Soft spot for lawn

I have recently installed drainage and I am on the final preparation stages before laying the turf, however, on compacting down the soil I have come across an area, about 3ft square, that is like a sponge. Every time I walk on it I can see the ground around my feet 'wobble', and if I try to press it down, the ground just raises next to my foot! I am at a loss as to how to get rid of it (or what causes it). Can anyone help?!!!

 

What kind of drainage did you install? It couldnt be draining into the boggy bit could it? I cant think of a solution other than to dig down and investigate. Sorry

 

It does sound a bit odd

The way I read your post, it sounds as though the soil isn't actually wet - is that right? If it is draining OK, I guess like Mrs. Cloudy says, you have to look at the drainage itself - if you used pea gravel and / or perforated pipe, it might be that you don't have enough topsoil on top to consolidate properly? Those pipes are especially difficult because they retain so much spring from where they were coiled up in the factory, and can keep popping up if you don't weight them down well.

Best to spend the time looking at this stage than discover a problem later though.

 

Thanks for your replies. I used drainage pipes and pea gravel but you were right, it was 'springy' without it being wet, however, it rained today (all day!) and it certainely is wetter where I seem to have the problem, although it should be draining away from that spot. I have heard that it can take up to a year for a drainage system to work properly - is that right?

 

Yes, it can take some time for drains to really come into their own, but you shouldn't have excessive surface water where you've just laid a drain. I'm wondering if your pipe has sprung up a bit, although 3ft square seems a big area for that.

As for it being wetter, as long as it isn't flooding, it may be a sign that the drain was put in the right place - obviously you want it in the lowest spot, so in wet conditions, that area is bound to be a bit wetter. If it's "sludgy" wet, something is wrong though.

Wish I could be more help, but without seeing it first hand, it's a bit hard to call. I'd still go with Mrs. Cloudy and investigate now though - otherise all your efforts could be wasted.

 

Remember the top can still look dry even if the real water problem is deep down. Only solution is to dig a pit to investigate. Check outfall from draiage system runs shortly after heavy rain.