Homeowners level their yard for a variety of reasons. Some people level the ground before building a new house, especially if the land has hilly areas. Others have leveled the ground in preparation for making an above-ground swimming pool, installing swing sets, making vehicle paths, making sheds or terraces, and so on. Some people even level the ground before planting it with grass, making flower gardens or orchards. Whatever your grading goal, the process is always the same.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Marking Areas to Level
Step 1. Plant stakes to mark the area
The area doesn't need to form a perfect square or rectangle, unless you plan to use a lawn instead of planting it. Place wooden or plastic dowels around the area to be leveled.
Step 2. Use the string level tool
Thread a stretched thread between the stakes that have been planted a few inches above the ground. Place a flattener on top of the thread to determine the point of elevation. The height is the starting point and where the soil will be filled later. You can lower the height if you think it is more suitable for your project.
Step 3. Adjust the thread position
Using the tape measure and leveler, adjust it until you can see how much height you need to add or subtract in your intended area.
Step 4. Adjust the ground level
Keep in mind that you may need to add height to the yard to overcome drainage problems. Your ground should be raised 1 inch (±2.54 cm) every 4 feet (±1.2 meters) starting in front of your house.
Part 2 of 3: Leveling the Ground
Step 1. Clear the grass, if necessary
If you're leveling a small, relatively flat area, you probably won't need to clear any existing grass. However, if your project covers a relatively large area and there are lots of areas to be leveled, cleaning the grass will be much easier. Just use an ordinary shovel as a tool.
Step 2. Add ground cover
Depending on how much of the soil surface needs to be covered and what will happen to the soil afterwards, you will need to level the soil with a mixture of soil, sand and compost/manure. If you want to grow grass in this area, the cover must be nutrient-rich soil. However, if you just want to build a shed or a small pond on it, a cover layer of a mixture of soil and sand will suffice.
Step 3. Spread the fertile soil/humus
Use a rake to spread the material evenly. Then check with the help of a leveling tool and a meter to make sure the surface is flat. If the area to be closed is relatively large, you can use special equipment that is rented by a heavy equipment rental company. They will give advice on which tools will work best for your soil.
Step 4. Compact the soil
To level out a relatively small area, you can compact the soil with your feet and use the bottom of the rake. However, if the ground you are leveling is large enough, or especially if completely level conditions are necessary (for example, because a certain structure will be built on top of it), use a grader and compactor.
Step 5. Allow the soil to stabilize
Allow sufficient time for the soil to stabilize. It takes about 48 hours, and a few days or weeks for the soil to become completely solid and stable. Moisturize the area by spraying water if it doesn't rain in your area during this time.
Part 3 of 3: Planting Soil with Grass
Step 1. Spread the grass seeds
If you intend to replant grass on a leveled area, you will need to purchase grass seeds/seeds that are suitable for your needs and the existing soil conditions. Spread the seeds/grass seeds by hand or using a special tool to make it more even.
Step 2. Sprinkle humus to cover the soil surface
After the grass seeds have been sown, cover the soil surface by sprinkling humus and compacting it slowly.
Step 3. Water the leveled area
Moisturize the area by sprinkling water 4 times a day, for at least 2 days to encourage grass seeds/seeds to germinate.
Step 4. Replant grass seeds, if necessary
Allow enough time for the grass seeds to grow well. If the grass seeds don't grow, you can re-seeding the area.
Step 5. Alternatively, purchase a ready-to-plant lawn
You can buy ready-to-plant grass slabs if you can't wait for the grass to grow or if you want a relatively uniform/uniform appearance.
