How To Level A Lawn? A Brief Guide

Leveled Lawn

A nice and even lawn offers more than just a great visual appeal. It improves drainage, removes pest infestations, and breeds a favorable environment for your grass to thrive. An uneven, bumpy lawn, on the other hand, will reduce your property value and make it more prone to waterlogging issues.

So, it’s best to prevent any future hazards and learn how to level a lawn ahead of time. Walk through this brief guide and see how you can do it all by yourself, without fancy lawn equipment.

Prepare Your Lawn Before Leveling

Do some necessary preparation before you start the leveling process.

1. Trim

Start by clearing the top grass surface and remove visible, large chunks of dirt, rocks, and wood scraps. Cut your grass short with a lawn mower and take it down almost to scalp level. Typically, mowing too short can increase the stress levels in the grass, but we highly recommend it for yard leveling to maximize sun exposure and stimulate the seeds.

2. Fertilize

Apply quick-release fertilizers having micro-nutrients and iron one or two hours before starting the procedure. They will feed the soil with essential supplements and make it available for immediate leveling.

3. Water

Water the area properly two to three days earlier. The moist ground will allow the lawn leveling mixture to settle and reach the bottom more easily and quickly. Avoid over-watering the soil, or else it will become sludgy.

4. Aerate

Aerating is a simple process where you scoop holes into your field. Most gardeners prefer it before leveling as it promotes nutrient penetration and elevates the intake of water through perforation.

 

Gather Materials and Equipments

Here are some basic tools you need to level an uneven lawn.

  • Straight edge
  • Leveling rake
  • Topsoil
  • Sand
  • Compost
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Shovel

 

How to Level a Lawn

It’s ideal to have a straight edge around as you can’t predict the bumpiness in your lawn by walking around or observing through plain visual inspection. Before you begin, take a straight edge and place it on the ground surface. If you see a gap in between from one end to another, it’s a sign that your lawn needs to be leveled.

1. Make a Topsoil Dressing

Make a topsoil mixture with a 70/30 ratio of sandy soil and compost. As a rule of thumb, the higher the level of unevenness in your lawn, the more compost/organic matter you will need.

2. Fill the Bumps

Fill the bumps and lumps with the topsoil dressing. You can use any reliable top dressing spreader or lawn applicator to accomplish this task.

3. Smooth the Topsoil Spread

Flatten the topsoil spread with a leveling rake or use a lawn roller for an even and compact look. Avoid heavy rollers, as they can lead to unwanted damage.

4. Lay New Sod 

Powder fresh grass seeds if the leveling equipment has ripped out grass from several places. Consider using a grown patch of grass (sod) for a rapid fix.

5. Water the Surface

Rinse the leveled surface with mild watering and wait patiently for a refreshed lawn.

 

Conclusion: How to Level a Lawn

Maintaining an even lawn is easy once you have a clear understanding. However, if your lawn has extreme bumpiness, you need to contact an experienced landscaper or get professional help. Visit Safari Landscapes and schedule your consultation to discuss more.