Tools and Materials
Materials
- Topsoil
Fill Dirt
Sand (optional)
Seed or Sod (optional)
- Compost (optional)
How to Level a Yard in 7 Easy Steps
Leveling a yard is a DIY activity that can
significantly improve the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space.
Follow these simple steps to learn how to fix your yard.
Before you begin, take a
look at your yard to see where the ground is uneven. You can use a level or string level to spot uneven areas. Take your time
identifying and marking spots that need extra attention, as this will guide the
amount of fill dirt or soil you need to add.
If you have a large yard, break it into sections and
level each one separately. This will make the job easier and more manageable.
Now that you know where the low spots are, clear away any rocks, trash
or big plants that are in the way. Wear gloves and use a shovel or garden fork to
dig up any weeds or stubborn plants that might be stuck in the ground.
You can also use a hand rake or a garden hoe to pull out smaller plants or
roots. Don’t forget to remove large rocks or roots that could get in the way
when you try to level the yard. Cleaning up the area helps make the leveling
process far easier.
Dispose of
unwanted plants and smaller debris in a compost bin or garden waste bag. Create a
separate pile for larger rocks and roots and take them to a local landfill or
recycling center that accepts yard waste.
Always wear gloves to
protect your hands from injury.
After
the yard is cleared, it’s time to fill in the low spots. Use topsoil
or fill dirt, which you can buy at a garden store or home improvement store.
Use a shovel to scoop up the fill dirt and a wheelbarrow to move it
around. Pour the soil into the low spots and spread it out. Don’t add too much
dirt at once, just enough to raise the ground level, so that it’s even with the
rest of the yard.
Mix some sand
with the soil if water tends to collect in the low spots when it rains. This
will help the water drain better instead of staying in one spot.
Once the soil
is added, use a rake to spread it evenly over the yard. Gently rake the soil to
level out the high spots and spread the soil smoothly to fill in the low spots.
If you see any big clumps of dirt, break them up with a garden hoe or your rake
so the surface is even and smooth.
A garden hoe
works well to break up large clumps of dirt, making the surface smoother and
easier to work with.
After spreading the soil, you need to press it down, so it stays in
place and doesn’t sink over time. To do this, use a tamping tool, a heavy, flat
tool that helps press the soil down.
Start at one
side of the yard and work your way across, stepping down and pressing firmly to
compact the soil. This is a crucial step because it helps the soil stay level
and prevents it from shifting later.
Once you’ve compacted the soil, check again to ensure the yard is level. Use a leveling tool or a string level to check the surface. Look at the yard from different angles to make sure there are no spots that are still uneven. If you find any low spots, add a little more soil and tamp it down again until everything is flat.
If you’re using string, stretch it across the yard and check the level
along the string to cover more ground. This will help you spot uneven areas
more easily.
After
leveling the yard, you might want to add grass to enhance the aesthetics. You
can do this by either reseeding the yard or laying sod. If you choose to
reseed, then spread grass seeds evenly over the yard and lightly cover them
with a thin layer of soil and water them. This process takes time.
But, if you want a quicker result, you can lay sod, which is like
pre-grown grass. Place the sod pieces closely together in rows, making sure the
edges meet but don’t overlap. Afterward, water the yard to help the grass
settle and take root.
Choose the
right type of grass for your area. Some grasses grow better in sunny spots,
while others do well in shaded areas. Picking the right one will help your
grass grow healthy.