I've got an area of my yard that tends to hold water during heavy rain events - heavy clay soil in DFW area. It holds so much that I'm unable to get grass to grow in this area. I've been reading up on expanded shale and I'm contemplating tilling in some in this area of my yard.

Wondering if anyone has first hand experience with this approach. I suspect I the bigger issue is getting the drainage off my down spouts funneled away from this area, but thinking this might be an interim solution in the mean time.

Sounds like a waste of time. Focus on getting the area to surface drain.

Fix drainage. Then core aerate and add 1/4 inch fine compost to that area after aerating.

Illustrious Potentate said:

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I've got an area of my yard that tends to hold water during heavy rain events - heavy clay soil in DFW area. It holds so much that I'm unable to get grass to grow in this area. I've been reading up on expanded shale and I'm contemplating tilling in some in this area of my yard.

Wondering if anyone has first hand experience with this approach. I suspect I the bigger issue is getting the drainage off my down spouts funneled away from this area, but thinking this might be an interim solution in the mean time.

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Niel Sperry is The Godfather of Texas gardening and swears by expanded shale. That being said, I have never been able to find it around Waco. I'm sure someone has it, and I would love to have some but I bet it is really expensive.

If you've got heavy clay, there's never going to be a magic fix for not properly managing your drainage. Spend the time /effort/money to do just that or anything else will be a total waste of time and money. Trust me - I have been growing grass in the black gumbo for years now and that's a quick lesson you learn early on.