Using SAND to LEVEL Your LAWN | Topdressing for a FLAT Lawn

[@scottsharpe3486]

One of the best group of people you'll ever meet. They take a lot of pride in what they do. Amazing work!!!!

[@LawnInsider]

It was definitely a pleasure. Well oiled machine!

[@OnlyMeatsQ]

Marshall has done my yard 3 times so far. He is a great guy!

[@LawnInsider]

Very nice guy! I really appreciated the job those guys did for me. Awesome experience.

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

How was your experience Austin B and was the results satisfactory for you? Was pricing expensive or inexpensive?

[@robertlevy4613]

Is this something you have to do every year?

[@jayb7675]

I almost used them as I live in Georgetown. Then I found you can rent the Eco spreader and Dingo locally in Austin. I simply had the 12 yards of sand delivered and covered a 13k sqft yard by myself in a few hours. You can buy the drag, just hooked it up to my zero turn. Saved about 1K by doing it myself.

[@mike.b.beltran]

I’m in New Braunfels, where did you rent the equipment from?

[@LawnInsider]

Good deal! I was bending over backwards trying to get my hands on an Eco spreader.

[@nathanielbunting6922]

I Live in Copperas Cove..... I certainly can use their service to level my yawn! Good video.

[@LawnInsider]

Thanks Nathaniel! For sure!

[@timborski1210]

Hell, ill call these guys next year! 10 tons of sand should be a piece of cake!

[@marshallwells3243]

No doubt Bro ! That’s easy !!

[@LawnInsider]

You’ll be amazed how easy they make it look 😂

[@S_Paoli]

I couldn't fall asleep, so I accidentally saw this video.... I was thinking to myself "wow! finally! someone who decided to turn his house into a beach house! how much sand will I need to cover my entire yard and turn my house into a beach house as well?" 😍😍😍

[@jordanpogon5512]

Reaching out to see if they service the Bastrop area; I’ve got a new build that is very bumpy, some ankle breakers for sure.

[@LawnInsider]

I’m not positive! Wouldn’t hurt to reach out to them!

[@mmcmmc4241]

We've been waiting for this and you did not disappoint 👏 👍

[@LawnInsider]

Glad you liked it! Wait until the lawn gets back to 100%! 😎

[@firstpond]

Marshall and his team are great. Took care of me a few weeks ago!

[@LawnInsider]

Glad to hear it!

[@lawnpanda]

man......lucky dog.....now i want all that equipment....

[@LawnInsider]

lol well that makes two of us!

[@dcisneros710]

They did an awesome job for a short amount of time. But that's what you get when you have the right tools and equipment.

[@kennethswenson3730]

Looks great! My lawn needs to be leveled real bad. I don’t think I have any water restrictions up here in Fort Worth.

[@LawnInsider]

Count your lucky stars! Our restrictions are some of the strictest I’ve seen.

[@clutchinheem8271]

Just got around to watching this and I definitely have a few patches in my yard that need to be leveled. What is the best time of the year to level with sand? I would assume when the Bermuda isn’t dormant.

[@robbv1478]

Man, killer video. Was jamming out to the awesome music as well

[@LawnInsider]

Appreciate it brother! 😎

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁. Many hands make light work . Great video 😎

[@LawnInsider]

Amen! And the right equipment helps a lot too!

[@aussiestallion69]

G’day mate

[@nmsauditor1a950]

Great job, love the help you received. I have my plan in place to level for the first time this coming Spring. I cut with my 25" Tru Cut this past season but just purchased a Greensmaster 3250D. I have around 15k sq. ft. of turf at the moment and will sod another area this Spring to bring the total closer to 18k.

[@AA-cy4rl]

They did an Excellent job!!!!

[@WildTurkeyIII]

How do they avoid covering or uncover irrigation or city water covers in the lawn?

[@ImStuckInStockton]

9:40 looks like they just covered it

[@LawnInsider]

My covers are deep enough that I could easily find them after leveling in my lawn. If you didn’t want them covered at all, you could flag them.

[@BC-jd7gx]

@@LawnInsider what about sprinkler heads? Any pro tips, didn’t see any heads flagged

[@Alejandro_C62]

That Eco250 is sweet!

[@LawnInsider]

It sure is! Thing can throw down some material!

