How to Level the Dirt in a Yard for Sod

Level the dirt prior to laying sod to prevent dips and hills.

Leveling the dirt in a yard is a key step in preparing for a sod installation. Uneven soil creates gaps between tiles when laying sod, and small mounds or depressions in the dirt can create irrigation problems. Water runs off the sod at the top of a small ridge or mound, creating dry soil conditions, and the sod at the base of the mound gets too much water as a result. Leveling the dirt prevents sod from drying out or drowning due to elevation problems.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Tiller
• Steel rake

Instructions

1. Correct any grading or level issues around the house. Smooth out any mounds of dirt and fill in any holes or depressions. Use the soil from the raised areas to fill in any depressions, if possible.

2. Maintain or create a gentle slope away from the base of the house. Slope the ground at a rate of 1 ft. of descent every 50 ft. from the base of the house for ideal irrigation properties.

3. Till the yard at a depth of 6 to 12 inches to loosen the soil once all holes are filled and the rough grade is established.

4. Level out the dirt by raking the yard thoroughly. Smooth out the leveled soil by dragging the back of the steel rake across the dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any large rocks, sticks or other debris in the yard while leveling and grading the soil.

• Gardeners can make a single pass with an empty lawn roller over the leveled soil to smooth it out, instead of using the back of the rake.

References

• All About Lawns: Preparing your Soil, Grading, and Edging
• Mississippi State University College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Sodding
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension: Establishing a Lawn from Sod
• University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension: Installing a Sod Lawn