How To LEVEL Your Lawn In ONE WEEKEND // Verticut, Scarify, Aeration, Topdress, Level and Overseed

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Grass Seed - Ryan Knorr Lawn Care Grass Seed Lineup - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product-category/grass-seed/ryan-knorr-lawn-care-grass-seed/ MORE RENOVATION INFO - The Ultimate Guide To Cool Season Lawn Renovation and Overseeding - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-cool-season-lawn-renovation-and-overseeding/

[@jessewood3999]

Can you try putting a light layer of soil on top to see what will happen?

[@bobbydee647]

My rake has arrived. Stoked

[@frankposterello1628]

@@jessewood3999 I have a Husqvarna 36" commercial walk behind. It has 5 speeds, the 5th being 'jogging'.... and if I run it in 5th, it literally goes airborne in spots. I would need like 40 yards and a bobcat. I'm ok with it thought - living vicariously through Ryan.

[@adventurefuel5172]

30 years in construction, and I’ve seen new carpets installed that aren’t as think as this lawn. That’s literally amazing.

[@frankposterello1628]

Seeing that much sand for what is already one of the best lawns on the planet and is 1/4 the size of my lawn is simply terrifying. I think I'll put shocks on my lawn mower.

[@jheezy661]

Compost! The guy keeps recommending it to me too. Maybe I’ll take his word for it now ha ha.

[@scottmattox3613]

I feel like anyone who buys this house when Ryan moves needs to sign a contract that they are also a lawn nut with references. It would be horrible for this lawn to go to waste due to neglect.

[@f900ex5]

No fucks given by his neighbor :)

[@pewpewkachew4735]

or maybe they will have hobbies outside of cutting their grass

[@GRJCLyon]

@@pewpewkachew4735 or maybe they're just lazy.

[@Hans353]

@@GRJCLyon the neighbors lawn is just fine lol. It isn't horrible. The neighbor doesn't seem to be lazy. You forget that this dude is a lawn care youtuber right? He literally gets oaid to film this and take cate if his lawn. Not everyone has the ability to make money by taking care of their lawn. If it was, everyone would have a great lawn.

[@663drewm]

I lived by Ryan. The guy who bought it tore up the south side yard and put a boat on it. They also haven't ran the irrigation once. It is a far cry from what it used to be. I bet Ryan cries if he ever drives by.😅😢

[@steffen707-]

I watched this video like 8 times over the past few years. Just did my first sand leveling on my KBG in Wisconsin. This was a huge help. 🎉

[@24TreSter]

I've been watching this channel for a year now. Early September I decided to pull the trigger and do a lawn reno, I brought in 10 yards of clean topsoil to level out ( it was terribly bumby). I got the lawn level rake which works awesome! I overseeded and have been watering like a maniac with standard sprinklers. This week has a lot of rain in the forecast, thank God.

[@gsp4prez]

Thinking of doing that next year. How was cost and everything for it?

[@24TreSter]

@@gsp4prez the rake cost was not cheap! I wanna say $180, but it is an amazing tool and will serve me well over the years. The topsoil was $320 for 10yds ( most people won't need that much) and good good grass seed was about $80/ 40lb bag. Not a cheap process initially. The lawn has been filling in nicely tho with new grass growth. I'm very excited for next year as I am confident my lawn will be looking better than it ever has.

[@gsp4prez]

@@24TreSter thanks man! Good luck! I lost most of my front yard to grubs so I’m looking at spring seeding. Ugh.

[@mgriffin12]

Did my reno end of August. Took 5 days to spread and level 6 yards of compost. I think I'm done doing renovations

[@jasonrubright3445]

Just got my handle replacement in the nick of time! Thank you Ryan and Landzie for making a quality product that you stand behind!

[@terrywereb7639]

What a waste of pasture.

[@MichaelRei99]

Continuing to watch your subscribers grow is great to see! It shows that you are the reel deel! You’ll be in LCN territory before you know it and that speaks volumes about your character!! Keep up the good work!!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Thanks for watching!

[@ztremblay21]

Damn, I have been fighting for a thick lawn for two years, this guy's lawn is so thick he needs an attachment to thin it out 😂 what a world

[@juantaste8603]

Nothing stops me in my tracks faster than a post from Ryan. Well, that and diarrhea..