[@marshallwells3243]

I just bought another new one last week, we’ve had a few issues with this lately. I’m the video you can see my guy is pushing it a bit. Normally it can be quite full and operate with just one hand…lol

[@marshallwells3243]

Great Video As Always ! Thank you Rhett !!

[@LawnInsider]

Thank you Marshall! I appreciate you and your crew!

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

Yes, great video and my yard needs a level project

[@jenniferturner23]

Yard looks fantastic. Your color is amazing. Are you still using Stress Blend? Hope all went well with your surgery.

[@LawnInsider]

My next application will definitely be another round of Stress Blend. Sometime in the next couple of weeks. Surgery went well! Recovery hasn’t been too bad either. Just itching to get back to my normal lane routine! Thank you for the kind words.

[@TowelMotorsChannel]

Ball park, what does this traditionally cost? ...... if using your lawn as a comparison. I definitely need this done.

[@LawnInsider]

I would say that to get all the equipment to do this DIY (not the equipment you saw in this video), and the material (sand) required it would cost you roughly half of what it would cost you to get a service to come in and do it for you. Obviously that means each time after that would be less expensive in comparison whenever you decide to level. If I were to put a $$$ value on the two scenarios I would say probably $600 for the DIY and $1200ish for the service. You would have to get a quote from the business themselves though, I’m just going by rough estimates from what I’ve seen. Leveling is a tough job and they definitely have the equipment and capabilities to do it a lot more efficiently than an average homeowner would.

[@robertlevy4613]

I’m treating myself to the service next year. I live right in the smack in Georgetown so I’ll be doing this

[@AA-cy4rl]

They did a Really Great Job!!!!

[@bdr518]

I’ll be calling Marshall up next summer after my sod has had a season to take root!

[@trueside0812]

I live in upstate SC and I have heavy clay soil on my new construction home. Should I use all sand or a topsoil mix? I’ve heard straight sand in clay makes it worse

[@marshallwells3243]

Here in central Texas we have clay soil and I’ve never had an issue using mason sand. If this is your first leveling and your yard is pretty bad and you have access to screened Sandy Loam, Chocolate Loam, you might want to consider trying that material if you have concerns. Otherwise I think you’ll be fine using strait mason sand. I’m not a big fan of using a topsoil/mason sand mix, especially if you’re planning on reel mowing. That topsoil will eventually break down being it has organic material in it and you’ll leveling every year.

[@Kr13579]

How much water are you now adding with the water restrictions?

[@LawnInsider]

I put down about 1.5”-2” on the day that I’m able to water. Over 4 separate cycles to try and help with runoff.

[@BSmith-qt7ev]

Do you put down any fertilizer after you have the sand down? Great content as always!!

[@JoseA1981]

Need a service like this in DFW

[@JoseA1981]

Make a fortune with all the crappy jobs they do on the new construction

[@TrentDecker]

@@JoseA1981 Does anyone know if there is a service like this is DFW? I would definitely be interested.

[@LawnInsider]

A lot of opportunity I would think in this department in a lot of areas!

[@leomerino3906]

So u said in the video the lower spots scalp more?

[@LawnInsider]

Well the mower will dip into the low areas and scalp the areas around the dip. So the low spot won’t get scalped, but it will cause the scalp.

[@ajw2985]

Using pure sand down south sounds great. What about a different region with a different soil makeup.

[@LawnInsider]

I’ve only got experience with my soil, which is mostly clay and rock. I’ve seen guys all over the country just using sand though. Warm season and cool season.

[@rickrparker]

Seems like a great crew. I am in North Fort Worth/Keller area. Any recommendation of someone that specializes in leveling in my area would be appreciated. Reel mowing at ¾ inches right now for heat - would like to get it to shorter but it needs leveling.

[@LawnInsider]

Unfortunately, I don't know!

[@GS-vm8gb]

Rhett what is the name of the company you use for your sand and thank you for all the great videos

[@LawnInsider]

Soil and Sand Depot. They're affiliated with SiteOne here.

[@kellydong2592]

I live in north of Toronto, Canada. I have heavy dog traffic in my backyard often as we have multiple dogs in my house. Dogs' pee and poo burn the grass sometimes, and they dig the lawn sometimes too. May I ask what type of grass seed do you recommend in my situation and in my area?

[@LawnInsider]

I would imagine in your situation Kentucky Bluegrass would be your best bet. It’s the only cool season grass that has the ability to spread and repair itself. It’s not going to prevent those urine spots, but it will recover from it. You can also overseed with more KBG in thin or struggling areas.

