My backyard was a sponge when I first moved in. We dug a ditch (french drain) and it fixed the issue perfectly. As a bonus, it fixed the neighbors yard which unbeknownst to us was also a sponge. We dug out by hand for some areas and rented a small bob cat to dig the long drain (60 feet). Definitely worth the effort.

I have contacted probably 10 companies in Atlanta and only 2 have called back. I have done this twice. The price is accurate. It appears we would spend that much. The two that have given quotes have different ideas on how it would be installed.

*So far the old landscaper that installed the last sod installed a small drain and said that we didn't have an issue because the water drained out within a 24 hour period.

*The first turf installer said that she would just have a lot of decomposed granite laid down and the water would just run under the layer and drain out fine.

*The second said he would install a larger drain and then a bed around the drain to create a dry bed area.

Obviously, I don't mind a little grading for the water but I did want it to be as flat as possible. The water is worse now. My husband says that it has washed a lot over the winter causing more issues. We just aren't sure how to repair it all. Seems like everyone has a different solution and we aren't sure who to believe.

We have at this point considered installing a french drain ourselves and then putting a sod back in. I wonder if the dry well would be easier to install or work better than a french drain?

The turf, while expensive, would solve the dog bringing in dirt and grass. This would be ideal but if I can't get more quotes I don't feel comfortable choosing that option since the first two are completely different in opinion on how to install it.

So sorry to hear you're having issues getting someone out. The more people you get out the better as it increases the odds that you find someone that knows what they are talking about. You may want to see if any of your neighbors had similar issues. They may be able to recommend someone for you.

Small yard + shade + poor drainage + dog = no grass. A nice lawn needs good drainage, lots of sun and not to be constantly trod on. Dog urine doesn’t help either.

Artificial turf is one possible solution. Another is to take your dog for a long walk instead of putting it outside in your yard.

When dogs poop on the ground, and it isn't cleaned up immediately, it will cause drainage issues BIG time! I definately think that is your problem. Walk your dog after dinner every night. Seriously. You could also train him to poop in one spot, which isn't that hard to do. Then clean up is easier and your grass will grow better. In the mean time, you do have some grass there, clean up all old dog poop no matter how small and buy one of those araters they sell at home centers that you step on, your yard is really small, it will put holes in the dirt. Also, some manure spread real thin on the lawn won't hurt either, you want the buggies in the soil to feed on it, they will arate too.

I would walk my dog after dinner every night also, it's good for you, for the dog, and your lawn.

I have 2 thoughts. First, if your downspout exits into your yard, extend it so it goes to the end of the lot and under the fence.

Second, there's a terrific ground cover called mazus reptans that loves both shade and moisture. It grows very thickly, thicker than lawn, and is nice and flat. It takes heavy foot traffic. I couldn't guarantee your dog wouldn't tear it up, but the stuff is really tough. It would be evergreen in your area. Here in northern Virginia it turns a pretty bronze in winter but it would stay green year round down where you are. It also blooms the prettiest flowers - you can get it in either purple and or white. It spreads fast, you could just order some plugs and stick them in and it would be filled out in a season. I've got much of my lot covered in it, I've replaced whole sections of lawn with it. Now I don't have to mow or do weed control, because it chokes out the weeds really well. In the spring it is a carpet of blooms, and then reblooms in the fall. Look for it on google images.

Artificial turf or groundcover, probably the best of which might dwarf mondo grass. You're not going to get regular grass to grow in shade. I have seen one St. Augustine lawn in Atlanta (which I'm sure has met up with a freeze by now). I wouldn't recommend it. It's like walking on a mattress. If you just need a totally utilitarian yard because of the dog(s) you might consider a wood based mulch. Clues about what drainage fixing you need don't show up in the above photo. You'd need to supply more current and comprehensive information.