Compacted soil: Compacted soils are hard, dense, and impermeable to water. Compacted areas are usually on the surface, and only 2 to 4 inches deep. Compaction is usually caused by foot traffic, but construction equipment can compact the soil 2 feet deep. Dig a hole through the compacted layer in the poorly drained area when the soil is moist but not wet. Fill the hole with water. Compaction is the problem if the water level drops faster than 1/10 inch per hour. For more information about compacted soil, see the opposite page.

Layered soil: Layered soils are those in which soils of different textures are layered like a cake. If the layers are very different in texture, drainage problems may result. This kind of problem is most often caused when soil of a different texture than the native soil is added as fill material. Even a thin layer of added soil can slow drainage. Dig a hole to see if your soil has distinctly different layers. If this is what is causing your drainage problem, stir the layers together by tilling or, if the layers are deep, chisel-plowing. If the area is planted, dig holes or a trench through the layers. Fill the holes to the surface with gravel or wood chips. Water will drain quickly through these holes.