Fix Low Spots & Ruts In Lawn Permanent And Quick

This unique method to fixing low-spots in your lawn is a quick, simple permanent fix. And the best part is you don't need to reseed anything! You need a flat shovel / garden spade, bag of topsoil, and a level-stick. My process of leveling a low spot can generally be done in 10 minutes or less.
Your level-stick can be anything that is long enough to bridge your 'low spot' and straight. So even an old broom handle will work for most low spots. But other than that, a flat d-handled garden spade will make this project much easier.
Link to shovel similar to one used in video (affiliate link) - amzn.to/2QQFcwc
If you need a quick reference later, I have a step by step article outlining the procedure - growitbuildit....

[@helenachase5627]

I just add soil on top a thin amount every once and a while throughout the year. It's just easier to be patient as I'm very busy. This way you don't have to water it. You can bring it up 2 inches in a growing season

[@growitbuildit]

That would work well,especially in hot weather as you said.

[@Breakern9n3]

I'm glad this is the first comment I seen. That method is what I thought the video was gonna be about. I have a bunch of tree roots protruding through the lawn in one low spot so I was hoping I could just add some top soil and let the grass grow through it to even out the height. I hope that's the right procedure of doing it

[@NthGbsn30]

@@Breakern9n3I have a few roots protruding in my lawn also. Did you put the topsoil on top or this method in the video?

[@glennknudsen9157]

Perfect timing! I just had a new shed delivered and the delivery truck tore big ruts in my yard. I was planning to fill the ruts this weekend, and along comes this video! Thanks Joe!

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Glenn - it isn't easy work. But it is faster than reseeding!

[@gymclassfinance]

I was actually getting ready to watch some videos on this. Very helpful! Lots of low spots in my yard! Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Sean! Timing is everything!

[@Infamous10110]

Dude! This is exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Murr! Glad I could help you out.

[@MagnumVideos]

Great video. I'm still dealing with my Great Depression in the front yard from two years ago.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - lol! It is a lot of work, but it does the job.

[@jackiebetty1344]

Thanks for your demonstration. It was helpful. I did not know that compost would sink eventually. I am in Florida, and I am tormented by something called dollar weeks. I try to fill in low spots. But I end up ripping up the grass to pull these dam weeks.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Jackie - part of it is straight decomposition, other is just general compaction overtime. I do have a massive low spot in the middle of my yard, may 6-7" deep and 10x5'. About 4 years ago I filled it in with 1" thick sod pads flipped upside down and reseeded. It slow sank down to a similar level from where it started. That will be a larger project to fill it in, as it will require a large amount of topsoil. The main reason is 'soil' in the most basic sense is sand/silt/clay mixture. Organic matter can be mixed in with it too, but organic matter is all stuff that can get consumed by other stuff. Also, if you look at my leaf mulch videos, you can see that I have placed a 6-12" of leaves on my veggie garden for two years, but have not raised the ground level at all. That organic matter gets integrated/consumed by vegetable plants. Or you could think of all the years people mulch, the level of the flower beds doesn't rise much, if at all. It just slowly integrates and gets consumed as it decomposes. I'm not familiar with dollar weeds, but it sounds like a pain. You may want to call your county extension to ask for the best strategy for dealing with them, especially if pulling them causes you large ruts.

[@joyannkjb4l250]

Awesome channel!! 👍👍 I'm so happy to have found! 😉 Great teaching, calm relaxed tone..... Lucky little girl there!🙃

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Joy! I'm glad you enjoy my videos

[@joyannkjb4l250]

