How to fill low spots in the yard?

Question

I had a house built a couple of years ago. We've had a lot of rain lately so the low spots are really starting to show. I'm not at the point of installing a French drain. How can I best fill those spots? Yes, I can use fill dirt but it will kill the grass in the low area. I don't want to dig up the grass, fill in the hole then replant the grass. If I just start slowly adding sand to the low spots would that work with out killing the grass?

Forgot to add I have St Augustine grass.

Answer 1

Compost is good for grass. In fact, the USDA recommends that mulching your entire yard is the healthiest thing that you can do for a yard. Put good compost in the holes, level it and seed.
Remember, the key here is compost not just dirt. USDA states that continually putting compost over your grass at the end of the season will eventually reduce weeds and the necessity to fertilize.

Answer 2

My specialty is in designing landscapes for new home communities. Your problem is not unique and do not give up.
You'll have to follow me through this despite it's length.
When we go to landscape new developments some builder's require topsoil and tilling. Others just want either sod or topseeding. In either case the soil on the property has been pounded to nothing with the amount of machines running over it. We level the remaining soil, as best we can, and do as the developer paid us to do (sod or seed).
You can approach both the development company or the landcape company for relief. I doubt you will find any relief from either party. A truly reputable landscape company would respond if you have made such a claim before. The same with the developer. I would not count on it. You can complain to your community association, if one exist. They generally have the original and current landscape companies on/under contract. Again, not a great chance.
The French Drain idea is not necessary. I am making an assumption that you are a new family with or with children on the way. Forgive my assumption if it is wrong. A French Drain in a home is a necessity, in the landscape, an invitation to vermin and pests.
In the event that you can not resolve this problem through either the Landscaper or Developer, not likely to happen, I would suggest you do this. Divert versus pool the waters.
In this process you collect and slowly allow the water to disperse itself. It works!!!
I do not have a vision or accurate descript of you home. I can assume that you have a turf area that slopes away from your home toward a sidewalk/street. The low point is either in the center of the turf or near the street. If they will not pay you do not need to spend great deals of money to correct the problem.
Go to your local store and rent either a roto-tiller (smallest width available) or buy one. Again the smallest available, generally a foot or less in width ($325-400) You can use it when you want or the wife wants a garden. Mark the low spot and water accumulation site with flags, rags, whatever. Survey your property from the front door. Put a flag, a rag, whatever, in/at the low spots.
I should advise you to purchase Certified Ryegrass seed before you begin this. It begins to grow in seven to ten days and has no weed content. Regardless, standing from your front steps, mark a path that is disecting the wet spots. In a way it is a French Drain, however, it is redirect vs making the water go to a specific site and drain.
At most you should have to develop three or four "trenches" across the lawn. Set the aerator at it's highest level for the first pass. Set it for lower levels for each subsequent pass. Do it until you have reached the lowest leve, probabily six inches. Rake, with a heavy rake the soil over the trenches and topseed.
This will greatly reduce the water flowing to your lower level. At the same time there are many plants that love such an environvment. Put a Paperback Birch or Yellow Willow Tree a few feet back from the puddle and watch the puddle go away.
Frankly, the slope, quality, and plantings were wrong. You can contact me at [e-mail]. Go after the general contractor then the landscaper. Good Luck

Answer 3

It really depends where you live, what the climate is like and what the soil/dirt is that is settling and creating low spots. Where I live, the soil is topsoil. Grass will grow in just about anything but if your base is sand, put some sand in the low spot a bit at a time, raked out nicely and let the grass grow up through it... it will, have patience. Same idea if it's topsoil.
If you want it a bit faster, overload the low spot by about 10% higher than the surrounding area with whatever it's growing in now. rake it out nicely and re-seed with a grass seed for your climate. It will take about 10 days for the soil/dirt/sand to settle and also for the grass to start poking out.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Fill the holes with dirt and grass will fill in even St Augustine. Have a nice day.

Answer 5

I'd dig up the grass in strips 3" deep by 18" wide and then fill in, replace the strips.... that way there will be no scar ....

Answer 6

why dont you just throw down grass seed after you fill it with dirt.