What is the best way to level out an existing yard? My grass is thick not very level.?

Question

The yard is 7 years old, and was not smoothed out or rolled very well to begin with. I've aireated and power raked every year hoping to smooth things out but it's still really bumpy in spots. How can I get closer to that golf course "carpet" of a lawn without killing myself or taking a sod cutter to the whole thing and starting over.

Answer 1

In your situation I'd try adding topsoil (bagged soil is around $1-$1.25 on sale) to low spots and grading it out with a garden rake.  By adding it slowly, the grass will be able to grow up through it. Add so you can still see blades of grass poking up through the added soil.  If you have a lawn tractor or rider, try dragging with old bed spring or a length of chain attached to a 2x4 to drag soil to the low spots.  You'll be surprised what a change you can make in 30 days or so.

But for smoothness, you can't beat using a roller, esp. in the spring when the soil is mellow.

Answer 2

Adding top soil to the areas that are low really helps.  They sell a top soil that has added fertilizer to aid with seeding/sodding.  Depending on how much you need, its not very expensive and it works very well.  Or you could get plain top soil and fertilize the entire yard after that.  You can also add seed to the top soil as well.

Answer 3

assuming you do not have any mole residents, or mega tree roots lumping up your ground, i would say wait.  in the spring when the frost is coming out of the ground and the early rains are making you lawn soft and 'almost' squishy, hire or rent a lawn roller when the  weight will make a difference once and for all.  maybe call someone now and see how early they will do it.  good luck.