Leveling Your Lawn the Right Way

Top soil, compost, or sand are all methods used to level a lawn.
In this video I go over leveling and grading with top soil, and also leveling a lawn with sand. The first part of the video, I had excavation work done and brought in 2 yards of screened topsoil. The second part where I leveled with sand was a few months later and wanted the whole lawn to be smoother.
👉🏽Screened Top Soil: Personally, and from the research I have done on this topic, top soil should be used when there is leveling needed on areas greater than roughly 2" deep, ex: ruts, large bumps, uneven grade etc. When using top soil, ensure it is screened. Also be aware that you will not know what weed seeds are in that top soil, so when it comes time to plant seed, I would suggest using a mesotrione or something that prevents weeds at time of seeding that is safe for seeding. (Scotts starter fertilizer has this ingredient in it). You will want to mow the surrounding grass low, to make leveling the edges easier. Use a roller afterwards to compact the soil.
👉🏽Sand: If your lawn just needs a little leveling work, you can use either a kiln dried or masonry sand to level the lawn. Per USGA specs, there should not be particles larger than 1.0mm. The larger the particles, the more trouble it has working into the turf canopy. Sand should be used if you are leveling areas less than 1"deep. A top soil/sand mixture could be used as well for areas slightly deeper. You will spread the sand evenly over the turf, then use a leveling rake (link below) and a broom to work it in. You could use a roller as well afterwards.
After sand leveling, I will put an application of fertilizer down. One fertilizer I like to use is from Simple Lawn Solutions. The link below will take you to their web site to look at their products.
simplelawnsolutions.com/?rfsn...
Tools required: 👇🏽
Leveling rake:
amzn.to/3RuROqt
Landscape rake
amzn.to/3AJKvFv
Lawn roller
amzn.to/3PtZLdx
Broom:
amzn.to/3fxABLQ
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Disclaimer:
Rooted Lawn Co is apart of an affiliate program and makes a commission off of some of the links contained.
This is not a how to. This is how I do, do at your own risk.

[@l9ikjam]

I had big dips in my lawn. I would scalp the area and level it out with top spoil. Every 2 to 3 years those dips would return. I seen a video that said to use 50% soil and 50% sand and mixed them. I did it and 5 years later the dips has yet to come back.

[@frankwoodbery2473]

Thanks for video. Like some others, I've heard of people using a blend of 50/50 sand/topsoil or sand/potting soil rather than 100% sand. It needs to be 1/4" screened to remove any debris before spreading.

[@faithhopelove7777777]

Beautiful results! Thanks!

[@carolinafine8050]

This is awesome… so many other lawn channels talk very vaguely and at such a high level. This is much better

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thank you for this comment! I appreciate it. Check out @thelawnfeed another great quick tip channel for lawn care.

[@rwr313]

Actually quite helpful and informative. Thanks!

[@RootedLawnCo]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@Bladesofgrasslawncare]

Great video, thanks!

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thanks brother!

[@yoko180]

The level lawn rake works great for small areas but I recommend using a bigger drag for big areas. I made mine from an 8 ft wood pallet and it works great.

[@bruce7175]

Very good lawn level you 2

[@lrod425]

Fantastic video. I have 7k sq ft of total yard. I will be doing this for sure.

[@mikeboardman6028]

Love this!

[@thedadbodlawn]

Great video! I’ll have to pick your brain about the DIY leveling rake.

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thanks bro! And yeah, pick away!

[@mrjedmonds1]

Shoulda put some of that carnival music on when you were doing the figure eights on the John Deer. Neighbors woulda loved that.

[@kthompson9877]

These videos are so inspiring but it all feels so daunting. Really have no idea where to start getting this yard in shape.

[@RootedLawnCo]

Shoot me a DM on IG and I’d be happy to help. There is also a full guide on lawn leveling for only $10 online that goes over everything!

[@Okie-Tom]

Nice job!

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thank you!

[@daughert]

Great video Vince!! Very informative, I learned a lot!

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thanks brother! Glad you did, that’s awesome!

[@yoko180]

I ordered 3 yards of screened topsoil which still had glass, sticks,rocks and plenty of weed seeds. I used topsoil because I have some thick areas as you mentioned. I’m on my second day and it’s taking this long because I am trying to eyeball and remove the debris as I go. I was feeling pretty down about it until I broke out the level lawn. Once I started to see how good it was looking using the level lawn rake it gave me some hope. That thing is a game changer. I am also going to be using a pallet for a drag. I sure hope I don’t have a lot of weeds from this topsoil. Definitely going to need that Scott’s starter fert with mesotrione.really enjoyed your video. It’s very helpful.

[@RootedLawnCo]

That sounds like a bad batch of “screened” top soil. I’m glad you found this video helpful! I appreciate you watching and letting me know! Best of luck to you lawn fix! That fertilizer with meso should help for sure. If you can, use a roller to lightly compact all that topsoil so it doesn’t settle and leave you with bumps.

