Flattening lawn

snowman · Apr 25, 2003

I have a rough lawn and have wanted to "flatten" via a roller of some type.

It would be a one shot deal, so I don't need to buy nor want to make one, which I know some have done as described in other posts (ie: old hot water tanks).

I know they make small steam rollers that can probably be rented. I've never had experience with a steam roller, but thought that that may work. My only question would be if it would have enough "traction" on the grass. I would think that it would due simply to the weight.

Anyone with knowledge about steam rollers that could tell me if this would work or if it's just a waste of time?

Thanks.

rlw · Apr 25, 2003

Last spring I saw someone riding a roller around his yard. It was about 4 foot wide. I'm sure it flattened out all the bumps in his yard since these smaller rollers probably weigh a couple ton!! These would certainly cause a lot of soil compaction which isn't very good for growing. If you choose this route, you had better follow-up with an aerator.

Rch · Apr 25, 2003

several years ago I rented a small 4' self propelled roller for this very purpose. It had like an 11 hp Honda engine on it and really smoothed the lawn out. You can mow faster if you don't let the height get ahead of you. Your right about getting stuck; it has one roller drive and a little wet spot while turning or climbing can stop it dead in it's tracks /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. Every thing is in the timing, dry enough to keep going, soft enough to smooth things out. The rental place dropped it off, leaving the trailer there for a day or two

Hoeman00 · Apr 25, 2003

Dad has used some of his asphault rollers to roll his yard.
It works good if yard is fairly flat and not too wet.
As for compaction it will flatten the yard but I don't think any more subsoil compaction than your tractor.
In fact your p/u trucks have more compaction but in a narrower area.

Soundguy · Apr 25, 2003

Many sode places will either roll sod for you or rent you a sod roller.. There are many varieties from walk behind cul-depackers.. to the little cart looking 4" two drum rollers.

Check around.. even some industrial rental places have them.

Soundguy

snowman · Apr 26, 2003

Thanks for all of the replies; wasn't sure it was a wacky idea or not, but evidently seems to work.

snAKes · Apr 26, 2003

I'm looking to do the same thing, and I already have an aerator.

For the ridges I plan to cut them down carefully with my rear blade (box blade would be better, I may borrow one), and fill in holes with topsoil. Then I plan to buy some sod to patch afterwards so I don't have to wait for grass to grow in the patched places.

After all this, it will be finer smoothing and I hope to use a liquid filled roller and a lot of aerating to loosen the soil back up.

What do you guys think?