How to Level Uneven Spots in a Lawn

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Mowing your lawn isn't supposed to be a roller-coaster ride. Low areas in turf collect water, and we all know that too much moisture promotes fungus growth. High areas get scalped when you mow. Here's how to fix those bumps and dips in the turf.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Garden Hoses
Potting Soil
Shovels
Spades

Step1

Cut an outline around the uneven area by inserting a spade into the turf. Place your foot on the base of the spade and push into the soil 3 to 4 inches. You're going to remove the turf, but first you need an outline to follow.

Step2

Slice the turf with the spade across the middle of the outlined area to make the sod more manageable. Pieces of sod should measure 18 to 24 inches wide.

Step3

Insert the spade under the sod and gently slice the roots as you shove the spade under the turf. You want to retain as much of the root growth as possible. (This is the hardest part of the job. Sometimes those roots just don't want to let go. Try not to tear or rip the sod pieces.)

Step4

Lift and roll the loosened sod as you cut away the roots.

Step5

Set the reserved sod in a shady area and keep it moist to prevent the roots from drying out.

Step6

Flatten the uneven area with a spade or shovel by adding or removing soil to match the level of the surrounding soil. Be sure to take into account the 1 to 2 inches of soil that's still attached to the sod.

Step7

Water the prepared area.

Step8

Lay down the previously removed sod onto the prepared soil. Adjust the sod's dimensions to fit the area.

Step9

Fill small cracks in the turf with more soil.

Step10

Keep the newly leveled area moist, especially the seams and most especially during hot weather.

Step11

Water the lawn normally after the sod becomes re-established.

Tips & Warnings

If the uneven area is a small dip in the turf, spread a few inches of fresh potting soil directly on top of the turf. The dip will flatten out as the grass grows through the layer of soil.
In cold climates where winter freezing makes your lawn uneven, use a water-filled roller in the spring to even out affected areas.
For optimal results, avoid fixing uneven areas in hot weather. Extra water helps sod grow.
Don't fertilize until you see new growth.

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Comments

yoli1428 said

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on 6/20/2007 my lawn in the backyard isn't even a lawn, it is just a field of weeds appox. 3ft tall the ground is severly uneven making mowing a 4 to 5hours job. this method describe does not sound reasonable for a yard of this size approx an acre of grass space behind the house and what about weeds whos roots are an inch or more thick and deeply embeded what can i do is there any help without cost being outrageous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Though this method may look less attractive, it requires much less effort. Sprinkle a one inch layer of soil over the low spots, use a rake to work it into the soil so that the grass blades can be seen. It may help to water these areas when working the soil down. Or, you can let it be and wait for the grass to grow up through the newly applied soil. After the grass has re-established itself, you can repeat the process again. Do this as often as needed until your low spots are filled in. Watch out for weeds when you do this!

For raised bumps, if you own a garden tractor you can rent or purchase a roller that flattens these bumps as you pull it behind the tractor. This works better when the soil is damp to wet, but not muddy. If you dont own a garden tractor, visit your local tool rental or borrow one from a friend.

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