Lawn leveling, also known as topdressing, is a maintenance technique that involves applying a thin layer of material over the turf to smooth out surface irregularities. This process is particularly beneficial for Bermuda grass due to its aggressive growth habit, which features both above-ground and below-ground runners. As the grass grows, these runners spread rapidly, allowing the turf to quickly grow through the newly applied material and establish a firmer, more uniform surface. The successful leveling of a Bermuda lawn relies heavily on precise timing to ensure the grass can recover and push through the topdressing layer without being suffocated.
Optimal Timing for Leveling Bermuda
The best time to level a Bermuda lawn is when the grass is in its most vigorous state of growth, typically during late spring or early summer. Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf, meaning it must be fully out of winter dormancy and actively growing to withstand the leveling process. Applying topdressing material too early, while the grass is still waking up, can smother the turf before it has the energy to grow through the layer. The soil temperature is the most reliable indicator for optimal leveling time, with the ideal range being when the 4-inch soil depth is consistently above 65°F. This temperature range encourages aggressive root and shoot growth. Leveling during the peak summer months is generally acceptable, but performing the task outside of the active growing season will significantly impede the lawn’s ability to heal and may result in bare spots.
Essential Preparation and Materials
Before applying any leveling material, the lawn must be prepared to maximize the success of the process. The first step involves scalping the lawn, which means mowing the turf down to the lowest possible height setting. Scalping ensures that the topdressing material reaches the soil surface directly, rather than sitting on top of the grass blades and potentially smothering the plant crowns. Aerating the lawn before leveling is also highly recommended, as pulling soil plugs helps to relieve compaction and allows the leveling material to integrate better with the native soil.
The material itself is a specialized mix, often composed primarily of clean, fine-textured sand, such as masonry sand. Sand is preferred because it resists compaction and improves drainage, which Bermuda grass tolerates well. A common and effective leveling mix ratio for home lawns is approximately 70% sand mixed with 30% organic matter, such as compost or screened topsoil. The sand provides the structural stability for leveling, while the compost introduces nutrients and beneficial microorganisms to the soil profile.
Step-by-Step Leveling Application
The physical application of the topdressing material requires careful attention to detail to avoid damaging the turf. Begin by calculating the amount of material needed, which typically averages around 1 to 1.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet for a half-inch application. Distribute the material in small, manageable piles across the target area to ensure even coverage before spreading. The most important rule during application is to apply no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch of material at a time. This thin layer prevents the grass from being completely buried.
Use a leveling rake, a long drag mat, or a push broom to physically work the material down into the turf canopy and the low spots in the soil. The goal is to leave the tips of the Bermuda grass blades visible, allowing the plant to continue receiving sunlight and grow through the new layer. If deeper depressions exist, it is better to perform multiple, lighter applications over several weeks or months rather than one heavy application. After the material is spread evenly in one direction, drag or rake the area again in a perpendicular direction to achieve the smoothest finish.
Post-Leveling Recovery and Maintenance
Immediately following the leveling application, the lawn requires a specific watering regimen to help the material settle and encourage the grass to push through. The area should be watered lightly and frequently for the first week, keeping the new topdressing moist but not saturated. This light, repeated watering helps the sand and compost particles filter down to the base of the turf and settle into the low spots. Once the grass begins to show vigorous new growth through the material, usually within a week or two, a return to a normal, deeper watering schedule can begin. Fertilizing the lawn approximately one to two weeks after leveling will provide the necessary nitrogen to stimulate growth.
Fertilization should align with the summer feeding schedule, which is when Bermuda grass utilizes nutrients most effectively. The first post-leveling mow can occur once the grass blades have grown tall enough to be cut at their normal maintenance height. This initial mowing signals that the lawn has recovered sufficiently and helps to further smooth the surface by cutting any grass that may have been slightly covered. Continued consistent mowing and watering will encourage the Bermuda grass to completely fill in the leveled areas, resulting in a dense, uniform turf.