Why Does my Garden Need to be Levelled?
There are a variety of reasons your garden isn’t level:
- Children playing in the soft soil may put tension on your lawn and result in damage to the land’s surface.
- Animals that play and dig in your garden.
- If there are pipelines or rubble beneath your lawn, this could affect the lawn’s composition.
- The buildup of waterlogs during the winter months, and this could contribute to bumps and scabs in your garden. It’s crucial to ensure that you have your drainage in order.
It is important to identify the possible reasons why your garden’s soil is uneven before you can learn how to level your garden.
Maybe you’re tired of the slope in your yard or the uneven yard makes it difficult for you to make the most of your outdoor space.
If your yard is suffering from one of these issues then you must invest the time to level the lawn. Do not worry you can get help! In this post, we’ll provide the information and tools you will need to level your garden.
There are numerous reasons for the garden level along with practical reasons and you could also be providing your garden with an overhaul that is needed.
It is important to be aware that you’ll have the garden level prior to trying any of the following:
- Laying out a patio
- Laying decking
- Laying artificial grass
- New turf being laid
How to Level a Garden Yourself
Utilize our simple step-by procedure to level your lawn in 10 steps.
Step 1
An inspection thorough of your garden must be done prior to transferring tools or other materials.
The first step to get your garden level is to measure how deep your current bumps and holes are in your lawn. There are two kinds of spots that you need to look out for:
Small bumps (around 2 centimeters long and 2cm deep) along with deep spots (anything larger than 2cm).
The severity of the damage can affect the method employed to level your lawn. We will provide more details of each one in the following few steps.
Step 2
The most efficient method to figure out the slope and level on your lawn is using an old wooden board. After laying the board down and placing it down, you will be able to determine the slope of your lawn.
Take a stake or peg made of wood and place it on the top of your garden. You can put another stake in the far end of the garden.
Attach a string between two stakes making sure you maintain the string level. This will help you determine the height that your grass is.
Step 3
You must ensure that the previous turf you have in the area has been cleared.
If you are looking for areas that are deep and slightly more sunken, then you’ll require a squared-off sand shovel. The shovel can help you to level the uneven areas of soil.
Step 4
Move the shovel towards the center of your bump, and cut the soil into it and create a cross. This will allow you to raise the soil and turf without causing too much mess.
Step 5
Cut about 5cm of the depth under the cross section you just constructed. Then, remove the soil to ensure that your shovel is as level and straight as you can. Also, ensure an even, level thickness of soil as you remove.
Step 6
Repeat the previous procedure, removing the turf’s edges as you move. It is important to make sure that you have the ability to remove the soil, and make it firm without breaking.
Get rid of any extra soil in order to keep it as level as is possible as possible with all the landscape.
Make use of a wheelbarrow to store any turf or soil you’d like to take out.
Step 7
It is essential to prepare your soil. For this, you’ll have to fork your soil.
Use your fork to plunge it to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Use your foot to help to apply pressure. Remove the turf area. Be sure to take away any rocks, rubble, roots of weeds you find as you go.
Step 8
In order to improve the quality of your soil, you’ll have to assist in maintaining the moisture.
If you have a new pile of manure or compost from your farmyard Sprinkle it all over the top of the soil. Utilizing a fork incorporates the compost and soil in a thorough manner.
Step 9
After all the soil is removed, it’s time to smooth and level the soil, and make sure that there aren’t any hollows beneath the surface.
The most effective method of levelling the garden is to stroll across the lawn on your heels. Then, you can gently push the ground down using tiny steps, putting on pressure using your body weight. Repeat this procedure by walking across the lawn. By doing this, you can ensure that the air pockets have been cleared.
Take your rake and drag it across the area to make an even surface.
Then, you will need to walk across to the opposite side with your heels to compress the soil. After that, rake it over. It is possible to repeat the process a few times.
It’s time to evaluate whether your garden is level. lawn. Make use of the length of the edging strip path to ensure that your lawn is in a good condition. It is also possible to make use of your stakes made of wood and string as a reference.
Put a wooden plank on the ground and then place your spirit-level on it in order to ensure that the level is level.
Take a break for a couple of months (3-4) so that you can allow the rain and air to keep your soil firm and solid.
After leaving the soil for three to four weeks, you’re now free to proceed in any other plans including laying decking, or an outdoor patio.
