Drainage guide
North Texas Clay Soil & Yard Drainage
Clay soil changes how quickly water enters, moves through and leaves a yard—but soil alone does not identify the correct drainage system.
What clay changes
Fine-textured soil can accept water slowly and remain soft after the surface looks dry. Compaction from construction or repeated traffic can further reduce infiltration.
What clay does not prove
A wet yard does not automatically need a French drain. Roof runoff, a low finish grade, irrigation or an obstructed outlet can create the same symptom.
How diagnosis changes
Observe the storm, separate surface flow from subsurface saturation and compare the wet area with adjacent elevations before selecting collection materials.
Educational guidance only. Property-specific recommendations require site elevations, utility information, a verified outlet and applicable local requirements.
Assessment first
See what the water is doing before selecting the system.
Photos during or immediately after rain are especially useful.