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How to Level Your Backyard Quickly and Affordably
Introduction
A level backyard provides a beautiful outdoor space for relaxation, play, and entertainment. However, uneven ground, sunken spots, and dips can make your lawn unsightly and hazardous. Leveling your backyard is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours or days, depending on the size of the area and the severity of the unevenness.
Benefits of Leveling Your Lawn
- Improved drainage: A level lawn allows water to drain properly, preventing pooling and waterlogging.
- Easier mowing: A level lawn makes mowing easier and faster, as the mower can move smoothly over the entire surface.
- Safer playing surfaces: A level lawn provides a safe and comfortable surface for children and adults to play on, reducing the risk of tripping or falling.
- Reduced potential for accidents: A level lawn eliminates tripping hazards and makes it easier to walk and move around your backyard.
- Improved overall health and appearance of turf: Leveling your lawn promotes healthy grass growth and improves its overall appearance.
When to Level Your Lawn
The best time to level your lawn depends on the type of grass you have:
- Warm-season grasses: Level in spring after the grass begins to actively grow.
- Cool-season grasses: Level in late summer or early autumn.
Before Getting Started
- Mow the lawn short, but avoid scalping it.
- Check for thatch buildup and remove it with a hard rake or dethatching tool if necessary.
Materials You’ll Need
- Equipment:
- Bow rake
- Push broom
- Markers or stakes
- Hose
- Garden spade or edger
- Wheelbarrow (if needed)
- Mallet
- Materials:
- Sand
- Topsoil
- Compost
- Grass seed
- Gloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mark Areas to be Leveled
- Set stakes at the perimeter corners of the areas that need to be leveled.
- Allow six inches to a foot on each side to determine how much fill you need.
2. Prepare Fill Material
- Evaluate your existing soil for composition.
- Choose a fill material based on your soil type:
- Sand: For heavy soils
- Topsoil and compost mix: For nutrient-deficient soils
- Sand, topsoil, and compost mix: A versatile option for most soil types
3. Remove Existing Grass
- Use a garden spade or edger to cut out existing grass two to three inches deep.
- Set the grass aside.
4. Add Soil Mix
- Fill the hole or depression with your prepared soil mix.
- Smooth the area with the back of a hard rake.
- Place the removed grass back on top.
- Spread grass seed on any bare spots not covered by replaced grass.
5. Apply a Top Dressing
- Add a thin layer (1/2 inch or less) of your soil mix as a top dressing.
- Use a push broom to agitate the mix down to soil level.
- Do not brush areas with new seeds.
6. Water
- Water the leveled area thoroughly with a hose or sprinkler.
FAQ
Can I level my backyard myself?
- Yes, small sunken spots and holes can be repaired yourself. However, large areas or lawns with extensive damage may require professional assistance.
How much does it cost to level a sloped backyard?
- Costs vary depending on the size of the area, the severity of the slope, and the contractor you hire. A small job can cost around $800, while a more complex job can range up to $5,500.
What’s the difference between leveling and grading a yard?
- Leveling focuses on filling in low spots and creating a smooth surface. Grading involves creating a gentle slope to divert water and prevent erosion.
What equipment do I need to level my backyard?
- For small repairs, you can use a lawnmower, hard rake, garden spade or edger, and push broom. Larger jobs may require a rototiller.