[@mmac7764]

I just did this. If I were to do it again, I think I would overseed and THEN throw down the light sand layer. After throwing sand down this time, I did an initial level with the levelling tool, then threw down seed, and then broomed in the seed/sand in an effort to get the seeds slightly covered to improve chances of Germination. Results are promising so far but I wonder if they would be even better if you did seed then sand, as I can see some un-germinated seed sitting on top of the sand still. This is all presuming you're only doing a light sand layer. Thanks for sharing your process Ryan.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yeah it's really tough to get a light layer down perfectly and I had some areas that I wanted to go heavier. I've never had any issue with seed on top of sand in areas where some grass already exists, it's just the bare spots that are more difficult but still easy to fix with a little overseed as you go through the rest of fall.

[@s1esteve]

Man I pushed my leveling project off a week and temps are starting to rise. Laying out sand soil mix tomorrow. Wish me luck fellas

[@RootedLawnCo]

Good neighbors make for quick(er) work. I may pick up one of these rakes. My DIY one is like 40lbs and will take chunks out if I turn too sharp.

[@jeffreystarnes9500]

Sure am glad you and the neighbors get along really well!

[@gertebert]

Overhere in the Netherlands we use worm compost to dress our lawns. At least I do. Gives an unbelievable boost to the grass and all the life underneath the ground. Win-win.

[@Tuckaa24]

Teamwork makes the dream work, so cool to see you get help lol

[@olson7117]

You need to have 1 million subs for sure on this channel, keep it up Mr. Knorr. Your neighbor from nebraska

[@mujy82]

This video is right on time. Leveling rake arrived last week, sand ready to go down. Thanks!!!

[@ThatStupidZombie]

I just spent 3hrs using my sunjoe to power rake and clean up .3acres. Im sore and dont regret it

[@brendongruis2335]

I think I saw Will's yard in the background...looking good. Also, Will has those dark Kujos! 🔥

[@ltlfamily]

Good content as usual and perfect timing. Gonna tackle this here and use this video as my guide.

[@joes3800]

I was going to say the same thing!

[@johnathanpinkerton]

We steal your sprinkler, you steal our slicer. I see how it is. Touché my good friend. Touché.

[@turnerofwrenchs8752]

As much leveling as you do it's worth it to go to your local golf course and rent a top dressing trailer. We have a Dakota top dresser we rent to people when it's not in use.

[@freethinker3161]

I love watching sand leveling videos. I don't do it but I love watching it.

[@sidehop]

Basically, he makes golf course grade lawn 😍

[@mruff53]

Watching this with a smile on my face, go an look out the window at my lawn instantly pissed 🤣🤣🤣

[@DaddingAllDay]

Poor Will… hopefully he was compensated the southern way; a belly full of tasty food. I’m about get to the fun part of my renovation this weekend. Aeration and top dressing. It’s odd. I should be dreading it, but like you, I’m really looking forward to it!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

He was fed and hydrated with cold beers :)

[@DaddingAllDay]

@@ryanknorrlawncare That’ll do the trick. Haha! Excellent video as always.

[@jfarm_1311]

October is gonna be snappin

[@iankm1]

Reciprocating aerator is the way to go!

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁. Hard work pays off. 😎👍👍

[@rcclapha]

I top dressed and over seeded an existing lawn today and then Of course a thunderstorm rolled in this evening and we got a little over an inch of rain. Went out with a flashlight and didn’t see a single grass seed in my lawn. It’s flat and established, but am fixing a few thin spots too. I’m really hoping the rain drove it into the top dress black dirt and didn’t wash away. I guess I just wait and see…?

[@riflebear1711]

2 years later.... I gotta know....... did it wash it all away?!

[@jconsentino]

I have 3-4" TTTF. I find that the dethatching tines work a little better for me. Regardless, cleaning out that dead material is very satisfying.

[@DavePianist]

Man seeing how perfect your lawn is I'm ashamed to look at my lawn everyday.

[@TallDad610]

Trust the process. Lawns take time and they take more time if you can’t work in it a lot or put a lot of water and product down

[@shadylawndude9488]

Great video! Love seeing the process and all the hard work that goes into seeing how to have and maintain a beautiful turf stand like yours.

[@u01ijm7]

I think this guy likes his lawn

[@Grampa-el3kz]

My lawn looks like a diorama of the Ozark hill area of Southern Missouri. That's neat seeing your lawn looking like a baseball field. Great job!!!

