-feet deep and a waxy leaf coating, Black Beauty Ultra preserves moisture and limits evaporation, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited water availability. Additionally, it can withstand heavy traffic, making it a great option for high-use areas.

For optimal growth, Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed requires full sun to partial shade. The best time to apply it is mid-August to mid-October when the ground is still warm, and the nights are cooler. The next best time to plant is mid-March through mid-May.

This 25 lb bag of Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed will seed up to 5,000 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 10,000 sq. ft. for overseeding. The germination time is 7-14 days, and it is perfect for those who want a lush, green lawn in a short amount of time.

Pros

  • Quickly establishes new lawns and fills in bare spots
  • Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
  • Preserves moisture and limits evaporation
  • Withstands heavy traffic
  • Ideal for areas with limited water availability

Cons

  • – Requires full sun to partial shade, may not be suitable for areas with extreme sunlight or shade
  • – The best time to apply is limited to specific months, may not be suitable for year-round planting

4. Hydro Mousse Liquid Lawn System – Grow Grass Where You Spray It – Made In Usa

Hydro Mousse is a user-friendly solution that can effectively repair patchy lawns. It is ideal for homeowners looking to address dry spots, dog spots, high traffic areas, and shaded areas. The kit is designed to attach to any garden hose and eliminates guesswork by clearly showing where the user is planting. The kit comes complete with a spray head, a coating chamber (canister), a grass seed blend that is suitable for all climates, and the Hydro Mousse liquid formula.

The Hydro Mousse kit can reseed a 100-foot square area or up to 200 spots. Achieving and maintaining a lush looking lawn is not difficult if you use Hydro Mousse. Remember proper preparation and watering is crucial for seeding success. Hydro Mousse's high-performance grass seed blend consists of 59.07% Stingray Tall Fescue, 19.74% Fastball RGL Perennial Ryegrass, 9.96% Beacon Hard Fescue, and 9.89% Merit Kentucky Bluegrass. It is suitable for all climates and can grow grass anywhere, provided proper care is taken.

The Hydro Mousse kit is easy to use and does not require any specialized skills or tools. It is a quick and cost-effective solution to repair patchy lawns. By using Hydro Mousse, homeowners can save money and time compared to hiring professionals.

Overall, Hydro Mousse is a great product that can help homeowners achieve a lush-looking lawn without any hassle. It is an affordable and straightforward solution that provides a high-quality outcome. With Hydro Mousse, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful lawn that will be the envy of their neighbors.

Pros

  • Easy to apply and use
  • Suitable for all climates
  • Can reseed a 100-foot square area or up to 200 spots
  • Provides a high-quality outcome
  • Cost-effective solution to repair patchy lawns

Cons

  • – Proper preparation and watering is crucial for seeding success
  • – Results may vary depending on the user's skill and care

5. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Lsw70026s 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper, Black/green

Maintain a pristine look for your lawn with the Scotts Lawn Sweeper, featuring a 26” sweeping width that is perfect for cleaning your lawn, patio, yard, sidewalk, and driveway. The lightweight and easy-to-use push sweeper has a spinning rake-like brush action, which efficiently removes dry leaves and debris from your yard in just one pass. However, it is recommended for level ground only.

This lawn sweeper comes with height-adjustable brushes to ensure that they are set ¼” deep into your grass, which guarantees a clean sweep. It is essential to adjust the brushes' height to fit your lawn's needs for optimal performance. The Scotts Lawn Sweeper is designed to sweep up to 80% of debris on the first pass, saving you time and energy.

Please note that the Scotts Lawn Sweeper is not suitable for collecting rocks, nuts, pine cones, or any wet materials. It is only designed to work with dry leaves and debris. It's highly recommended to avoid using it in wet conditions to avoid clogging of the brushes and hinder its performance.

Pros

  • Wide 26” sweeping width guarantees efficient cleaning
  • Lightweight and easy-to-use design
  • Height-adjustable brushes for customizable cleaning
  • Sweeps up to 80% of debris on the first pass

Cons

  • – Not suitable for collecting rocks, nuts, pine cones, or any wet materials
  • – Recommended for level ground only

6. Artificial Grass Sweeper/yard Electric Power Brush #brush & Collect

Revitalise and clean your artificial grass without any hassle with this lightweight and easy-to-use machine. Its no-tool assembly feature allows you to set it up without any difficulty. Simply walk backwards while pulling the machine along with you to lift the pile fibres of your artificial grass.

This machine is a must-have for those who want to maintain the look and feel of their artificial grass. Its efficient cleaning system removes all kinds of debris, dust, and dirt from your artificial grass, leaving it looking fresh and new.

The machine is also easy to manoeuvre around your garden, thanks to its lightweight design. It won't put any strain on your arms or back, making it perfect for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Pros

  • No-tool assembly required for easy setup
  • Efficient cleaning system removes all kinds of debris, dust, and dirt from artificial grass
  • Easy to manoeuvre around the garden thanks to its lightweight design
  • Suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels

7. Flo Storm Drywell Kit For Rainwater Collection

The Flo-Well Dry Well is an efficient solution for residential and commercial locations such as yards, golf courses, playgrounds, wash-down areas, rain gardens, and bioswales that collect, detain, and infiltrate excess water. It is designed to put excess water back into the ground. The Flo-Well Dry Well is a gravel-free alternative to traditional dry wells that require filling a large hole with heavy stone and gravel. It only requires a small amount of gravel at the base to prevent scouring and provides 250% more detention volume than comparable gravel-filled dry wells.

