Drainage Problem in Yard

[kmao]

We have a new house and the entire backyard seems to have a drainage problem. I have checked the elevation and the backyard does slope outwards and when I pour water, I see it drain to the sides. However, if
I dig down 1 foot, the hole will fill with water.

All, my trees and bushes are dying. They seem to be drowning. Will aeration of the grass help? Any other ideas?

[CaptainCompostAL]

Put a lot of compost or some other organic matter, all over the problem spots in the lawn.

You can aerate the soil with a spade fork. However, applying lots of aerated compost teas over the lawn does the same thing. The aerobic teas will put millions of beneficial aerobic bacteria and fungi in the soil, which will loosen up heavy soil, and feed lawn grass roots. Sprinkling dry molasses powder over the lawn will also stimulate the soil microbes.

[drchelo]

You may want to get a landscape professional to look at your yard...and you may need to install French drains - these are basically pipes placed underground at a particular level and they drain the excess water away. What the Captain is telling you is excellent advice to immediately help the plants that are there now. My neighbor had a similar problem - I am above him altitude-wise, so I don't have a problem there, in spite of our heavy clay Dallas black gumbo soil - but his pipes now drain excess water out to the alley, and now his plantings are doing better. This will allow you to plant with a little more freedom in the long run!
Good luck - and please keep us posted!

[kmao]

Where can I get organic compost and dry molasses powder?

Thanks

[CaptainCompostAL]

Dry molasses powder is normally sold as a cattle feed supplement at many farm feed supply stores.

The best compost is always homemade.