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Landscape Design

I need help with my back yard/garden puddles of water and mud

6 years ago

I have a garden more like a yard its horrible and really want to sort it out so I don't have puddles of water, mud and algae. The garden bit just needs to be dog and child-friendly low maintenance. The main thing is the dogs can go to the toilet without bring all the mess inside. i have just moved in and really need to get something sorted asap but as cheap as possible that i can do myself

Here are some photos

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Yardvaark

6 years ago

It looks like we're looking at a wood parquet floor that has sunk into the ground. If this is wood on grade, I would replace it with concrete, which will be durable and cost effective. I would have it connect directly to the deck, rather than having the strip of gravel in between. The deck looks like it's got a limit on its life.

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Comments (10)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
Those actually look like snap-togther decking tiles (seen here). These are not intended to be set on grade (or bare soil) but rather as a permeable covering for an older deck or patio surface. LIke any wood product they will rot, collect moisture and discolor when in direct contact with the ground.

I'd agree with Yard about removing them and then using a more durable surface - it could be concrete as suggested but could just as well be gravel or manufactured pavers, properly set on a prepared level surface.
Rebecca Taylor thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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Rebecca Taylor
Original Author
6 years ago
I know it's not ideal but we just moved in and to be honest its the landlord job but he not going to do anything. So I need to come up with a cheap solution. I wish I could concrete but I'm on my own and not really skilled lol and its the skill factor i lack lol

Your right they are snap together decking things when i looked and they even have an ikea sticker on lol.
User
6 years ago
Where is the water coming from?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
Gravel will be the least expensive option and the easiest DIY option, if not the ideal one :-) Depending on how long you plan to stay in that location, I'd consider researching a DIY paver installation.......they are not that hard to do if you follow directions but do require more prep work than gravel and also of greater material expense. But if done well, a far superior and more stable end product.
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
6 years ago
Rubber mulch is also a possibility.
PRO
Red Berm
6 years ago
I like Jim’s comment. If u address the water at the source it will help. If it is from gutters with downspouts u can attach drain pipe that direct water away from the house. Maybe a pipe is leaking and that should be fixed. I would suggest finding the water source.
Rebecca Taylor
Original Author
6 years ago
That water is just rain lol i live in wigan greater manchester it never stops raining here lol. That all from the sky
PRO
Yardvaark
6 years ago
I agree with GG that gravel is the best low cost option. (You would, of course, remove the existing wood "parquet." Gravel must pack hard to make a good walking surface. Pea gravel is like walking on a bunch of marbles. It doesn't pack.
Rebecca Taylor
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks does anyone have best gravel to pick like from UK supplier like B&Q and Homebase etc

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