Lawn problems ›

Wet areas and poor drainage in the lawn

Low spots that stay soggy after rain or irrigation cause a chain of problems: weeds that love wet soil, disease, moss and algae, and grass that thins out. We don't install drainage, but we treat what grows there and help you find what is keeping the soil wet.

Which lawn problems come from wet soil?

• Doveweed, which Clemson says thrives in overly moist soil
• Nutsedge, which Clemson says often signals poor drainage, overwatering or a leaky sprinkler
• Virginia buttonweed, which favors poorly drained or overwatered lawns
• Large patch, which poor drainage and frequent watering make worse
• Moss, algae and Nostoc, covered below

What is the green or black slime in my lawn?

Clemson notes that algae on wet soil dries into a black crust that keeps water from soaking in. Nostoc is a dark blue-green, jelly-like growth in soggy lawns that dries into a black, shriveled crust. Clemson ties Nostoc to compacted soil, excess moisture and high phosphorus.

How do I get rid of moss and algae for good?

You have to change the conditions. Clemson says moss and algae show up where grass can't grow well, because of shade, acidic soil, poor drainage, compaction, overwatering or low fertility, and unless those change, any fix is temporary. Clemson's steps are to prune limbs to let in light, lime based on a soil test, drain waterlogged spots, core-aerate, water deeply but less often, and fertilize based on the soil test. Chemical products for moss and algae go on from December through April and still only buy time.

Will aeration fix a wet lawn?

It helps when compaction is the reason water sits on the surface. Clemson notes that compacted soil drains poorly and makes turf harder to manage. It won't fix a yard where the grade sends water to one spot. That takes regrading or a drain, which is a landscaper's or drainage contractor's job.

What does Spring Green do about wet areas?

Our program includes a soil conditioner that is lime by default and changes with the soil test, and we offer liquid aeration in May and June. We don't regrade yards or install drains.

Last updated 2026-09-25. Spring Green is owned by Stockton Wells.