Life may present some unexpected bumps in the road. And what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But bumps in your very uneven lawn? There’s no silver lining about them. Here’s how to achieve a level lawn … for happier, healthier grass.
A level lawn is highly underrated. But here’s why it is so important.
- You don’t want to trip while walking!
- It’s easier to maintain. Your lawnmower can navigate easier.
- Your lawn will be healthier. No pools of water collecting in a hole or low spot.
How do lawns get bumpy and uneven in the first place?
How did your lawn get so bumpy and lumpy? Glad you asked!
There are an array of causes. Some are natural. Some not so much.
Maybe you’ve got some unwanted pests such as grubs or moles. Sometimes, animals see your lawn as their personal digging ground, which can create ruts and holes.
Or perhaps you’ve got some drainage issues like a leaky pipe or settling issues that occur throughout the years.
And while you’re wondering how this happened, how do you make sure this never happens again?
- Keep your lawn healthy with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
- Follow prevention protocols against lawn pests.
- Aerate and loosen the soil regularly.
How to level your lawn
The first thing you need to level your lawn are the proper tools. But don’t overcomplicate things. This can be something as simple as a rake or a shovel. A leveling rake is always a good option.
Now let’s get to your soil. What will you use to make your lawn more even?
One of the most effective choices is a sand or a sand mix. This is pure, fine sand. When choosing a mix, look for about 40% sand, 40% topsoil, and 20% compost.
Or use a mixture that is 80% sand and 20% peet. This is what they use for professional golf courses and is a favorite for lawn pros.
Now it’s time to assess the depth of the problem. Do you have a mountain or a mole hill? This will determine your approach.
How to fix deep ruts
Have a big hole to fill? We’re talking about one to two inches of hole, or more. Well, there isn’t a shortcut for this kind of problem. But there are some detailed steps to take to get your lawn healthy again.
First, you need to be equipped with the right defense. That means you need to start with a 50/50 mix of soil and sand.
Start by removing the grass. Then take a shovel fork and loosen the soil.
Now you’ll fill in with that 50/50 soil mix. This is an essential step for helping new grass take root.
From here, you can do one of two things. If the old grass is still intact, you may be able to replant it. If that is not the case, you’ll need to sow new grass seeds. Try and use seeds of the same variety as already planted so you don’t have an aberrant patch of grass.
Topdressing: when your lawn just needs a minor leveling
Have a smaller issue? Topdressing may be the best approach and is the least invasive.
You want to start by dethatching your lawn with a rake. Then scoop leveling mix into the low areas with a shovel. Make sure to spread it out evenly.
Now work the mixture thoroughly into the grass with your leveling rake.
Once this is done, make sure to water thoroughly. Monitor the area and repeat as necessary.
Considerations to make before improving your lawn
Is there a best time of year for leveling your lawn? In fact, there is.
While leveling issues can happen at any time, spring is the best time for a repair. You need moisture for the soil to settle and grass to grow. Spring creates the perfect environment for your grass repair.
And how do you know if your lawn needs a more extensive fix?
If your lawn is severely uneven, you’ll need to regrade your lawn. Let’s say you see large, uneven slopes. Or your lawn has drops and bumps that seem like a deathtrap. That’s a clue that you’ll need a more extensive fix.
This may involve bringing in outside equipment, and is a more involved process. But it will be necessary if the damage is too extensive.
Your lawn, more beautiful than ever
There’s no need to live with an uneven lawn. It isn’t a problem that you can just ignore. And it won’t just go away.
An uneven lawn can be a hazard. And it can hurt the long term health of your lawn.
But with a little effort, your lawn can go from bumpy and lumpy to breathtaking.