[@CFGV]

Love your videos!!! And they are extremely helpful. Greetings from Spain!!!

[@SANFRAN]

I live in North West PA, should I be using sand or top soil to level? Have a lot of odd divots in the lawn

[@p007lee]

Love your work, Ryan. I just went thru the same thing you did there on my lawn over the Labor Day weekend. Thanks for all the information.

[@Javii96]

My lawn renovation is coming in great and you were my biggest help. Thank you

[@regisrumpf6658]

This is what my coming weekend will look like! Have you ever tried the brush attachment for your Swardman to brush the sand into the canopy?

[@babadagaa8352]

I like to use a hose and nozzle to jet down the high spots

[@theCastleberry]

Pain before the gain...well said. Great video as always sir.

[@ericallen9678]

Why don’t you use the brush attachment on the Swardman to brush in the sand? Allett says that’s one use for it but I’ve never seen it done by anyone

[@thetitaniumman00]

I've never noticed the neighbor's yard as much as in this video. Do you have issues with weeds encroaching onto your property? How do you take care of that?

[@factbasedopinions800]

Your leveler just came in the mail today. I'm excited to use it next weekend. I'm ready to step up my yard game. Thanks for all your videos!

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Man it looks great nice job you 3!!! How tall are you going to reel mow the tall fescue?

[@corn1971]

Wonder why you don’t compost your clippings/dethatched materials instead of bagging it for trash pickup? That is some of the quickest to break down material and is referred to as “black gold” for good reason. Great for lawn dressing or to add to the vegetable garden.

[@duba]

I believe he does compost for his garden.

[@giovannigonzalez5457]

Great educational video! What type of lawn bag spreader is that?

[@michaelanthony1593]

What type of grass for over seeding would you suggest for NE Ohio?

[@mmonte60]

I am about to level my front yard, Inalso have some pretty good size holes that need filled, would you recommend filling it with sand and/or too soil? Thanks!

[@ezzathanna1]

Thanks for this awesome video, I have a question, Leveling or aeration goes first and can I overseed after leveling?

[@ginovolta6122]

Hey Ryan great video. Hey bud what’s that trash system you use to throw away your clippings? Thanks.

[@Mexi99]

Didn’t even know you could use sand then seed. Can it be any sand. Also I have a micro clover lawn and I noticed it was kinda lumpy would this be the same process as grass? Just mow low then aerate? (I already have top soil with peat moss) use throw that and use a leveler ? Thanks a bumch

[@matt134d]

Is sand best to level the lawn, why not topsoil with the sand mixed in? Will the overseeding grow in in the sand?

[@lgsu11]

Hi Ryan, I saw you have the brush attachment for your Swardman, but then you use a handheld brush to brush in the sand. Would the brush attachment not accomplish the same thing?

[@Skytl]

My irrigation is coming in less than 2 weeks. I've had to delay putting seed down. I hope the midwest stays warm.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Looks that way but it could fall off a cliff anytime, as we know.

[@s1esteve]

What’s the difference between verticut and scarify?

[@laloromero6860]

Awesome lawn, but I have a question that most people probably already know except me. After you put down sand to level your lawn and of course not all at once. Can you still use granular fertilizer on your lawn?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yes you can

[@helsonly722]

does this need to be done every year?

[@Diego-mc2go]

This is all the hard work it takes to get a great looking lawn. Never fun but the results speak for themselves.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Our definition of fun could be different :)

[@briandemmer1941]

Awesome job!! Can’t wait to see how it looks in a couple weeks!

[@chelseasingleton9269]

Any tips for my yard that’s super bumpy and un- level? Same process?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHrQlIWKbN1gbq8

[@scottkujawa699]

the sun joe dethatcher/scarifier does a similar cut with the scarifier attachment

[@kenbettis1487]

I have been wanting to see you use the verticutter! I just rented a slice seeder last weekend and did the same

[@nblack6954]

The Ryan Knorr I know wears the Viking Hat and jeans.....times are changing

[@Deke1]

I know someone that has one of those top dressing machines.....CONNER WARD!!

[@deanjagger1190]

Does grass seed grow throu sand???

[@TonyBarr99]

When I aerate my lawn in Southeastern Michigan, the cores literally last for years. It must be the clay. With that in mind, I always rake them up!