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

Hey Rhett! So once you level the yard. You water the sand in when and where you can given water restrictions in areas. You mow next and then fertilize after mowing process?

[@LawnInsider]

Yes, after the sand has worked its way into the canopy I start back with my normal cultural practices.

[@michaele.derrickjr.9200]

thank you sir. Much appreciatede it

[@vroor32]

How did the yard handle hot summer. I read that sand raises the actual temp and might heat-burn the lawn

[@LawnInsider]

Sand did fine, but the lawn does have a few hot spots right now due to the extreme drought we’ve had. Unfortunately my city also has water restrictions so I can only water once every other week. Overall it still has held up really well. You can check out some of the more recent videos to see.

[@vroor32]

@@LawnInsider so this is best done in early spring? I have Zoysia and it's in first 90 days since seeding from bare dirt

[@timjackson5103]

Good video man.

[@LawnInsider]

Thanks Tim! Hope your project is running smoothly over there too!

[@profitglen]

Using these tools are ingenious! Obviously it would cost a lot of money to get all of this, but I could do some of the work without buying a riding mower and using my electric 4 wheel scooter to do the work for dragging the leveler.

[@manuelzurita1144]

What sort of sand would you recommend for major leveling?

[@LawnInsider]

masonry sand

[@fescueme1081]

I wish I could have used an Eco 250. The closest rental place was almost 100 miles away.

[@gregchuffo7686]

How long would you say to wait before attempting to sand level after laying sod?

[@LawnInsider]

If you're not going super heavy, a few months would be alright.

[@trinitacticalfortnite3662]

Does the grass grow back? Through the sand

[@robertlevy4613]

Yes it grows through the sand

[@Nikolasto77]

I let my Bermuda get too long - didn’t mow for a week. I tried to scalp it back down to one inch but it was so thick my mower kept dying. I had to settle on 1.5 inch

[@LawnInsider]

Yeah I’m not looking forward to the scalp lol but it has to be done. I’m still putting it off currently.

[@MrScott_e]

So, even though you buried the grass in sand it still came back?

[@LawnInsider]

Still came back!

[@tanktexas]

After leveling do you water normally or lightly

[@marshallwells3243]

Try and keep it moist if you have your allowed to. I normally tell my clients to water using your normal watering schedule and maybe slide in a light watering in between days. I recommend doing that the first week after you level.

[@mike.b.beltran]

I don’t have a reel mower, but I do cut my lawn the lowest I can on my rotary mower. My lawn is crazy lumpy and I want to level it out. Can I use the same method you used in this video? Btw- I’m also in New Braunfels. Think Georgetown Lawn Leveling could help?

[@marshallwells3243]

We apply that same method to first time applications as well as second third and forth applications.

[@LawnInsider]

You can definitely use this method. If you don’t have all this really nice equipment at your disposal you can also use the DIY method I used in my lawn leveling video from last year.

[@mike.b.beltran]

@@marshallwells3243 do you recommend using the same type of sand as well?

[@marshallwells3243]

@@mike.b.beltran typically our first application is with double screened sandy loam. I’ve done 80 lawns using that the first application and the results were great ! Because we put down so much material, most people can reel mow after the first application.

[@clayslandscaping]

How do you estimate how much material you will need?

[@karterfoster5474]

1 Yard per 1000sqft is generally a good place to start. If it's your first time leveling you might need more.

[@ryanlloyd4395]

Did you cover your irrigation heads before doing this?

[@LawnInsider]

I flagged them when I aerated, but they’re actually under ground when leveling so they’re not affected.

[@jordanmackey3397]

We just moved into our new build home and the yard is very bumpy and uneven from the new sod. I want to do a leveling project but am unsure what soil mixture to use? And is June too late to be doing a leveling project?

[@LawnInsider]

June is a great time to level (aside from the heat exhaustion) haha. I would always recommend using mason sand, unless you’re specifically looking to add some organic material to the soil.

[@jordanmackey3397]

@@LawnInsiderthanks a lot!

[@owusumensford]

@@LawnInsiderlearning a lot from your videos since I’m very new to all this. I’m also in central Texas with very bad soil and heat obviously. Will top dressing help with the soil quality right now or do I have to do more? Thanks I’m advance!

