Gather Materials
First, take stock of what you’ll need. The basic materials include:
- Shovels and rakes for moving soil
- A long straight board or level to check for flatness
- Top soil to build up low areas
- Sand to fill in divots and depressions
You may also need:
- Landscape fabric to prevent weeds
- Crushed gravel to improve drainage
- A lawn roller to compact soil
Shop sales and check craigslist to find discounted or free materials when possible.
Remove Obstacles
Clear out anything that will get in the way like large rocks, tree roots, shrubs, and sod. Use a shovel, pickaxe, or pry bar to remove rocks and stubborn plant roots. Rent a sod cutter or use a flat shovel to remove grass in sections.
Evaluate the Terrain
Walk the yard and take note of high and low spots. Mark lower areas with small flags or spray paint. Consider if any grading is needed to achieve proper drainage and prevent pooling water.
Move Soil
Use a shovel, rake, and wheelbarrow to move soil from high areas to low spots. It’s easiest to skim an inch or two of soil across larger areas rather than digging deep holes. Spread topsoil in thin layers, tamping down after each layer.
Check for Level
Place the long straight board on edge and walk along it to find any remaining high or low areas. Fill in dips with sand, raking smooth. Check progress frequently with the level.
Compact the Soil
Go over all areas with a hand tamper or lawn roller to compact soil. This helps prevent sinking and shifting later on. Allow a day or two for soil to settle before a final level check.
Top Off with Gravel
Spread a 1-2 inch layer of crushed gravel over the leveled soil for improved drainage, if desired. Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds.
Replant Lawn or Landscape
If removing grass, replant sod or grass seed. Water newly planted areas daily until established. Or create a graveled, mulched, or paved landscape area in place of lawn.
Maintain the Yard
Re-check for flatness each spring and fill any new low spots. Good drainage and proper lawn care will help prevent erosion and indentations. Aerate compacted areas.
With some elbow grease and strategic shoveling, you can transform an uneven mess into a smooth, usable backyard. Work methodically and re-check level frequently for best results. The savings on hiring grading equipment or landscapers can be put toward other backyard upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leveling Your Backyard
How much does it cost to level a backyard?
The cost to level a backyard typically ranges from $300-$800 depending on the size of the yard and extent of work needed. Doing it yourself can save significantly on labor costs. The material costs for topsoil, sand, gravel, etc. will depend on how much is required.
What tools do I need to level ground?
Basic tools needed are shovels, rakes, a wheelbarrow, and a long straight board or level. You may also need a pickaxe, pry bar, sod cutter, lawn roller, tamper, and landscape fabric. Power equipment like a rototiller or skid-steer could help for larger yards.
How long does it take to level a yard?
It typically takes 2-4 days to level an average backyard if doing the work yourself. The time will vary based on yard size, soil conditions, and how uneven the current terrain is. Have patience as it is labor intensive work.
Should I remove grass before leveling a yard?
In most cases it is best to remove existing grass and sod first, especially if there are large dips or hills that require significant grading. Removing sod allows you to re-grade and shape the entire surface evenly.
What kind of soil should I use to level a yard?
A sandy loam topsoil is ideal for leveling because it packs well while still allowing drainage. Add organic compost to improve nutrient content. For just minor dips and divots, use coarse builder’s sand.
How often does a yard need to be leveled?
Ideally, check for level and fill any low spots annually. But a properly graded, compacted yard with good drainage may only need minor touch-ups every 2-3 years. Leveling soon after construction can help avoid major sinking.
Should I compact soil when leveling a yard?
Yes, compacting soil is a critical step. Walking on raked soil is not enough – use a hand tamper, lawn roller, or rental equipment to fully compact to prevent future settling and indentations.
What can I do on a sloped backyard?
For sloped yards, terracing and retaining walls are good options to create usable flat areas. Small hills can sometimes be re-shaped and graded to a more gradual slope. Expert help may be needed for significant slopes.
Conclusion
Leveling your backyard is a manageable project for a DIYer willing to put in some hard work. The key steps are removing sod, re-grading high and low spots, adding soil amendments, compacting thoroughly, and frequently checking your progress with a level. Paired with proper lawn care and maintenance, your freshly leveled yard will provide a nice flat surface for kids’ play, entertaining, and other outdoor activities for years to come.