[@l9ikjam]

A peat moss spreader was one of the best purchases that i made for my lawn. Its crazy the amount of wood and rocks that's in top soil.and peat moss. by the time I'm done spreading soil/peat moss, I'll have a big pile of wood chips that I'll just throw in one of the beds in my front yard. Plus you can throw soil down without flattening your grass. I use it to throw some black kow manure down every spring. If you don't want to buy one, I was using a screen that i got out of my window. It's time consuming but it does the job.

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@l9ikjam yeah I’ve wanted a peat moss spreader for a while now! They are a great buy for sure!

[@SciaticaDrums]

@@l9ikjam I always use peat moss to cover my grass seed as it helps retain moisture. I always tell people you can start grass in the Summer too, you just have to water it regularly. Never had an issue. I have a couple areas that need to be levelled and I am NOT looking forward to it.

[@l9ikjam]

@@SciaticaDrums I'm slowly leveling my front yard. I enjoy being out in the yard

[@upnylawn3519]

Another great one bud!! Keep them coming! Myself, I'll be using a 80/20 Sand/Compost mix for my leveling in a few days.

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thanks man!! And that’ll be a good concoction.

[@denise3250]

Using the compost mix will usually result in a mix of weeds - I’ve found straight sand is a winner - this is just my experience- from Australia- cheers good luck 🎈🎈😎🇦🇺

[@SunnyBermuda]

🌞Great video!!

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@X-GamerPro-HD]

As a full time self employed landscaper for 6 years, I’ve probably laid thousands of lawns, this is good useful information!

[@JakeMohl]

Here's a comment and a 👍. I know they help.

[@philipmartin7196]

i used a 50 /50 mix potting soil and play sand and my lawn came out fantastic

[@thefish2777]

Play sand is ok to put on yards??

[@thangknowa3288]

Doing that every year would get really old to me - quick.

[@tiffanywhite2121]

*subbed* great work buddy, i appreciate the content!!💯🌱👍

[@RootedLawnCo]

Thank you! And I am on the discord! Looks like you had quite the renovation going on too!

[@tiffanywhite2121]

Same name?

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@tiffanywhite2121 yeah

[@tiffanywhite2121]

Just looked for you i didnt see u?

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@tiffanywhite2121 🤷🏽‍♂️I’m on there. Not sure why you can’t see. I rarely use it though.

[@LovelyRitas]

What do you use to give the stripped or argyle appearance?

[@bryansauer2133]

Well done video 👍🏻 do you have any plans you can share on how you made your DIY leveling tool?

[@RootedLawnCo]

Unfortunately my dad is the genius behind that. He took a stainless steel cart and cut it down into it! They aren’t very expensive. I have a link for one that’s only $120 I think from Amazon. Cheaper than most options.

[@danielcleary1072]

Last spring I tried to level my lawn with a top dressing of compost, manure and sand. It still has lots of lumps. Not sure what I can do.

[@paulrush2792]

Can you use this method in UK, soil is Clay like soil?

[@ericstinnett9182]

Great video, yard looks great. I have a question. How come you didn't used like 70/30 mix or a 50/50 mix using topsoil and sand, also what type of grass do you have? Thanks

[@RootedLawnCo]

For the leveling? I wanted to keep it pure. Topsoil contains who knows what kind of weed seeds etc. so just using sand was best option. At this time it was a local seed company KBG/PRG.

[@ericstinnett9182]

@@RootedLawnCo You're are right about the weeds. Thanks

[@mrscaldwell3147]

What a big job; hope the pay was worth it!

[@alceja3522]

Great video!! Doing my first level and overseed in my back yard only 750 sq ft. Should I just use top soil for my first level ? Much appreciated

[@RootedLawnCo]

Are you killing your existing lawn? If so yes, use top soil. If not, you could still use topsoil if you mow your existing lawn 1 inch high. Especially if it’s very bumpy and rutted. If it’s not terrible, you can use sand. About 1 ton of sand per thousand square ft.

[@alceja3522]

@@RootedLawnCo no just doing an overseed. But it’s pretty bumpy in spots. Thanks it small but I still want it to look level 👍🏻 thanks again

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@alceja3522 can always do a top soil/sand mix 😉

[@michaelcody395]

Cam Gigandet doppelganger Thank you.

[@titanican2731]

Can you tell me how to get rid of grubs natural? And slugs

[@YardGuy]

New subscriber here!

[@RootedLawnCo]

I appreciate you subscribing to my channel!!

[@WooderBoyProductions]

What time of the year did you do the sand leveling?

[@RootedLawnCo]

July

[@WooderBoyProductions]

@@RootedLawnCo wow grew back really well for July.

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@WooderBoyProductions it really did. I didn’t know what to expect. But some fert and water does wonders.

[@WhereisPerson]

Leveling

[@vernitawalters1111]

Leveling the lawn...

