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.
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.
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.
Amík je silne motivovaný. Kúpil som to zariadenie. Ak idete robiť celkom nový trávnik, tak to nie je také hahahihi. Kúpil som len 60x30 a celkom som si dal do tela. Čím väčšia plocha, tým väčšia robota
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 🎈🎈😎🇦🇺
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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 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.
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!
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
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
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.
As another RUclipsr 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! 🌱
@@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.
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.
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.
This is awesome… so many other lawn channels talk very vaguely and at such a high level. This is much better
Thank you for this comment! I appreciate it. Check out @thelawnfeed another great quick tip channel for lawn care.
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.
I did a bed of sand, top that with dirt and at the end I added topsoil with seeds. No dips, all leveled for 4 years and counting
Doing that every year would get really old to me - quick.
i used a 50 /50 mix potting soil and play sand and my lawn came out fantastic
Play sand is ok to put on yards??
Shoulda put some of that carnival music on when you were doing the figure eights on the John Deer. Neighbors woulda loved that.
Looks great! But one question; why wouldn't you seed before compacting and have seed slightly sub soil?
Amík je silne motivovaný. Kúpil som to zariadenie. Ak idete robiť celkom nový trávnik, tak to nie je také hahahihi. Kúpil som len 60x30 a celkom som si dal do tela. Čím väčšia plocha, tým väčšia robota
Actually quite helpful and informative. Thanks!
Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!
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.
Thanks man!! And that’ll be a good concoction.
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 🎈🎈😎🇦🇺
Beautiful results! Thanks!
Great video, thanks!
Thanks brother!
Here's a comment and a 👍. I know they help.
Very good lawn level you 2
Nice job!
Thank you!
Great video Vince!! Very informative, I learned a lot!
Thanks brother! Glad you did, that’s awesome!
Well done video 👍🏻 do you have any plans you can share on how you made your DIY leveling tool?
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.
What a big job; hope the pay was worth it!
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
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.
@@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
@@alceja3522 can always do a top soil/sand mix 😉
What if the sod was laid down rough, and dying… soil be ok for the rough gaps, all with fertilizer?
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.
Cam Gigandet doppelganger Thank you.
Can you tell me how to get rid of grubs natural? And slugs
What kind of grass is this?
Kentucky blue grass. Check out twin city seed for some great blends!
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.
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.
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.
@@l9ikjam yeah I’ve wanted a peat moss spreader for a while now! They are a great buy for sure!
@@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.
@@SciaticaDrums I'm slowly leveling my front yard. I enjoy being out in the yard
*subbed* great work buddy, i appreciate the content!!💯🌱👍
Thank you! And I am on the discord! Looks like you had quite the renovation going on too!
Same name?
@@tiffanywhite2121 yeah
Just looked for you i didnt see u?
@@tiffanywhite2121 🤷🏽♂️I’m on there. Not sure why you can’t see. I rarely use it though.
🌞Great video!!
Thank you! 👏🏼👏🏼
Leveling the lawn...
Can you use this method in UK, soil is Clay like soil?
So leveling is a yearly task???
With sand, yes.
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?
I’d stay with topsoil for now
Is the the leveling rake better than a dragger like for a baseball
For small areas, I would say yes.
@@RootedLawnCo I just my question. Lol. So I have close to 1000 sqft would you recommend the rake?
@@leomerino3906 I would! R&R make a good one. Landzie sells one. I may have one linked in the description too.
is it a good a idea to combine sand + top soil and compost, spread and level them in go?
People will do compost and topsoil mix or sand topsoil mix.
Why did you bother leveling with sand? You stated that the seed wouldn’t grow in it.
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.
So you put sand on top of top soil?
Yes. I have a 4 part mini series all about leveling coming out today!
What if you don't have a roller?
A lot of hardware store rent them very cheap.
@@RootedLawnCo
Okay thanks.
Grass type?
Kentucky blue grass and perennial rye grass
@@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.
Dirt AND sand
😄🤣😂
Great video! I’ll have to pick your brain about the DIY leveling rake.
Thanks bro! And yeah, pick away!
Do I need to remove dead material prior to throwing down sand? I killed the bahia grass that was there and plan to put in zoysia plugs after leveling.
@@mariebee3146 that would be the best case scenario yeah. Dethatcher or scarifier works great. Slit seeder rented ran backwards as well is great.
Fantastic video. I have 7k sq ft of total yard. I will be doing this for sure.
Would a leveling rake be good for leveling a sandy area for a pool?
I would think it would.
Tuckahoe Turf Farm?!? You from Jersey??
I am not. It’s about 2.5 hrs from me.
What time of the year did you do the sand leveling?
July
@@RootedLawnCo wow grew back really well for July.
@@WooderBoyProductions it really did. I didn’t know what to expect. But some fert and water does wonders.
Did miss something did you ever explain when to use topsoil and when sand?
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!
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
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
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.
@@RootedLawnCo You're are right about the weeds. Thanks
As a full time self employed landscaper for 6 years, I’ve probably laid thousands of lawns, this is good useful information!
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.
Sandy loam is the same is it not!
To grow seashells
Leveling
Sewer line repair destroyed my lawn contractor left a mess
Sorry to hear that! I don’t think there is a way around not leaving a mess when digging up the lawn 😰
These videos are so inspiring but it all feels so daunting. Really have no idea where to start getting this yard in shape.
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!
Whoa dude you really work fast ! Hope you’re getting paid by the job and not by the hour 😂👍
I wish I could move that fast!
Every time is use dirt or sand I contaminate my lawn with different kinds of weeds
If you use something like tenacity or mesotrione liquid or granular (in Scott’s starter fertilizer) that’ll stop weeds pretty well.
I heard another guy say never use topsoil because of the weed issue. Use sterilized soil like potting mix.
New subscriber here!
I appreciate you subscribing to my channel!!
Love this!
What do you use to give the stripped or argyle appearance?
As another RUclipsr 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! 🌱
Potting mix would be incredibly expensive.
@@RootedLawnCo Maybe for a large project but great for something small. I would warn people of the weed potential.
@@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.