The Flo-Well Dry Well has an interior that provides 250% greater water holding capacity than comparable gravel-filled dry wells. It can be buried or stacked up to 8 ft. deep and supports pedestrian traffic, including lawn tractors. The Flo-Well Dry Well works as a stand-alone product and can be used in multiples. Units can be stacked up to 4 high or side-by-side 18 in. apart.

To install the Flo-Well Dry Well, connect it to 4 in. Sewer and Drain (S&D) Pipe through the top cover knockout. The 12 side-panel knockout points connect to 4 in. S&D and Sch. 40 Pipes. The package includes 3 side panels and top cover, unassembled. The open bottom allows water to seep into the gravel and ground below. The bottom panel is sold separately to provide a base for a sump pump if desired.

Pros

  • Efficiently collects, detains, and infiltrates excess water for residential and commercial locations
  • Gravel-free alternative that provides 250% more detention volume than comparable gravel-filled dry wells
  • Can be buried or stacked up to 8 ft. deep and supports pedestrian traffic
  • Works as a stand-alone product and can be used in multiples

Cons

  • – Bottom panel is sold separately

Best Grass For Yards With Poor Drainage FAQs

Are there any specific maintenance practices that I should follow to ensure the health of grass planted in a yard with poor drainage?

Yes, there are specific maintenance practices that you should follow to ensure the health of grass planted in a yard with poor drainage. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, which can cause root rot and other issues that can harm your grass. The first step is to improve the drainage of your yard. This can be done by adding soil amendments, such as sand or gravel, to improve soil structure and drainage. You should also ensure that your yard is properly graded to prevent standing water.

Regular mowing and fertilization are also important maintenance practices for grass planted in poorly drained yards. Mowing helps to promote healthy growth and prevents the grass from becoming too long and waterlogged, while fertilization provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

In addition, you should avoid overwatering your grass, as this can exacerbate the drainage issues. Instead, water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root growth and improve drainage. Finally, be sure to remove any debris or other materials that may be blocking drainage channels or impeding water flow.

By following these maintenance practices, you can help to ensure the health of your grass in a yard with poor drainage.

Can I use a specific type of soil to help with drainage when planting grass in my yard?

Yes, using a specific type of soil can definitely help with drainage when planting grass in your yard. The best soil for drainage is a sandy loam soil, which allows water to flow through it easily, preventing waterlogging and the formation of puddles. Sandy loam soil also promotes root growth, which is essential for healthy grass growth.

If you have heavy clay soil in your yard that tends to retain water, you can amend it with sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage. Another option is to create raised beds or mounds for planting, which will help to improve drainage.

It's important to ensure that the soil you use is well-draining and aerated, as this will promote healthy root growth and prevent waterlogging. Before planting grass, be sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris, and add any necessary amendments to improve drainage and fertility.

Overall, using the right type of soil can make a big difference in the success of your grass planting project, so it's worth taking the time to choose and prepare the soil properly.

How can I improve drainage in my yard before planting grass?

Improving the drainage in your yard is essential to ensure healthy grass growth. The first step is to assess the current drainage situation of your yard. Check for any low-lying areas or spots where water tends to pool after rainfall. Once you have identified the problematic areas, there are several measures you can take to improve drainage.

First, you can create a drainage system by digging trenches and installing a French drain. A French drain is a perforated pipe that allows water to flow away from the problem areas. You can also add a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom of the trenches to improve drainage.

Another effective way to improve drainage is by adding organic matter to your soil. This can be done by spreading compost or aged manure over the problem areas. Organic matter improves soil structure, allowing water to penetrate more easily.

Lastly, consider grading your yard to create a slope away from the problematic areas. This way, water will naturally flow away from the low-lying areas and towards a drainage system or a dry well.

In conclusion, improving drainage in your yard is crucial for healthy grass growth. By creating a drainage system, adding organic matter to your soil, and grading your yard, you can ensure that your grass stays healthy and green.

What are the signs that my yard has poor drainage and needs grass that can handle wet conditions?

Poor drainage in a yard can cause a lot of problems, including waterlogged soil, a soggy lawn, and even property damage. If you're experiencing any of these issues, then it's likely that your yard has poor drainage and needs grass that can handle wet conditions. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Standing Water: If you see standing water in your yard after a rainstorm or irrigation, it's a clear indication that your yard has poor drainage.

2. Soggy Soil: If the ground in your yard feels saturated and squishy to the touch, it's a sign that the soil is retaining too much water.

3. Slow Drainage: If the water in your yard takes a long time to drain away, then it's a sign that your yard has poor drainage.

4. Erosion: If you see signs of erosion, like gullies or ruts in your yard, then it's a sign that water is flowing too quickly over the surface of your yard.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, consider planting grass that can handle wet conditions. Research grass types like Zoysiagrass, Bermuda Grass, or Fescue Grass that are more tolerant to wet conditions. Finally, consider consulting with a professional landscaper or landscape architect to help you identify the root of the drainage problem and create a solution that works for your yard.

What type of grass is best for yards with poor drainage?

If you have a yard with poor drainage, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lawn. One of the best ways to improve the health of your lawn is to choose the right type of grass. When it comes to choosing grass for a yard with poor drainage, you want to select a variety that can tolerate wet conditions.

One of the best types of grass for poor drainage is tall fescue. This type of grass has a deep root system that can help absorb water and nutrients. It also has a high tolerance for shade, which can be an advantage in yards with poor drainage.

Another good option is Kentucky bluegrass. This grass is known for its ability to grow in moist soil conditions. It has a shallow root system, which allows it to absorb water quickly and efficiently.

Ultimately, the best type of grass for a yard with poor drainage will depend on your specific situation. Consider factors like the amount of sunlight your yard receives, the amount of foot traffic the area receives, and the overall climate in your region. With the right type of grass, you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant lawn despite poor drainage conditions.

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