[@LawnInsider]

@@owusumensford Top dressing will help, but there is no quick fix. Soil health is definitely an issue we have to chip away at, little by little.

[@jmarq2000]

What time of year should leveling be done?

[@LawnInsider]

Spring or summer. The grass needs to be actively growing.

[@ThatTexan2002]

Hey I’m in the Belton area

[@marshallwells3243]

I may have a job coming up in the next month or two ?sure I can stop by ?

[@tannerbuxton2910]

Hey man, love the videos but I have a question for you, how many square feet is your yard? I am looking into how much sand I will need to buy. Again, love the videos!

[@joshpenn9037]

I recently leveled my lawn with screened mason sand. Out of 6.5 yards,I picked out a hand full of nickel sized rocks. Is this to be expected or should I find another source for sand in the future?

[@LawnInsider]

So I’ve used two companies for my sand. With the first one I had a similar experience to what you’re describing, but with the one I used this year there wasn’t a single pebble in it. So there are definitely places that do it right.

[@joshpenn9037]

@@LawnInsider thank you for the feedback, sir!

[@marshallwells3243]

I’ve never had issues as well with Mason Sand, I’ve probably gone through 600 yards of material and never had rocks in it before. It could be they were at the bottom of their stock and grabbed some rocks on the bottom ?

[@joshpenn9037]

@@marshallwells3243 maybe so. I’m trying to upload a picture of all the rocks I’ve found but can’t figure it out lol

[@jeremyhuron2631]

Planning on doing my first sand level this year do you recommend a specific supplier for sand? I’m located in Schertz not far from you.

[@luisl.ayalajr.1324]

I wish they were in Houston!

[@LawnInsider]

Seems to be the sentiment of a lot of folks!

[@68Jemm]

If I’m looking for a company to level my lawn. What do I look for?

[@Brett_Nebraska]

Hopefully I can find a service like this in Omaha Nebraska.

[@paultorre2419]

How many times does it take to get the yard level?

[@nickdobbs3702]

Would sandy loam be ok to use to level?

[@LawnInsider]

Sandy loam is a good option if you’re looking to have some leveling properties with some organic material mixed in.

[@johnnycortez46]

U mention you had to do the leveling a few times already. Why so many times? The sand don't hold up?

[@LawnInsider]

No, it holds up. It’s just that every time you do it, the lawn gets a little bit smoother. When you’re reel mowing you’re always chasing a smoother lawn!

[@JJ-rf7dg]

It looks great.

[@missme9247]

Can you still do this if the lawn had irrigation and pop up heads?

[@sanantoniofoosball2977]

My Bermuda grass lawn looks like a stampede of buffalo ran through it. It's a 2 year old lawn that was sodded when we built the house. I'm thinking that I need to do this early next year. Either hire someone or do it myself.

[@cardawg7164]

so , I have a question.. like you I live in Texas and have Bermuda... so do I level my lawn now or would I scalp then level... My lawn is taller than yours. about 2.5 " and I do reel manul mower and contemplating buying either a mclane or California trimmer reel mower.. so just was wondering which should i do in this august month... My lawn is green and healthy although i have couple ugllies from grubs.. just babying those spots... thank you .. I appreciate your advise... Debora.... BTW i did call Georgetown Leveling but have yet to hear back.. I also live in Georgetown...

[@LawnInsider]

If you're planning on leveling (which would be fine) you would want to scalp down first. Probably at least to 1" or as close as you could get to it. Hopefully they get in touch!

[@cardawg7164]

@@LawnInsider Thank you for getting back to me I truly appreciate that. Yes I spoke to Marshall yesterday great guy! He’s been really busy which is a great thing I’ll be getting my lawn done by him within the next couple weeks depending on the schedule thank you again for doing what you do I appreciate you thank you!!

[@hectorchavarria633]

which rotary mower do you use? also which model is the reel power you have? if you can share please

[@LawnInsider]

I have a battery powered Ryobi rotary mower. Mainly just use it as a vacuum.

[@LawnInsider]

Wish it went lower!

[@luiscaldera5754]

Can I ask how much you pay to do it I think if doing it but was wondering the price

[@LawnInsider]

It definitely depends on square footage and material, but I think he said his base rate is ~$1200 or so. I don’t want to put words into his mouth though!

[@4mudski]

Can one add sand if you live in Ohio with tall fescue? Thanks

[@LawnInsider]

I’m not super familiar with cool season practices, so I’m going to defer to some of the cool season channels for that answer!

