Yard stays saturated. Two dogs make it a mud pit. You need drainage, not just grass.
Diagnose the Water Source
Rain? Poor grading, high clay, high water table.
Irrigation leak? Shut off system; watch for drying.
Runoff? Neighbor's yard, roof downspouts.
Solutions by Cause
Cause
Fix
Surface pooling (low spots)
Regrade; fill with topsoil/compost blend
Clay hardpan
Deep till + organic matter; or French drain
High water table
Perimeter drain + sump; or raise grade 6–12″
Downspout concentration
Extend pipes 10+ ft away; pop-up emitters
Dog-Proof Surface Options
Kikuyugrass (if legal): Best urine/traffic tolerance; handles wet better than most.
Bermuda sod on sand-cap: 2″ sand over amended clay → rapid drainage.
Artificial turf with drain base: Zero mud, handles dogs, pricey.
Pea gravel + pavers in high-traffic paths; grass elsewhere.
First Step: Hire a Pro
Drainage issues need site evaluation. A landscape contractor can laser-grade, install drains, and recommend the right surface. Grass won't fix saturation—drainage will.
