Big Daddy, We have a 5ftx5ft section of grass that is constantly wet due to the natural water drainage off a hill that sits behind it. It's always soft, muddy and swampy making it impossible to keep grass growing. The grass that is there is all mushed down. Any suggestions?-MY

If the hillside is turf or irrigated, please see our water statement for proper irrigating techniques to reduce hillside runoff. Aeration of the hillside area, if turf, will also help water penetration on the hill, eliminating the pooling at the base. If there is no foliage on the hill, planting it will certainly help runoff as well as erosion. If the hillside is not on your property, you still have a couple of options. There are many drain techniques that could be employed at the edge of your property line, directing the water away or you can simply choose to use plants that do not mind being wet the majority of the time, like willow trees, some ornamental grasses, cattails, etc. and do away with the turf in that area. -BD