@@growitbuildit Yes I do, very much! I had a question: First, Unfortunately I'm dealing with a couple health issues, one being migraines, and it can become tedious and painful reading, or looking at a screen for extended periods of time, etc but you're voice is so soothing it really makes the learning so much easier, and fun!!🙃 Ok..... So, I'm new at composting... I started two piles at the end of summer last year and they seem to be doing pretty darn good if I do say so myself lol Honestly, I've got a million questions, but one is about coffee grounds. I don't drink coffee, but a friend works at Dunkin'. She filled up a couple 5 gallon buckets of grounds for me. The soil seems to be breaking down very well, but second guessing, I was wondering if you think Dunkin grounds would have any excess or harmful chemicals? Or would they basically, probably, be just about the same as any store bought food that they put on our shelves😔? Just wondering your thoughts or if you've ever heard anything about Dunkin's coffee. I've heard some disturbing things about things added into Starbucks coffee, but so far, not very much about Dunkin🤞. 2nd question, if I may, is how much water does a pile need? Should it always be "moist" or should I just water once a week? The piles were started right on the ground, but on top of branches for drainage, enclosed with chicken wire (garden fence?) So they are exposed to the elements. Although I covered the tops with a thick plastic cover over the winter. (Just the top not the sides) Thank you for any help or response!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Joy - from what I've read coffee grounds are basically safe all around. I have not heard of anything bad being added, plus, we have to remember that the composting process decomposes / breaks down probably all molecules. The only thing left is base elements. Regarding herbicides, etc, those are sprayed on berries, which has a skin. The bean is on the inside and never comes into contact with the herbicide. A pile should stay moist. If it is dry, add water. If it is fully moist, do nothing. Just make sure it stays aerated, as when the material decomposes it compresses on itself, squeezing out air.

[@tessloneill7978]

I have low spots in a septic field. The house was built just a year ago. I will try your method in the spring. I want to plant micro clover over it because the turf is now brown.

[@growitbuildit]

I hope this method works for you, it has helped me quite a bit. Have you investigated why the turf is brown? Is it just because the grass went dormant, or did something kill it?

[@tessloneill7978]

@@growitbuildit I have septic service which means that they come ever three months to check things. Initially when I moved in a part of my backyard which is the septic field would be flooded in the morning. The guy that services my home-( a 22 yr old guy) increase the speed the fluid was coming to the tank. My guess, is that the yard is now receiving no benefit from the septic and probably isn’t getting any water. And we are in Texas experiencing a drought. Keep in mine that I am the first owner of this house- a brand new house. From the very beginning there was a fold in my back yard/septic field. So I know something didn’t happen like it was suppose to during construction of the house. I try not think backwards and just move forward. I am trying to build up the yard and create better soil. If you go down barely an inch it feels like concrete. Not soil suitable for a septic field. But like i said, I am trying to just move forward. Planted micro clover a few weeks ago. If you have any other suggestions I would appreciate it.

[@carlb1409]

Very informative. I have a few low spots that guests seem to often trip in when the grass is longer.

[@growitbuildit]

Thanks Carl. I was very worried about my kids tripping while running around and playing in the yard.

[@tic857]

As a new homeowner thank you so much for this video. You just saved me a lot of money

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome TI

[@MynameisNobody-k5b]

love the video Joe, keep em coming

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you!

[@gigigg9763]

I’m glad I found this channel.. thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Gigi! Glad you are enjoying it.

[@sjb7963]

amazing video! Thank you for staying focused on the topic at hand! Awesome.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Sj - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@trmcdonald5456]

THIS WAS SO HELPFUL! thank you

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome! Glad I could help you out

[@davidgonzales-ec8bo]

You are brilliant!!! This is the solution. Ty

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you David! Good luck filling your low spots. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crediblesourse]

Really informative video, my parents have a few low spots in their lawn I was hoping to fix for them this weekend, thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Excellent - glad I could help you out!

[@CatyBee]

We have a spot that always sinks. This summer we filled it with weeds, lawn clippings, leaves, and organic matter including charcoal. Well see how it winters. We have very thick beautiful grass throughout the lawn. I'm thinking lots of sand this winter.

