Lawn leveling corrects minor depressions and bumps, improving appearance, making mowing easier, and reducing tripping hazards. This procedure involves applying a thin layer of material, known as topdressing, over the turf to gradually fill low areas. While “topsoil” is often used generically, applying pure, unamended topsoil is discouraged because it negatively impacts existing grass health. Successful leveling depends on selecting the proper material and following a precise application and aftercare routine.
Selecting the Right Leveling Material
Using 100% topsoil for leveling is problematic because it often consists of fine particles lacking the necessary structure for good drainage. A thick layer of pure topsoil can become dense and compacted, preventing air and water from reaching the grass roots. This smothers the turf and creates a distinct, poorly draining layer. The goal is to create a material that integrates seamlessly with the existing soil and maintains permeability.
The optimal material is a topdressing blend, typically combining sand, pulverized topsoil, and compost in specific ratios. Sand provides structural stability and coarse particles that resist compaction, ensuring the mixture remains loose and porous. Compost introduces organic matter and microbial activity, improving soil health and nutrient retention as the material settles.
A common and effective ratio is a 40% sand, 40% topsoil, and 20% compost mix. A simpler 50% sand and 50% topsoil blend is also frequently used for its ease of spreading and structural benefits. Coarse or masonry sand is preferred over fine play sand, which can lead to compaction issues. The sand component is valuable because its mineral structure will not decompose or settle significantly, providing a long-term foundation.
Necessary Preparations Before Leveling
Before applying leveling material, the lawn must be prepared so the topdressing can reach the soil surface and integrate properly. Preparation involves scalping the lawn by mowing at a much lower setting than usual, often removing more than one-third of the blade length. This exposes low spots and allows the leveling mixture to penetrate deep into the turf canopy, making spreading easier.
Removing excess thatch is another important step, especially if the layer of dead roots and stems is thicker than one-half inch. Excessive thatch prevents the new material from reaching the underlying soil, leading to poor root development and water runoff. If the ground is severely compacted, core aeration should be performed to create small holes. Aeration improves the movement of air, water, and nutrients into the root zone, ensuring the leveling mix settles correctly.
Applying the Leveling Mixture Step-by-Step
The topdressing mixture must be applied in deliberate, thin layers to avoid smothering the existing grass. Begin by dumping small piles of the mixed material across the uneven areas, spacing them close enough for manageable spreading. The goal is to apply no more than a half-inch of material in a single application, as a thicker layer blocks sunlight and suffocates the turf.
Once distributed, use a specialized leveling tool, such as a leveling rake or lute, to systematically drag the material across the surface. The flat edge pushes the mixture into low spots, maintaining a consistent grade. For large areas, a drag mat pulled behind a utility vehicle expedites the process, while a leveling rake suits smaller sections.
After spreading the bulk of the material, use a stiff push broom or the back of a landscape rake to vigorously work the mixture down through the grass blades to the soil level. This exposes the grass tips to sunlight, which is necessary for photosynthesis and recovery. If depressions are deeper than one inch, multiple, sequential applications are necessary, allowing the grass to recover between each layer.
Immediate Care After Leveling
Proper care immediately following application is important for successful turf recovery. The first step is to water the area lightly and frequently for the first few days. This helps settle the new material and prevents it from drying out. Water should be applied gently to moisten the material without washing it away or creating new depressions.
Monitor the turf closely to ensure grass blades remain visible through the topdressing. This confirms enough sunlight is reaching the plant to prevent smothering. The existing grass will quickly grow through the thin layer. Do not resume regular deep, infrequent watering until the lawn shows signs of active regrowth.
Avoid mowing the treated area until the grass has grown significantly through the new material, which may take a few days to a couple of weeks. When resuming mowing, raise the cutting height slightly for the first few passes. This prevents the mower from displacing the material or damaging the recovering grass crowns. Fertilization should be delayed until the turf has fully recovered and can absorb nutrients efficiently.