Waterlogging In The Lawn – Causes, Damage & Possible Solutions

Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:52 pm

In order for your plants and lawn to grow optimally, adequate watering is necessary. Normally, the water is absorbed by the soil and is no longer visible shortly after application. The soil is moist, but puddles have not formed on the surface.

If it has rained for several days straight, or if waterlogging forms even with a simple watering, there appears to be a problem. The excess water damages the lawn and you should take measures to make the soil more receptive.

Why does waterlogging occur in your yard and how can you improve the soil to stop the water from standing?

What are the causes of waterlogging in the lawn?

You can tell that waterlogging is present by several factors. It is obvious when the water is not absorbed by the soil, but remains on the surface. Puddles form and even after a longer period of time the high moisture is present.

If the water accumulates on the lawn for a long period of time, it affects its health. The lawn appears sickly and turns yellow. It appears as if the lawn is missing important nutrients, but it could simply be that too much water has accumulated.

Compaction of the soil

One of the main causes of waterlogging is compacted soil. The soil does not have loose characteristics, but is so firm and dense that it is hard for water to penetrate.

Compacted soil can occur, for example, in a newly planted garden, if previously used heavy machinery to build a house and land. Then you have to make sure that the soil becomes looser again.

However, it may simply be that the soil naturally consists of layers of earth that are more compacted. Then you also have to make sure that it becomes looser and absorbs water better.

Strong root shoot

Waterlogging could also occur if there is a strong root shoot in the soil. In a lawn, this risk is rather less pronounced.

However, it could be that weeds spread in the lawn, which reduce the absorption capacity of the soil with their strong root growth. This is the case, for example, with thistles, which have pronounced roots. If you discover weeds in the garden, you should remove them as soon as possible so that the lawn does not suffer.

Also, some densely planted plants may have roots that cause compaction of the soil. Make sure there is enough spacing so that this problem does not occur.

High groundwater level

In rarer cases, the groundwater level can also lead to the waterlogging. If the groundwater in your garden is relatively high, it will be difficult for the moisture to drain away after a rain. It takes longer for the soil to dry out and for the lawn not to be waterlogged.

Groundwater could be a reason if the lawn is slightly lower or your yard is in a depression. Find out the groundwater level to be better informed about it. Unfortunately, there is little you can do about a high groundwater level, so the only additional thing you can do is optimize the soil.

Consequences of waterlogging

Lawns and plants need enough water to grow. So why could it be harmful if moisture collects a bit and creates waterlogging?

Acidic soil

One consequence of waterlogging is that the pH level decreases. The pH indicates how acidic or alkaline the soil is. For turf, a pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal. On a slightly acidic soil, grass blades feel comfortable and absorb nutrients easily.

If waterlogging is present, this will lead to increasingly acidic soil over time. This is associated with the risk that the lawn roots no longer absorb the nutrients in sufficient quantities. The lawn initially turns yellowish and, in extreme cases, dies.

Moss in the lawn

For the lawn, the high humidity is a real problem. However, other plants and especially weeds thrive in the moist environment. These include moss, for example, which prefers the higher amounts of water.

The lawn is weakened as a result of the waterlogging and moss can spread more easily. Even if you use a moss killer, you have not permanently eliminated the problem. As long as the waterlogging occurs, the moss will keep coming back.

Lawn hardly usable

If you have planned the next barbecue party or if your children like to use the lawn, the waterlogging is less conducive to this. An extraordinary layer of mud forms, which affects the use of the lawn. The garden looks less well-kept and it takes a lot of effort to repair the damage.

How do you tackle waterlogging in the lawn?

If you see puddling and waterlogging is present, you should first avoid any watering. The soil obviously has more than enough water, so no replenishment is needed here.

As an immediate measure, it is advisable to aerify the soil. For this purpose, it is best to use an aerator. This looks similar to a hand dethatcher, but penetrates deeper into the soil. Up to a layer of 10 centimeters, deep holes are created, which facilitate the absorption of moisture.

It also loosens disturbing layers of rock or roots. The soil is less compacted and better able to cope with water.

If you often have to deal with waterlogging, it is a good idea to aerate during the usual spring maintenance. Along with dethatching, you’ll prepare the soil beautifully so that nutrients and moisture are better absorbed.

Avoid waterlogging

Aerification is a measure you use to create a loose layer of soil in the short term. Over time, however, it will become compacted again, so the work will have to be done again.

It is therefore better to change the soil properties at the same time, so that it is loosened up. This is best done with a lawn sand. The loose sand is spread on the lawn and lightly worked in. Over time, the sand seeps away and accumulates in the soil. The seepage leads to loosening so that waterlogging should no longer occur.

If heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days, it is helpful to lay a tarp over the lawn. This will protect the subsoil and puddles will not occur.

Waterlogging on the lawn

The lawn needs water to grow. But too much of a good thing is not beneficial and waterlogging can cause the lawn to die.

Loosen the soil and provide a higher quality soil. Adjust watering to rainfall and puddles or waterlogging should no longer occur.