Low spots in a lawn create an uneven surface, which can be both a cosmetic issue and a functional problem for homeowners. These depressions are not only trip hazards but also disrupt proper water drainage, leading to standing water that can suffocate grass roots and encourage disease. Addressing these irregularities by raising the low spots restores a smooth, uniform turf height, making mowing easier and promoting overall lawn health. The process of lawn leveling relies on the strategic application of a specialized soil mixture to gradually fill these dips, providing a practical, do-it-yourself solution for achieving a healthier and safer yard.
Identifying the Cause of Depressions
Low spots often develop due to underlying soil issues that cause the ground to settle unevenly over time. A common cause is the decomposition of buried organic material, such as construction debris, old tree roots, or lumber, which creates voids beneath the surface that eventually collapse. Soil compaction from heavy foot traffic or machinery can also lead to depressions, especially in areas where the ground is consistently pressed down.
Poor drainage and water erosion contribute significantly, as excessive runoff can gradually wash away the soil in certain areas, leaving behind noticeable dips. Utility work or the installation of irrigation systems can also disturb the soil structure, causing it to settle months or years after the initial backfilling. Identifying the source of the depression allows for addressing the root cause and helps prevent the issue from recurring.
Selecting and Preparing the Topdressing Mix
The material used to fill low spots is called a topdressing mix, and its composition is crucial for successful leveling and turf recovery. An ideal mixture consists of a balanced blend of sand, screened topsoil, and organic matter like compost. Sand is the structural component, providing stability and improving drainage, which is beneficial for lawns with heavy clay soils.
Screened topsoil provides essential minerals, while compost introduces rich organic matter and beneficial microorganisms to support turf health. A common ratio recommended for leveling is 70% sand to 30% soil or compost, especially for deeper depressions, as sand resists future settling better than pure topsoil. Materials must be finely screened to ensure they spread smoothly and filter down into the turf without creating clumps or suffocating the grass. Before application, the components must be thoroughly mixed until uniform to ensure consistent texture and nutrient distribution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling
The leveling process begins with preparing the lawn by mowing the grass as low as your mower allows without scalping the turf. This low height of cut ensures maximum exposure of the soil surface, allowing the topdressing mix to reach the base of the grass blades and settle effectively. After mowing, the prepared topdressing mix should be transported to the affected areas and dumped in small piles near the depressions.
Using a shovel or scoop, spread the mix over the low spot, initially focusing the material directly into the deepest parts of the depression. The material is then worked into the turf using a specialized lawn leveling rake, the back of a garden rake, or a stiff-bristled push broom. The goal is to gently spread the mix evenly across the low spot, pushing the material back and forth to ensure it settles down toward the soil level.
A critical guideline is to apply the topdressing mix in very thin layers to avoid suffocating the existing grass. No more than one-half inch (approximately 10 to 12 millimeters) of material should be applied in a single treatment. After spreading, the tips of the grass blades must still be visible poking through the topdressing layer to ensure the blades can continue to photosynthesize.
If a low spot is deeper than one-half inch, it requires a staged approach. For deeper depressions, apply the initial thin layer and allow the grass to grow completely through the topdressing, a process that can take several weeks, before applying a subsequent layer. This incremental method maintains the health of the turf while gradually raising the elevation of the soil. After the initial spreading and leveling, lightly drag a leveling tool or push broom over the area again to catch any remaining high spots and ensure the material is perfectly feathered out into the surrounding lawn.
Post-Leveling Care and Watering
Immediate and consistent watering is important following the application of the topdressing mix to ensure the material settles properly. Watering should be light but frequent for the first two to three days after leveling. This moisture helps the sand and soil particles filter down into the turf canopy and encourages the grass roots to grow up through the new layer. Avoid heavy saturation or over-watering, which can lead to runoff and wash out the newly placed material.
Once the initial settling period is complete, transition back to a normal watering schedule, focusing on deep, infrequent irrigation to promote robust root growth. Minimize foot traffic on the newly leveled area for at least a week to allow the soil to stabilize and the grass to begin its recovery. Wait until the grass has grown significantly through the topdressing before mowing, and ensure the blade is sharp to prevent tearing the new growth.