[@melissakolarich6892]

Can you level with sand even if you have heavy clay soil?

[@LawnInsider]

Yes, you can.

[@melissakolarich6892]

@@LawnInsider thanks!

[@TrollyLoolly]

I'm confused what do you mean scalping and resetting it?

[@deniseboyce5060]

What type of grass do you have?

[@LawnInsider]

Bermuda Tifway 419

[@Sway_88]

Do any of y’all know how much they would charge for a backyard of about 1,700 sq ft?

[@LawnInsider]

I saw in another comment you can expect anywhere from $225-$350 depending on lawn layout and materials.

[@richardportelli1983]

watering once every 2 weeks! man that is rough.

[@LawnInsider]

Oh believe me I know lol we haven’t had a drop of rain in over 30 days either. Less than 6” on the year here.

[@delrayharris6583]

How much sand do you need and how much is too much sand

[@andygonzales9469]

New to the channel hello from Kyle Texas

[@aussiestallion69]

Why doesn’t the neighbour chip in a do his small strip on the side? Too poor? Second question, why aren’t there garden beds in the properties? Just a few small trees and lots and lots of lawn. Is it just water restrictions?

[@dougmate2378]

awesome job. you're in New Braunfels?

[@LawnInsider]

Sure am!

[@dougmate2378]

@@LawnInsider word, not too far away from me 🤙🍻

[@chefscott1000]

Is mason sand better than orange sand ?

[@LawnInsider]

I’ve never used orange sand, so I don’t want to speculate. If orange sand has a similar texture/composition to mason sand, it should work just fine.

[@tanktexas]

Man I can use them so bad . I'm too far lol I'm in Crowley

[@LawnInsider]

Definitely seems like there's a need in the market for businesses to offer this service.

[@mcr9049]

Been following your channel for a while & I had a feeling you were in NB. We’re from NB but moved to Waxahachie 2yrs ago. Miss NB so much! Since I’m commenting a month late, do you recommend leveling in September in Texas or am I too late? I saved a calendar you posted from another video & you listed leveling thru the beginning of august but I’m wondering if we can still squeezing it in?

[@LawnInsider]

So sorry for the late reply. In all honesty with the heat we’ve been getting and will still get, you probably could… BUT I would recommend waiting until springtime to do it. To be safe.

[@Tiriyas]

Tipe sand? Or sand name please ?

[@JamieHarveyJr]

5:20 oops lol

[@LawnInsider]

Haha don’t worry I’ll take care of the tree rings.

[@acmdad]

Cost?

[@marshallwells3243]

Cost can be anywhere from $225.00-$350.00 per 1,000 sqft. Depends on the yard size and material used as well as the quantity ?

[@atikovi1]

Having a level lawn? I never imagined this is really a thing. I couldn't imagine spending money to do this myself, but to each his own.

[@RionPhotography]

I couldn’t imagine feeling the need to make such a passive aggressive comment, but to each his own amirite.

[@clintsaines9274]

Thats good sand. it isn't that toy box stuff.

[@mountndome]

Wish I could find a service like this in my area . So I don't have to kill myself 😂

[@LawnInsider]

It is a heckuva workout!

[@paulwakefield1015]

What’s everyone’s favorite lawn leveling rake? I’ve heard the knorr is not good

[@LawnInsider]

The one I own, and the one that I believe to be the highest quality, is the R&R leveling rake. Pricey, but not ridiculously more expensive than the other ones being sold around the web.

[@paulwakefield1015]

@@LawnInsider thank you! Do they have a larger 42-48 inch one? Let me look them up!

[@paulwakefield1015]

They do! Sweet!

[@evilzzzability]

Hmm. Not sure about this I would want at least some mix of soil/sand. Just using sand seems a way of expediting the whole project at the cost of the health of the grass.

[@phukyew14]

Sand leveling caused sand flies in my lawn

[@SouloOnTheBeat]

Huh?

[@ebonycarter76]

❤cute guy

[@williamgrant9329]

Those are, of course, tomatoes, or Soulja Boy Tell 'Ems.

[@hano5277]

Figured sand would mess a lawn up. Drying it out. Wth?

[@15DurangoRT]

That is not the way to level a lawn unless you want a lawn of sand because that much sand WILL kill your grass in no time.