Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Having an uneven garden or lawn can be a pain. They look unsightly and can be quite impractical when it comes to enjoying and caring for your garden. As landscape gardeners, we get frequent callouts to level uneven gardens. We deal with lumpy, uneven gardens and sloped gardens on a monthly basis. This blog is here to tell you how to level a garden in a convenient way!
How To Level A Garden That Is Uneven
An uneven lawn or garden can cause problems and can make your garden look unattractive and be difficult to maintain. Landscape gardeners are often called upon to level uneven gardens. On a monthly basis, gardeners deal with sloped and lumpy gardens.
Key Methods on How To Level A Garden
Method No.1: Patching Up
This is known as the patch-up because the majority of the garden or lawn is still in good condition.
Step 1: Take out any hard lumps or high points
Begin by identifying any areas that are higher than the desired level for the lawn. Dig these with a quality spade and get rid of them. You don’t have to go as low as you think necessary, because the next stage will fill in any gaps.
Step 2: Level topsoil
Use a good quality, fairly dry topsoil to add generously to areas that are less than the required depth. You can also use it to cover areas that are much lower, e.g. Add soil to the area, then compact it lightly with your foot. You can add more soil to the top. This loose soil can be finely leveled.
Use a leveling tool to rake the soil in two directions. By bringing your eyes closer together to the ground, you will be able see any dips. The leveling rakes can be larger and flatter than regular rakes. They spread soil particles that are larger or finer evenly.
These are the two most popular soil leveling rakes. Higher rakes are more efficient at leveling. Once the soil appears level, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Seed the area
You should ensure that you choose high-quality grass seed with no weeds and a good mixture of different grass species.
A lawn seed spreader should be used to apply 50g per square meter. Push-along grass spreaders are great for larger areas. A handheld grass seed spreader is sufficient for smaller areas.
Use a roller to compact the soil after applying the grass seed. It is important that the soil not be too compacted as this will prevent the grass from taking root. Spread 30 grams of grass seed per square foot of soil after the light compaction. You should water thoroughly and follow the instructions of the seed manufacturer for caring for your new grass.
Note: There are many types and types of grasses. If you don’t know what seed was applied to your lawn before you start looking, you can find a mixture that is similar to what you have.
Method No.2: Starting Again
This method is for you if your lawn is too damaged for method 1, or if you want great results.
Step 1: Remove rocks, weeds or debris
This will allow everything that is in the lawn to be removed and placed underneath the new lawn. You must remove any items that could cause damage to your garden or lawn. If you have clay soil, go through your garden and remove any large rocks, debris, or large chunks of clay. These should be removed and you can move on to the next step. You will need to remove the top 50mm of any weeds from your lawn before you can continue.
Note: You will need to get rid of any weeds that are growing in your garden or lawn. Anything that is rotivated in this step could grow through the new grass.
Step 2: Use a rotavator to churn up the soil
Next, you’ll need to soften the lawn or garden so that it can be leveled. To avoid having to work hard moving wet soil, make sure the soil is dry. Rent a Rotavator, make sure to follow the safety instructions and push the rotavator across the garden or lawn until it is fully turned up.
Step 3: Add or remove enough soil
Once you have a lawn that is well maintained, you can add or subtract material to ensure the lawn or garden grows at the right height.
To ensure that your lawn is fertile, it might be worth adding some topsoil of high quality. The soil should be a few cm higher than the place where the lawn will be placed. It will settle and compact over time, so the soil will end up a bit lower than it is now.
You can add sand to clay soils that are not suitable for grass growth. Add a layer of 1 to 2 cm of sand before you start rotavating. This will break down clay and make it easier to work with.
Step 4:Level the lawn or garden
This is a crucial step to complete as it is the reason you are doing this. There are two main ways to level small areas such as a lawn or garden are available:
This is a less exact but cheaper way
First, use string lines that are set between pegs. Then use a spirit level to level them. To make adjustments quickly and easily, use a small string line spirit level. Divide the area into 3x3m sections and place string lines slightly higher than the soil’s level.
Use a rake, or a large flat spirit-level, to work around the area and ensure it is in line with the string line. Continue this process until the entire garden is covered.
The Professional Way
You will need a laser receiver and a level. Although these are expensive, they will ensure high accuracy. These can be used indoors and outdoors for DIY projects.
These are used by Terraform for large projects that require a spirit level. Place the laser level in one corner. Use the laser receiver and a tape to measure how low you want the garden’s surface to be.
Now you can walk to any spot in the garden. You can also check the height using the laser receiver and tape measure. You can move the soil with a rake until it is at the right level.
Step 5: Lay turf
Use a shovel to remove the sand. The grass can be left intact for later installation. Continue this process until the top spot is 1-2 cm lower than its surrounding area. This will allow the dugout grass to be replaced and brought to the same level as the neighboring garden.
Allow the section to dry for two days before you mist it with water. Once you have achieved the desired level of consistency, you can either re-use the dugout grass or plant new seeds.
Extra Tips on How to Level a Garden
Start With A Wet Spot when Leveling a Garden
You will need to dig some soil at one time or another to get the desired level. Make levelling and digging easier by misting the area with water before you start the project. You should water the soil from 4 to 6 inches below the surface. This will ensure that it is not too wet or too dry.
Work On The Gradient
You don’t have to level your garden. However, it is important that you install drainage systems. To allow water to drain away, your garden should be slightly sloped. To prevent flooding, a slope of 1 inch should be maintained for every 4 feet.
Check For Drainage Problems Around Low Spots
Although these methods will level low spots, they will return if there is a drainage problem in your home. Low spots around water pipes can be a sign that there is a drainage problem. You should first consult a local drainage specialist.
Timing Your Project Right
It is better to do your garden levelling in spring so that the grass and other plants have time to grow. This time is when the soil can settle and there is just the right amount rainfall/drizzles.
