Lawn leveling, often accomplished through topdressing, is the process of spreading a thin layer of material over turf to smooth out minor surface irregularities. This creates a more uniform and visually appealing lawn surface. A level lawn significantly improves mowing quality by preventing mower blades from scalping high spots and reduces tripping hazards. The topdressing material gradually settles into depressions, encouraging existing grass to grow up through the new layer and establish an even grade.
Preparing the Lawn for Leveling
The process begins by preparing the turf to ensure the leveling material integrates effectively with the soil and reaches low spots. Start by mowing the lawn significantly shorter than usual, often referred to as “scalping,” but take care not to damage the grass crowns. A target height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches is recommended to expose uneven areas and prevent grass blades from being smothered during application.
Next, remove any excess thatch, the layer of dead and living organic matter that accumulates between the grass and the soil surface. A thick thatch layer, greater than half an inch, blocks water and nutrients and prevents the topdressing mix from reaching the soil below. Dethatching can be done using a specialized rake or a power rake, ensuring all resulting debris is cleared away.
To further aid integration, aeration is often performed, especially on lawns with compacted or clay-heavy soil. Core aeration removes small plugs of soil, creating channels that allow the topdressing material to penetrate deeper and improve soil structure. Performing these preparation steps during the grass’s active growing season maximizes its ability to recover quickly.
Selecting the Right Topdressing Material
The material used for topdressing must be a carefully balanced mix, as using 100% sand is detrimental to long-term soil health. Sand alone lacks essential nutrients and, when applied to clay-heavy lawns, can combine with clay particles to form a dense layer that hinders drainage. Therefore, a leveling mix is composed of sand combined with organic material like compost or topsoil.
The most common and effective mixture provides both the structural stability of sand and the benefits of organic matter. A popular ratio is 70% sand to 30% compost or screened topsoil, though effective mixes range from 50/50 to 80/20. The sand component provides permanent structure that resists settling, while the compost introduces beneficial microbes and organic matter that improve the soil’s water-holding capacity.
When sourcing the sand, select a fine-textured, washed sand, such as masonry or golf course sand, which is free of silt and clay particles. This type of sand is readily available and ensures the mixture spreads easily and drains effectively. The goal is to select a mix compatible with the underlying soil to avoid creating distinct layers that impede root growth and water movement.
Step-by-Step Guide to Application
Once the lawn is prepared and the leveling mix is blended, begin application by transporting the material to the lawn in a wheelbarrow. Start by dumping small piles onto the lowest areas, rather than spreading it indiscriminately across the entire lawn. The primary rule is to apply the topdressing in thin layers, never exceeding a depth of one-half inch in a single application.
Physical leveling is accomplished using a specialized tool called a leveling rake, or “levelawn,” which features a flat surface dragged across the turf. This tool evenly distributes the mix, pushing it off high spots and into surrounding depressions. For smaller areas, a flat-bladed shovel or a simple landscaping rake can be used to cast and spread the mix.
After the bulk of the material is spread, use a push broom or drag mat to work the mixture down into the grass canopy. The fine particles must be massaged beneath the grass blades so the tips of the turf remain visible and exposed to sunlight. If a depression is deeper than a half-inch, it must be filled in stages, with subsequent applications occurring only after the grass has fully grown through the first layer.
Post-Application Recovery and Maintenance
Immediately following application, a light but thorough watering is necessary to help the material settle. This initial watering washes the sand and compost particles down through the grass blades, ensuring good contact with the underlying soil. Avoid over-watering, which can cause the material to wash away or settle unevenly, particularly on sloped areas.
Minimize foot traffic on the newly leveled area for the first few days to allow the mix to stabilize and the grass to begin recovery. The turf needs time to grow through the new layer, a process encouraged by a balanced application of fertilizer. Applying a starter fertilizer helps promote vigorous growth, which is necessary to quickly re-establish the dense turf canopy.
Do not mow the lawn until the grass has grown significantly taller than the topdressing layer. When the first mowing is performed, raise the blade height slightly to prevent the mower from dragging across the new material. Continued deep, infrequent watering and observation for uneven settling will ensure the long-term success of the leveling project.