Quck answer
To flatten an uneven backyard, follow these steps:
1. Assess the area: Determine the extent of the unevenness and identify any potential obstacles or drainage issues.
2. Remove debris: Clear the area of any rocks, branches, or other debris that may interfere with the leveling process.
3. Level the ground: Use a shovel or a rake to redistribute soil and fill in low spots. Remove excess soil from high spots to create a more even surface.
4. Compact the soil: Use a lawn roller or a tamper to compact the soil and ensure stability.
5. Reseed or sod: If necessary, reseed or lay new sod to promote healthy grass growth and a uniform appearance.
6. Maintain the backyard: Regularly mow, water, and fertilize the lawn to keep it healthy and prevent future unevenness.
Remember, the process may vary depending on the size and condition of your backyard.
Your established lawn may not always maintain its lush, green appearance. It can develop bare spots and low areas. If your lawn has multiple low spots or small bumps, there are steps you can take to even out the land.
What Causes an Uneven Lawn?
An uneven lawn can be caused by infestations of pests like grubs and voles, drainage issues, and even pipe leaks. Before leveling your lawn, it’s important to address the underlying causes of these peaks and valleys.
Check your lawn for thatch. If there is decayed grass clumped under your lawn, it may not be receiving the necessary air and water to thrive. If there is 1/2 inch or more of thatch, use a thatch rake to loosen it. Alternatively, you can rent a dethatching machine from a home improvement equipment rental center.
To minimize vole damage, mow your lawn regularly, remove thatch, and keep woodpiles and compost piles away from the lawn area. Dealing with the underlying causes can help prevent vole damage. If moles are the issue, trapping and removing them may be necessary to solve the problem.
Improve the Soil
You can fill the holes by mixing compost with topsoil and sand. A mixture of two parts topsoil, two parts sand, and one part compost is recommended. While sand is commonly used, using sand alone can dry out your lawn, making it difficult for it to absorb water. If your soil is heavy clay, adding excessive sand can result in soil that resembles concrete rather than loose soil that supports healthy turfgrass.
Remove the soil around the holes, ensuring that you dig at least 2 to 3 inches deep. Fill the area with the soil mixture and replace the plugs of grass on top of the soil.
Spread a layer of soil mixture about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick across your lawn. Use a rake to evenly distribute the soil mixture, making sure not to cover the grass blades. You should still be able to see the grass through the soil mixture. This will help fill in smaller low spots and give your lawn a smoother appearance. It will also provide some nutrients to your lawn.
Maintaining a Level Lawn
Once the low spots have been filled with new soil and the grass plugs have been replanted, regular watering is essential. You may also consider light fertilization to provide your lawn with additional nutrients.
Give your lawn about a month before repeating this process. Your lawn may not immediately become as smooth as desired, but giving the grass a month to regrow and spread across the new topsoil is important. If depressions are still noticeable after this time, you may need to repeat the process.
If you find that the grass is not regrowing as well as you would like, it may be necessary to add some grass seed. However, make sure to continue watering the area thoroughly. Additionally, follow the instructions for seeding your lawn and apply the seed at the appropriate time of year.
