Maryland Backyard Drainage Fix Before Sod: Pro Assessment Required

MD homeowner: mixed grass, mud patches, pooling water, flooding areas. Two boxers, two kids. Late Oct. Sod now? Drainage first?

Yes, drainage first. Sod on wet soil = root rot, failure.

Process:

1. Interview 3–4 local landscapers with drainage expertise
2. Compare: French drains, regrading, dry wells, catch basins
3. Check references, past projects
4. Fix drainage → good soil → sod

Late Oct sodding: Risky in MD. Cool-season sod *can* root in 50°F+ soil, but window closing. Spring safer.

Kids + dogs = traffic. Fix drainage *right* or redo in 2 years.