[@growitbuildit]

Sand can work - you need something that will be more 'permanent'. When I had tried raising spots w/ organic matter, the spots returned as the organic matter broke down and was consumed by surrounding grass

[@RootyToot123]

Just found your site. Read your article on the eastern redbud's root system. I just transplanted a small (4ft.) high tree. Don't know yet if it will grow but I found the little tree had two taproots both the same diameter of the trunk. One went straight down and the other took a lateral turn to the east. We had to cut both to get it out of the ground. I was interested that your article was the only one I've read so far that found no taproots. Since these trees are usually understory trees I wonder if, as such, they use roots of other trees to find anchor them, yet when they are out alone in the open grow one of their own, if that makes sense. Sounds sensible to me considering the weather extremes in the area it grows in.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Elizabeth - After researching and growing a large number of trees, I'm of the opinion that the roots of most trees will directly adapt to their conditions. Oak trees often begin with a taproot, only to lose it later in life and grow wide lateral roots. Black Locust normally grows shallow, wide lateral roots, but will grow a taproot in dry conditions (USDA). I have heard from others who transplanted large trees that they had laterals. I can't really say why mine didn't grow a taproot, as I was fully expecting to find one, but it just didn't have it.

[@2222dw]

Wow this was great!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Delaine, I'm glad I could help you out.

[@asensibleyoungman2978]

Great advice.

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome - it has always worked well for me

[@michellelillie6259]

Very informative. I can't wait to try this.

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Michelle - good luck!

[@sharonknapp-lf1mf]

This is brilliant!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Sharon!

[@jodyk4949]

Great info! Thanks for sharing!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Jody. Good luck!

[@selfreflection2117]

This video helps a lot!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - I'm glad I could help you out!

[@Flower_hoarder]

🌿🌾🌿VERY HELPFUL ‼️🌿🌾🌿

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Marlise! Glad you found it helpful!

[@mrobvious1100]

Good video. I have a question my neighbor has a lawn roller do you think I could put that into play instead of a tamper or stumping on it. I have a sag in my lawn where the gas pipe runs about 20' to the street. About an 8" drop. In another place I have a low area about 6' across the diameter where a tree used to be? Thank you for taking the time

[@growitbuildit]

Hi - the roller could probably work fine. And then you wouldn't need to make it 'higher' or anything like that. I would just try to be sure you won't damage your pipe.

[@zteburner5882]

Great video... Thank you.

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome - good luck!

[@joanp105]

Shared .thanks👍

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Joan!

[@samuelrobinson2068]

Thank you

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome - it works very well.

[@tinaspigener2102]

Thanks

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome Tina. This method works really well for me.

[@willsteiner8021]

Very good, thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Will! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joon148B]

How did you know I needed this? Lol

[@growitbuildit]

Everyone needs this at some point in their life!

[@stewstyle]

Is it possible to do this with a larger area? I’m thinking I’d roll the sod up like a rug and try this tactic with a 12’ x 12’ square that’s low. Would that work, or better to lay topsoil on top and re-seed it?

[@growitbuildit]

For a very large area I would lay the topsoil and reseed it. Sod gets really heavy. I have one large depression that I still haven't addressed. But to attack it, I would probably do this method but just cut pads rather than a large roll. Also, consider that moving a sod roll, you basically are moving the inner part of the roll multiple times (every revolution).

[@stewstyle]

@@growitbuildit Thanks for getting back to me! Great ideas!

[@NthGbsn30]

@@growitbuilditthanks for addressing the large area question. That’s currently my issue. So I guess I’ll let the landscaper do it with the topsoil on top since the backyard will need to be pitch to help guide the rainfall towards the side & downhill.

[@called7bn]

Thanks!

[@growitbuildit]

Glad you found it helpful Heather!

[@suephillips2191]

What can I do about a big sloping area on the side of my yard that stays soft all the time? I was told that it's because of a "high water table", not sure what that means and right now I'm pretty much penny less with nobody else who could help me so I need to find the cheapest and easiest option. Thank you to anyone who has any suggestions.

[@NthGbsn30]

I too have a steep slope on the side of my house (I live on a hill), I’m currently taking measurements to slow & fix my soil erosion. One way you can fix/help it is to get some native plants seeds (ones with deep roots & help erosion), winter sow them in milk jugs outside in the Fall thru Spring & then transplant. I mm currently doing this & will begin transplanting most of them by Memorial Day. I started off trying to do it by myself but I need professional help with releveling the backyard & bringing in large rocks, etc.

[@stevehasenfeld6814]

thank you! is it the same process for a larger area 6' diameter low spot?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Steve - yes it would be the same. Just on a larger scale.

