I some areas of grass that seem to have trouble maintaining grass. The soil typically seems dry, hard, and a light brown instead of the nice dark brown for good top soil. This is mostly in places along the drive way and along the house. My best guess is there isn't much water either getting to or being retained by the soil due to the roof overhanging and that the lost is slope. I am trying to figure out what might help. I could try putting down some better topsoil, but not sure that might work. Of course a sprinkler system might work, but the rest of the yard rarely needs it, so I am looking for something a little more passive and wouldnt waste much water.
I've thought about tapping into the gutter system for the areas along the house. The gutters drain into PVC pipes that are buried and run along the house under the areas where I have the problem. I have seen perforated pipe that I think is supposed to allow some drainage into the dirt where rain might have trouble getting to. I am wondering what the cons would be of using that (aside from the manual labor), or if anyone has some other ideas to try.