Simple Lawn Levelling ?

Discussion in 'Lawns' started by HarryS, Aug 15, 2017.

  1. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    My back lawn has several undulations in it , like a golf green , which I do like. But I would like to smooth it out in a couple of places . Now looking for the simplest way to do this - If I put two bags of screened topsoil into the dip , tread it in and smooth it out. This would raise the level , over the top of healthy vigorous turf , by approx 2 inches max. Would the existing grass grow through this soil layer and form turf ? Or would I need to re-seed or turf ?

    TIA
     
  2. Liz the pot

    Liz the pot Total Gardener

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    You don't want to cover the grass so it's buried. Normally I dress and work in with a lute and repeat once the turf is established.
    A simple way of levelling is to apply the soil and use a rake handle laying it flat on the ground then moving it across the area to level. Firm soil and repeat, it's a simple as it gets.
    Deep holes need the turf lifted and the area levelled with the turf replaced so it keeps its uniform look.
     
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    • HarryS

      HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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      Thanks @Liz the pot , I thought a deep soil cover over turf would be a no no . I was trying to avoid cutting and raising the turf.
       
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      • ricky101

        ricky101 Total Gardener

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        Agree with Liz, several thin layers, not treaded, and let the existing grass grow though each time.
        If you reseed you could end up with that area looking different from the rest of the lawn, unless its the same seed used originally.
         
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        • Sandy Ground

          Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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          @HarryS Roughly how big are these low areas?
           
        • HarryS

          HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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          Hi Sandy , to level out these two small dips . The areas are about 3 feet x 2 feet , and raise it by about 2 inches should be fine , to smooth things out.
           
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          • Sandy Ground

            Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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            Hi Harry, if they had not been so deep, I could have suggested another way that was shown to me a few weeks ago. As they are though, I would follow the advice given by the others.
             
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            • "M"

              "M" Total Gardener

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              An informative thread - thank you for those who have answered because now I know how to proceed with my own dips and rumples :thumbsup: ... @HarryS - you saved me ever having to ask the question, so thank you :heehee:
               
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              • HarryS

                HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                Thank all again , I will build up the dips with 1/2" layers of a soil /sharpsand /MCP mix , over the next few growing months.
                As over time I do experience every gardening problem known to mankind , it is worth following my posts :snorky:
                 
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                • Sandy Ground

                  Sandy Ground Total Gardener

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                  As an alternative to that, you could use a mix of lawn dressing and grass seed, applied with a lute.
                   
                • HarryS

                  HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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                  Not a very inspiring photo - here is the first fill of the hollow . The area is just under 3ft x 2ft . The soil mix was raked in and smoothed with the back of the rake , trod down and re-smoothed . I reckon it is just under 1/2" thickness . So possibly three of these , the last one having grass seed mixed in , over a month , may do the trick :blue thumb:

                  DSC_0082.JPG
                   
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