[@jkbaker01]

Just had mine aerated today and was considering raking them up. Sooooooooo much clay :( going to overseed tomorrow.

[@seanrice7511]

I end up picking mine up here and there as I clean up after the dogs… love my gray Michigan glacial clay…

[@mr.f8420]

14:45- Ryan’s “some babes just drove by” look.

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

More like "who is driving down our street when no one ever does" look

[@Jmfokken]

@@ryanknorrlawncare good thing it wasn’t me. I’ve seen that look before. 🤣

[@RodOConnor-f8f]

What sort of sand?

[@orangesquare7282]

What is the size at the sand that you use?

[@shion_lwn]

Did you kill grass on sculpted area with Glyphosate? I learn a lot from your channel...!!!!

[@bobleone1381]

Hi Ryan. I have a question. I have a tall fescue lawn which I keep at 4.5 inches. In the heat of the summer, I let it grow to 6 to 7 inches before I curate it to help fight off the heat. All that has been working well. But, I like the darker green color that perennial ryegrass has. I was thinking about overseeing my fescue with rye grass this fall…….and probably the next few years. Is this a good idea? And will rye grass be healthy at 4 to 4.5 inches? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for your time.

[@dakaufman1]

Do i want to avoid sanding my yard if i do not have a sprinkler system? Will the sand cause things to dry out too much? Also, can we do all of this to a tall fescue?

[@cohenkevinloriqueen818]

why dont you put the seed down before the sand ?

[@david11g35]

What time is the best time to overseed tall fescue in Southern California?

[@hendrymuljadi739]

Ryan, can you tell me which company you get the sand from and what type I need to ask for? I’m located by you

[@la120331]

What is the name of the device used during the video to dethatch and scarify

[@Sabot46290]

I feel really stupid with the lawn leveler - I can't get it to glide! It wants to get caught in the grass, flip itself over, be difficult to move without literally picking it up and placing it on another spot. No one else seems to have this problem and it's definitely my ineptitude/inexperience showing. I'm using it just as you demonstrate but something about the physics isn't right. I mowed the bluegrass down to 1-1.5" around the parts I wanted to level when I did this last year. Is that still too tall or do I just need to put down a LOT more sand/topsoil to get the levelling action? Really want to give it another go this year but am still wallowing in some of the frustration from when I attempted it before. I'm just to your north in MN and really looking forward to fall lawncare season and winter prep!

[@alexandrucovaliov8989]

Hey Ryan, is there a way to identify the grass I have in my backyard. I've ordered a house few years ago. Year by year I had different kind of issues with my backyard, mainly the crab grass. With some effort I got rid of 50% of it and now the lawn looks much cleaner. Still... I have some issues with the grass in some areas I'm trying to fix. Half of the lawn is one type of grass and another half is mix of different type of grass. I hate the second as it's a mix and grows differently and looks like patches. While the first half looks awesome in color and what I've noticed, it expands by itself. If some small spots I had no grass, end of the year it's there. If I have a trampoline for 1-2 months and remove it, part of the grass dies and I have empty spots, but 1-2 months later it recovers and again, it looks good. I asked few local shops here, but they seems do not understand my question. All the time they point to the shelves with what they have, but all those bags are a mix of grass seeds. Can you help me with this issue, please? I want to identify what grass do I have and over seed the second half of the lawn.

[@georgeackerman1752]

Will you be doing a reno on the Tall Fescue at the back? How short will you cut it, before you put the sand down? Seems like you still have plenty sand left.

[@richardharwell]

I'm doing my 1st real renovation. I killed off the backyard and it is day 5 is day 5 of having seed down. You ever get that feeling when you do this the 1st time and you say what the crap have I got into? I went with RPR Is regenerating perennial rye. I chose this because I have dogs and I believe it will help with the traffic

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

That feeling happens with every single project but you learn to deal with it after more experience :)

[@LooknJB]

Rich I also did the same thing my RPR is currently at 1.5 inches, it was actually out of the ground in 4 days and running my hand over it you can tell its fully anchored to the soil. I'm really impressed by the color and how fast it's coming in. Compare that to a small patch of Midnight KBG I have in the back which is just coming up in 9 days, which is not and for KBG but it's taking it's sweet time.