[@Juice421fs]

Would a leveling rake be good for leveling a sandy area for a pool?

[@RootedLawnCo]

I would think it would.

[@mydopplife]

I just power raked. Aerated and added a bunch of top soil and then seed and Peet Moss a month ago. I mowed yesterday and there are a bunch off low spots. Should I add sand now or will it hurt the seed?

[@RootedLawnCo]

I’d stay with topsoil for now

[@JeSSTeR81]

What if the sod was laid down rough, and dying… soil be ok for the rough gaps, all with fertilizer?

[@RootedLawnCo]

I’d fill the areas in with topsoil. And yes. Water and fertilize to get those roots growing. If super poor job, may need relayed to save your frustration down the road.

[@jjaafar]

is it a good a idea to combine sand + top soil and compost, spread and level them in go?

[@RootedLawnCo]

People will do compost and topsoil mix or sand topsoil mix.

[@brittanyd8103]

As another KZbinr said topsoil can have unknown amounts and types of weed seeds that you may never be able to get rid of so maybe not the best first choice. He suggested potting mix as it's sterilized. Just a friendly tip! 🌱

[@RootedLawnCo]

Potting mix would be incredibly expensive.

[@brittanyd8103]

@@RootedLawnCo Maybe for a large project but great for something small. I would warn people of the weed potential.

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@brittanyd8103 if I don’t In this video, in my others I discuss this and recommend mesotrione for bare dirt and seeding. This prevents weeds from growing.

[@reallyaznokidding]

To grow seashells

[@edpetrik501]

Whoa dude you really work fast ! Hope you’re getting paid by the job and not by the hour 😂👍

[@RootedLawnCo]

I wish I could move that fast!

[@leomerino3906]

Is the the leveling rake better than a dragger like for a baseball

[@RootedLawnCo]

For small areas, I would say yes.

[@leomerino3906]

@@RootedLawnCo I just my question. Lol. So I have close to 1000 sqft would you recommend the rake?

[@RootedLawnCo]

@@leomerino3906 I would! R&R make a good one. Landzie sells one. I may have one linked in the description too.

[@moreglistrefine1432]

Did miss something did you ever explain when to use topsoil and when sand?

[@RootedLawnCo]

I did. But in a nutshell. Sand is good for small fixes or on top of already level ground. Topi soil is best for larger repair areas. Can always do a mix too!

[@user-tn7xv6uf1f]

Oh ok. You answered my question. I'm curious. After an expert treating my lawn or so after grass has grown can I keep cutting my grass myself? . I honestly feel scared doing this project myself but I feel I can do it myself. I have less then a acher

[@johngrinnell]

Tuckahoe Turf Farm?!? You from Jersey??

[@RootedLawnCo]

I am not. It’s about 2.5 hrs from me.

[@SanRuis7430]

What kind of grass is this?

[@RootedLawnCo]

Kentucky blue grass. Check out twin city seed for some great blends!

[@TruckerJoe]

So leveling is a yearly task???

[@RootedLawnCo]

With sand, yes.

[@user-tn7xv6uf1f]

So you put sand on top of top soil?

[@RootedLawnCo]

Yes. I have a 4 part mini series all about leveling coming out today!

[@appiconll]

What if you don't have a roller?

[@RootedLawnCo]

A lot of hardware store rent them very cheap.

[@appiconll]

@@RootedLawnCo Okay thanks.

[@lmSteveo]

Grass type?

[@RootedLawnCo]

Kentucky blue grass and perennial rye grass

[@lmSteveo]

@@RootedLawnCo I have been overseeing with KBG midnight for the pass 2 years. I originally started with TTTF. I know the KBG spreads out and doesn’t grown straight up like fescue does. So the kgb blades are different. I find mine doesn’t seem as thick as I want it to be. I might try and mix in some Snap Back RR Tall Fescue from United seeds. I like my stripes and I think Fescue stripes better. Both are dark green type grasses.

[@gregfaulkner2107]

Sewer line repair destroyed my lawn contractor left a mess

[@RootedLawnCo]

Sorry to hear that! I don’t think there is a way around not leaving a mess when digging up the lawn 😰

[@gregoryj5874]

Sandy loam is the same is it not!

[@susanmetz9892]

Why did you bother leveling with sand? You stated that the seed wouldn’t grow in it.

[@RootedLawnCo]

In several inches of sand it’s not recommended for the type of grass I planted. Sand helps level out smaller imperfections. Hope this helps.

[@m.m14433]

Dirt AND sand

[@raymcdonald731]

Every time is use dirt or sand I contaminate my lawn with different kinds of weeds

[@RootedLawnCo]

If you use something like tenacity or mesotrione liquid or granular (in Scott’s starter fertilizer) that’ll stop weeds pretty well.

[@brittanyd8103]

I heard another guy say never use topsoil because of the weed issue. Use sterilized soil like potting mix.

[@wiktorpoliszczuk1372]

😄🤣😂