Soft Spots in Yard: 10 Effective Ways to Fix and How to Prevent Future Issues

The only thing more frustrating than dry, yellow patches in your yard is dealing with soggy, soft spots. These spots are often discovered the hard way—by stepping into them and feeling the ground sink beneath your feet. Soft spots in yard can have several causes, leading to lawn damage if left untreated. 

But don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll explore the common reasons behind these soft spots in yard and provide 10 effective solutions to fix them, helping you restore your garden’s health.

What causes soft spots in yard?

If you’ve noticed a soggy area or soft spots in your yard, it could be due to one of 4 common issues that we mention below.

4 common causes of soft spots in yard:

• A leaking waterline
• A faulty sprinkler system
• A septic system leak
• Poor drainage

A leaking waterline

Every home’s water meter has a leak detection dial that spins if there’s a leak. If your meter doesn’t have one, turn off all the faucets, note the current water meter number, and check again after 15 minutes. If the numbers have changed, it confirms you have a water leak.

A faulty sprinkler system

To check for leaks in your sprinkler system and identify the cause of soft spots in yard, you can use a similar method as checking your water line. In your sprinkler box, turn off the ball valves to cut off the water supply to the system. If the leak detection dial on your water meter is still moving, it indicates that the leak is originating from your sprinkler system.

A septic system leak

If the area has a sewage smell, it likely indicates a septic system issue. A leaking septic system can also cause the grass to appear unusually green or brightly colored. In more severe cases, you may notice puddles or raw sewage on your lawn, which signals an urgent plumbing emergency.

Poor drainage

The cause of soft spots in yard could be poor drainage. Poor drainage also leads to waterlogged soil, weakening its structure and causing it to sink. This problem can be simply solved by repairing the gutter system, installing a French drain, or adding or fixing a sump pump to help manage excess water.

Beside these 4 potential causes, soft spots in yard can also comes from these factors:

• Soil compaction: Soil compaction from heavy foot traffic or machinery can cause sinking by limiting the space for water and nutrients to reach grass roots.
• Decaying organic material: If your lawn was established over old tree stumps or roots, the decaying organic material may create voids that result in sinking areas.
• Thatch problems: A thick thatch layer prevents water from reaching the soil, causing uneven sinking in the lawn.
• Overwatering: Excessive watering weakens the soil’s structure, contributing to soft spots in yard.
• Soil collapses due to burrowing animals.
• Grass damage caused by grubs.
• Fungal or bacterial diseases leading to spongy grass.

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How to fix soft spots in yard?

Regardless of what caused the soft spots in yard, the following steps will guide you in fixing the issue. With these solutions, you’ll soon be able to restore your yard to a healthy, even lawn once again.

10 ways to fix soft spots in yard:

1. Dry out the area
2. Aerate the lawn
3. Apply a top-dressing of compost and sand
4. Encourage deeper root growth
5. Create a rain garden for better water absorption
6. Redirect downspouts to avoid pooling
7. Install a dry creek bed for natural drainage
8. Regrade the lawn to improve water flow
9. Consider installing a sump pump
10. Add gypsum to break up compacted soil

Dry out the area

You can’t work with mud, so before repairing a water-damaged lawn, it’s essential to let the excess water evaporate. If dry, sunny weather is expected but puddles remain, use a broom to sweep them away. Once the soil has dried to the point where it’s moist rather than saturated, you can start the repair process. In the meantime, try to keep people and pets off the affected area as much as possible.

Aerate the lawn

Soil compaction is one of the most common causes of soft spots in yard, leading to waterlogged areas. When soil particles are tightly packed, there’s little space for air and water to flow, causing water to sit on the surface and often killing the grass. To fix this, you can rent or purchase a hollow-tined core aerator to aerate the lawn. 

Make sure the soil is moist but not too wet, allowing the aerator’s tines to penetrate at least 1 inch into the ground. As the aerator moves, it will leave plugs on the surface—let them dissolve naturally with rainwater to improve the soil structure.

Apply a top-dressing of compost and sand

Poor soil structure is often linked to low organic matter and limited biological activity. After aerating, spread a layer of compost, or a 1-to-1 mixture of compost and horticultural sand. 

These materials fill the gaps created by aeration, helping to keep the soil open and breathable. The beneficial microbes in the compost, along with the earthworms it attracts, further break up soil particles, enhancing drainage and promoting healthy plant growth.