[@tmeyer2022]

I have a depression up to 5" deep and 7ft by 9ft. (Tree and stump removed 15 years ago). My only choice is to strip the sod, fill with topsoil (amended with small amount of compost) and replace the sod. I wish it was easier - I'm getting too old for this.

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Ted - if the shovel work seems too much for such a large patch, you can always just fill and reseed too. That would work fine, but just take longer to have the grass germinate, etc. But right now would be a good time, as cooler temps make it easier to keep the grass seed moist.

[@katiehowell1058]

I love this idea but unfortunately my low spots are really big and cover my entire 1/2 acre back yard. I can’t use a machine either because my drain field for my septic system is out there. Not sure what to do.

[@growitbuildit]

That makes for a tough situation. You could just try tackling it one chunk at a time.

[@Chris55433]

I have a new house with a septic tank and the lawn settled all around the tank, so there's about a 6" depression around the whole thing. Would it work to put a thin layer down about once a week and work the soil into the existing grass? Should I mix in any grass seed?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Chris - that could work. I think you would just need to pay attention to it. If you see large spots of dirt, just go break those up so the grass can work it's way through. It's going to take a while. I don't think you need to worry about grass seed as long as the grass blades are poking through.

[@NthGbsn30]

I’m today years old learning this & currently awaiting a landscaper’s quote which includes leveling my backyard 🤦‍♀️

[@growitbuildit]

This is a great way for smaller depressions/holes. And it works great, and provides instant results.

[@Finglebangle]

awesome channel! my neighbours and i are looking to attract hummingbirds this year. Do you know anything about attracting them?

[@Finglebangle]

I've ordered cardinal flowers and columbine because I've heard the ruby throated hummingbird likes those flowers!

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Connor, both of those are good choices for attracting hummingbirds. The Cardinal Climber vine can be great too, as long as you are far enough north where the sinters will kill its seeds. Also, cardinal climber needs it's own space, as it will climb on everything. I have a video on that one, you should watch it. Also, Blue Lobelia is a great hummingbird attractor, Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa too.

[@Finglebangle]

@@growitbuildit thank you so much

[@ursularoberts2614]

What if there is a drain grate at the bottom of the hole?

[@growitbuildit]

Then I would probably try to leave the drain grate open

[@richardc2803]

Why not mix sand into soil?

[@growitbuildit]

That is an option too. Would make it drain better, if that is a problem.

[@catiecardone]

Is Autumn not a good time to do this process?

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Catie - you could probably do it in Autumn. As long as you thought your grass would have a few weeks of growing season so that the roots could reestablish. Personally, I like to do it in early Spring. But the key would be to have enough growing season left in Autumn to have roots firmly attach.

[@darttdemaree5791]

helpful

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you - glad I could help you out!

[@jujujulie0]

Could you please do a video on fox gloves or snap dragon

[@growitbuildit]

Hi Wat - I generally focus on native plants. But I will consider your suggestion.

[@Monotarian]

If I get a heavy downpour of rain I have about a 3x9 (roughly)area that turns into a mini lake.What would you do? Thanks for another great video you gained a sub!

[@growitbuildit]

If it's a low spot, I would try to level it out as vest I could. If there was a natural slope near, I would try to match that

[@kilometer214]

nice

[@growitbuildit]

Thank you Myles! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@charlesecrowdersr3251]

How to fill in 75 ft where septic line runs

[@growitbuildit]

For that, I would probably get a load of screened topsoil delivered. And I would just seed it on top. I would try to do this in very late summer as it would be easier to keep the soil moist - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWKwgpqFZZeFf7s

[@uuid.uuid4]

Is this nurdrage’s gardening channel?

[@growitbuildit]

Nope. Most people accuse me of sounding like Nicolas Cage.

[@uuid.uuid4]

@@growitbuildit love your content and your presentation style! Thanks for being you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are welcome sir! Thank you for the kind words.

[@wyominghome4857]

Just use sand. It doesn't wash away and the grass will grow up through it.

[@growitbuildit]

Yes, that is a good suggestion

[@amandamcclure5197]

Thank you!

[@growitbuildit]

You are very welcome Amanda! Good luck!