Tools to Level a Garden
For the best garden levelling, you’ll be required to make sure you have the proper equipment for the task.
You can purchase the following at a local garden center or you can purchase these items online.
- Rake
- Fork
- Straight edge shovel
- Spirit Level
- Wheelbarrow
Safety Equipment to Level a Garden
While levelling your garden may appear like a straightforward job, you must keep in mind that you’ll be handling some large tools that when not handled properly, could pose a risk and result in injuries.
Protective Gardening Gloves
It is essential to wear gloves throughout the entire process to ensure that your hands are secure. When working with fertiliser or compost you’ll be required to wash your hands thoroughly.
Protective Boots
The boots you wear will ensure your feet are safe when working with forks, shovels or rakes. Don’t use any sharp objects hitting your feet. Boots can also aid in the process of levelling.
Materials to Level a Garden
Along with acquiring equipment and safety equipment, you’ll also require these materials to ensure that you are levelling your lawn in the correct way.
- Compost
- Fertiliser
- Wooden stakes/pegs
- String
- It is a weedkiller (optional) It is an optional product, and must be applied prior to following the step-by step guide. In the event that your yard is subject to weeds, adhere to the directions of the manufacturer’s product for treating the lawn as well as weeds. The remains can be removed when you level the lawn.
How to Prepare to Level a Garden
To get your lawn ready, you must first examine the lawn for the required level.
You should also check if there are any current drainage issues or any potential damage to your pipes. You might need to speak with an expert to obtain the right advice prior to proceeding.
If you experience draining issues We strongly suggest you grade the lawn and alter the levelling, creating an area of sloping that is not in the same direction as your house.
It is also possible to have an underground drain system installed; however, please consult an expert before making such a decision.
It is also important to pre-water your lawn a few days prior to (3-4) to make sure that the soil isn’t spongy and hard.
Additionally, be sure not to overwater your lawn throughout this procedure as you don’t want your lawn to be working on soil that’s over-saturated.
If your garden is suffering from an issue with weeds, tackle the weeds first using an herbicide according to the directions of the manufacturer.
Garden Maintenance
Like everything else, it requires regular maintenance and care. For instance, we all know how irritating it is when you drive on roads that aren’t maintained. After a certain amount of the time, driving through potholes could cause damage to your vehicle.
It’s the same for your garden. If you do not keep up with the maintenance You could end in bumps and hollows which can result in uneven surfaces.
When cutting your grass you’ll want an easy ride with your lawnmowers, which can ensure that your lawn stays even and avoid bald patches appearing.
If you own an outdoor lawn, it is essential to avoid causing lines of ruts on your lawnmowers. To avoid this, alter the cutting pattern each time you use your lawnmowers.
FAQs
Q: How much does garden levelling cost if done by a professional?
A: Giving an accurate estimate is always difficult as each garden is often individual, varying in shape and size. Getting a professional to level your garden can be costly, most tradesmen will also charge you for the cost of a skip too which could be anything from £150 -£300.
You should be prepared to pay per hour or per day for the professional, which could cost a minimum of £250 per day.
It’s important that you do your research, and get quotes from a couple of different professionals to see if the price varies.
Q: What’s the best time of year to level your garden?
A: We suggest that you level your garden in the springtime.
The weather is usually a perfect mix of sun and rain, and keeps the right level of moisture in your soil. It’s also the perfect time to allow any new grass seed to grow.
Q: Can you level a steep slope in your garden?
A: If your garden has an extreme slope, you should consider building a retaining wall and breaking your garden into tiers. Doing this allows the wall to support the land in your garden.
Rainfall will also be directed towards the wall which will soak up any excess water, and takes pressure from the soil. This will help with any water logging issues. You should seek professional advice before attempting to build the retaining wall yourself.
Q: Do you need permission to level your garden?
A: It is often a point that is overlooked, but you may want to check with your local council or utility company to ensure there are no cables or pipes underneath your garden.
If you are digging you don’t want to risk bursting any pipes. It’s always best to check first before you begin the job. Please be aware that if you are planning on raising your ground area of your garden you may need to seek planning permission.
Q: Can I put topsoil over my existing lawn?
A: Yes you can. This process is called topdressing. The mixture consists of two parts sand, two parts topsoil and one part compost.
This mixture will fill in any small lumps and bumps and also improve the condition of the soil and drainage.