Encourage deeper root growth

When soil becomes compacted, plant roots in the compacted area start to die, worsening the problem and leading to waterlogged soft spots in yard. To fix this, focus on encouraging deep root growth. 

After aerating the soil and top-dressing it with quality compost, overseed areas where the grass has died. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Once the grass has taken root, establish a routine of deep, less frequent watering instead of daily light watering to promote stronger root development.

Create a rain garden for better water absorption

If waterlogging in your yard is caused by excessive runoff on a flat area, creating a rain garden can help solve the problem. A rain garden is a small, intentionally boggy area designed to collect rainwater. 

To create one, you dig a shallow depression with a berm on the lower side to hold water. Then, plant it with water-loving species like sedges, cardinal flowers, bluestar, and swamp hibiscus. A well-placed rain garden helps reduce flooding, filters pollutants from runoff, and creates a habitat for birds and pollinators.

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Redirect downspouts to avoid pooling

Improperly positioned gutter downspouts can cause your lawn to become waterlogged. If your house or garage directs too much runoff into the yard, you can use 4-inch PVC pipes to divert the water. Dig a shallow trench from the base of the downspout to a better drainage location, ensuring the trench slopes away from the house.

Install a dry creek bed for natural drainage

Sometimes a basic ditch is enough to redirect water, but for added curb appeal and easier upkeep, consider transforming it into a dry creek bed. 

First, dig a channel to guide the water downhill and away from the problem area. Then, Line the sides with landscape fabric and a variety of rocks for reinforcement. To complete the look, plant perennials and shrubs along the edges to create a more natural and appealing appearance.

Regrade the lawn to improve water flow

Hiring a professional to regrade your yard may seem drastic, but if you’re dealing with persistent soft spots in yard or water pooling near the house or pavement, it could be the best solution. 

A contractor will survey the property to identify the source of the issue and determine the proper grade line. Using specialized equipment, they will raise low spots, lower high areas, and ensure water flows in the correct direction, helping to resolve the problem once and for all.

Consider installing a sump pump

If you’re dealing with persistent soft spots in yard, investing in a sump pump could be a smart solution. Sump pumps are designed to remove excess water from your lawn by redirecting it to a designated area. They’re particularly useful in low-lying areas prone to flooding and are more efficient at handling significant amounts of water compared to French drains.

Add gypsum to break up compacted soil

Gypsum is a mineral that can improve your soil’s drainage by breaking up compacted areas. This loosens the soil, allowing water to be absorbed more effectively instead of pooling on your lawn. To apply, you simply spread the gypsum over the waterlogged spots and water it into the soil, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

How to Prevent Future Soft Spots in Yard?

Proper aeration and managing soil compaction are essential methods for preventing soft spots in yard. Additionally, practicing effective watering and mowing techniques helps maintain a healthy, sink-free lawn. By following these strategies, you can effectively keep soft spots in yard at bay and enjoy a well-maintained outdoor space.

Aeration and compaction management

One of the best ways to prevent soft spots in your yard is through proper aeration. Aeration reduces soil compaction and thatch build-up, promoting healthier root growth. It’s advisable to aerate your lawn at least once a year, should be in the growing season.

Managing soil compaction is another key step in preventing soft spots. Lawns with heavy foot traffic or machinery use are more likely to become compacted, leading to sinking areas. To prevent this, avoid driving on the lawn, create designated walkways for foot traffic, and encourage their use.

Regular lawn maintenance, such as removing debris and monitoring the yard for signs of decay or damage, is also essential in keeping soft spots in your yard from forming.

Watering and mowing best practices

Proper watering is key to preventing soft spots in your yard. Overwatering can loosen soil and cause sinking, so water deeply but less often, allowing the soil to dry between sessions. Aim to water once or twice a week, delivering about 2.5 cm of water, preferably in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Proper mowing also helps prevent lawn sinking. Keep mower blades sharp, adjust the height for your grass type, and mow when the lawn is dry to avoid clumping and stress on the grass.

Check out Mile High Lifescape for more high-quality lawn care services.

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Address: 1427 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219

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Reference

1. 4 Potential Causes of a Soggy Spot in Your Yard. Available at: https://www.callhamilton.com/blog/4-potential-causes-of-a-soggy-spot-in-your-yard 

2. 12 Ways to Fix a Soggy Yard. Available at: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-soggy-yard/ 

3. Lawn Sinks When Walking On It. Available at: https://compassgm.co.uk/lawn-sinks-when-walking-on-it/