[@beardedgarage]

Ryan - I've been watching your videos for years and trying to work up the courage to start on my lawn. Unfortunately my lawn is about 10x the size of yours, it's not level and I have a lot of clay and other than mowing, it's never been worked on. This year is the worst I've seen so far for my lawn, and if there was a market for a dandelion farm, I would be a millionaire overnight.

[@woof3598]

any old sand ?

[@jrl3521]

Will a sand top coat help with a muddy yard? I probably need some sort of french drain system installed, but I'm curious if that would be a cheaper alternative to help to dry areas out

[@jamzach4]

Great video Ryan !

[@regisrumpf6658]

In your experience, what is the minimum window of time needed for a renovation before first frost hits for PRG? (from first glyphosate treatment to first frost). I'm trying to decide if I can squeeze it in this year or better to wait until next year and it will determine how many bags of your Elite PRG I buy right now :) Thanks again for all you do from the exquisite content to masterful video presentation!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Hmm tough to say. I have sprayed and seeded same day in some cases. The weather seems to be continuing on a warm trend this fall. It only takes a few weeks to really establish.

[@South-Texas-Drones_5801]

Great looking yard WOW 🤩

[@JackS_1_1]

Shoutout to Will!

[@d0wnbyth3riv3r2]

Thanks! I always enjoy a good project.

[@bernardplanko6780]

If you sand and then seed, its this a problem for the seeds not having real contact to the soil? Shouldnt you level with sand and then overseed and cover the seeds again with slight soil sand mix?

[@ChrisLaNauze-Author]

what season do you recommend starting a lawn renovation? and whats that holder funnel for your grass bag?

[@norelvysjimenez7667]

Greetings friends, I am Cuban but I live here in Kentucky I do not miss one of your videos they are very interesting and very professional, I would like to ask you a question if you could help me decide on which lawn to choose if the Tall Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass greetings

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Probably Tall Fescue in Kentucky

[@TheCureThatKillz]

If I’m going to dethatch, then scarify, then aerate before I bring in sand to level and overseed! Is it best to give the lawn a good deep watering a few days in advance so the lawn/soil is damp when I do it or is it best for it to be dryer? I’ve heard some people say you don’t want the lawn/soil to be damp when you dethatch but you do want it to be damp for when you both scarify and aerate! Your opinion on that? Thanks in advance

[@goosebumpsmylegs]

I live in New Hampshire and have a pretty nasty lawn with a mix of who-knows-what growing in there. Planning on a complete removal/leveling/restoration on the whole thing in the fall! Do you think I can get away with doing all bluegrass, and if so, do you have a suggestion on any particular brand?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Yes you can do bluegrass. I have my own blend here - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product/ryan-knorr-lawn-care-elite-kentucky-bluegrass/

[@goosebumpsmylegs]

@@ryanknorrlawncare Perfect! Thank you so much. I saw in another of your videos you mix rye in to get some growth started quickly as to hold soil in place while the slower germinating bluegrass takes root. I might go that route as well and I'll look on your site for it. So excited about doing this project, but my back is already aching thinking about how much work it will be, haha! Completely worth it in the end. I love a healthy and beautiful looking lawn just like you man, thank you for your time in educating the masses and for your recommendation!

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

@@goosebumpsmylegs glad to help! There is an bluegrass/rye mix on my site that is basically the exact scenario of a small amount of rye to more bluegrass to let things spread in the future.

[@coachliu32]

Great video Ryan. Any concern that when you rotary mow that the sand will suck up and damage the mower?

[@ericallen9678]

Doesn't the SunJoe have a scarifier that cuts through like the setup in the beginning of the video?

[@sundog1973]

Yes. I have the SunJoe with the scarifier blade attachment. Works pretty well. It also comes with the power rake reel.

[@toddmcclain9793]

Ryan, in a couple of videos over the years you’ve commented about adding sand over top of top toil and how this creates a ‘sand cap’ and I believe once you start you need to stick with sand and not go back to top soil. It possible I miss understood. Could you clarify thoughts on this?

[@ryanknorrlawncare]

Correct. You will need to keep with the sand after you start this process

[@dreileigh9210]

Ryan.. I have a question LI NY we made a dog run where our old pool was- we bought sod to cover the area and was told it was ok to put over the sand just keep it watered. So of course the sand just sucks the water down, I was thinking should we introduce soil to that area before we seed.... just so we could water less?