A bumpy, uneven lawn doesn’t look good when it comes to the visual appeal of your garden. Leveling your lawn, therefore, can play an important role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your garden, ensuring proper drainage, and preventing the accumulation of water.
If you feel the undulating terrain of your lawn is causing discomfort and you want it to be flat, learn how to level your yard. As time passes, it’s common for lawns to develop unevenness; from sunken wet spots to worn-down high-traffic areas.
Perhaps you have thought about incorporating a raised terrace or installing new turf? However, before proceeding with these plans, it’s important to first level the ground for optimal results.
Leveling a garden is a task that many homeowners encounter, and this guide is here to provide you with the information you need to get the job done the right way.
Here are the steps you need to follow to level your garden
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to level your garden with ease:
Determine the areas of your garden that need to be leveled.
First up, you need to determine the areas of your garden that are sloppy and need to be leveled. You can measure the height and run of the slope. Use a garden hose or spray paint to mark the high and low points, and decide on the final grade or slope that you want for your garden. This is part of the process of preparing the ground for laying turf as well.
Remove any debris or large rocks from the garden bed
If you want to make your garden leveling task easy, get rid of all the debris or large rocks from the garden bed. Garden clearance is a basic step whether you want to level your garden or prepare the ground for laying turf.
It can be a difficult task but you can make it easier by using the right tools and methods. First, clear the area of any loose debris such as twigs, leaves, and small rocks using a leaf bowler. This will make it easier to access the larger rocks.
After removing the debris, you can use a shovel or garden fork to loosen the soil around the large rocks. Wear protective gloves before lifting those large rocks.
Use a garden rake or hoe
A garden rake and hoe are two useful gardening tools that you can use to loosen the soil and remove plant debris or weeds. When leveling your garden, you also need to ensure that your garden is ready for planting.
Add soil to low areas and remove excess soil from high areas
The first step in creating a level garden is to clear away the grass and reveal the ground beneath. This allows you to begin the process of raising any low areas by filling them with soil.
You can use a shovel to move soil from high areas to low areas, filling in depressions and creating a smooth, level surface. Also, you need to remove excess soil from high areas. A powered garden shovel or a powered tiller can also be used to make this task easier.
Use a rake to scrape away soil from high areas, and use a shovel to remove the excess soil and redistribute it to low areas. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired grade or slope.
Use a garden roller to smooth out any unevenness
The next step is to smooth out any unevenness with a garden roller. If you don’t have the tools you need to level your yard, consider hiring using professional garden landscaping services to achieve the desired results.
While a garden roller can make your task so much easier, a broom or piece of lumber can also be used to tamp down the soil and smooth out uneven surfaces. However, be aware of the drainage of your garden before using any leveling tool.
Add the desired plants and seeds
So, you have leveled your garden and are ready to take the next step. A level garden surely enhances the aesthetic of your yard, as plants will be able to stand upright and the garden beds will be smooth and easy to walk on.
Now that your garden is level, it’s the perfect time to add plants and seeds or new grass. The first thing you can do is to plan your garden. Create a sketch of your garden and decide what types of plants you want to grow and where you want to place them.
Take into consideration the amount of sunlight, water, and space each plant needs. Make sure to choose plants that will thrive in the conditions of your area, such as the soil, temperature, and weather.
Learn more about garden maintenance or talk to a professional if you’re not sure which plants are right for your garden. Consider adding mulch to the garden bed, and water thoroughly to help the plants establish themselves.
The tools you may need for levelling your garden
Here are tools that are commonly used to level gardens:
- Spade
- Rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Spirit level (or laser level)
- Garden soil
- Picket posts
- Thin rope
- Lawn roller
- Knee pads
- Gardening gloves
Why and when do you need to level out your garden?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to level out your garden. One of the most common reasons is to create a smooth surface for new turf, patio, or deck.
If you’re planning to install any of these gardening features, it’s important to level the ground first to ensure that they’re stable. Retaining walls can help you stabilize slopes and control soil erosion. However, it’s important to consider whether a retaining wall is necessary for your garden, as it can be costly and time-consuming to install.
Another reason to level your garden is when you experience drainage issues. Low spots or holes in your lawn can collect water, leading to standing water and potential lawn diseases. By leveling the ground, you can ensure that the water flows properly through your garden and away from your home.
The best time to level your garden will depend on the specific goals you’re trying to achieve. For example, if you’re planning to install a new lawn, the best time to level your garden is in the fall or early spring, as this will give your grass time to establish roots before the heat of summer.
Likewise, if you’re looking to improve drainage, it’s advisable to level your garden before the rainy season starts.
Final Thoughts
So, whether you’re looking to create a beautiful outdoor living space or simply keep your lawn healthy and functional, learning how to level your yard is a must. If you don’t have the energy or tools to level your garden, hire a professional garden maintenance service!