Getting Bumps And Ruts Out Of An Existing Lawn

[Diggin It]

I have access to as much topsoil as I want for filling ruts but I don't know how to spread it around without tearing up the existing grass. Is there a way to do it?

Wheelbarrow, shovel, garden rake, leaf rake to top off.

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's probably just as hard to get bumps and dips out of a highway.

 

[npalen]

leveling a yard lawn - YouTube

Might be some ideas in these videos.

 

[Mike K2]

leveling a yard lawn - YouTube

Might be some ideas in these videos.

Thanks to everyone for the tips! I think that I will try building a drag from wood or maybe steel. The area is pretty large for a wheelbarrow and rake so I'm really hoping that it won't come to that.

Mike

 

[powerscol]

Do you have access to a box or other type of rear blade? When I leveled my pasture I placed piles of topsoil everywhere there was a depression. I then attached a 12' 4x6 under my box blade (blade riding on the 4x6) using bailing wire. Then just pulled through the piles working at various angles (like grouting tile). I did need to re-attach the 4x6 a couple of times, bur it worked great. As I worked I used the tractor to compact the soil. Later I fertilized and seeded, and then used a drag harrow for the final finish.

BTW - that 4x6 has come in handy numerous times for other tasks.

 

[Milo]

I shovel then rake screened top soil in any dips and ruts (for larger ones just pour directly from my FEL). But I don't attempt to do the entire yard at once rather maybe a few hours twice a year do the worst places. I know screened soil is expensive but it's all usable and so easy to spread.

 

[newbury]

Spread your dirt and go over the area using a wood baulk pulled at an angle. Do it from different directions. Cheap and should not damage the lawn.

To translate just use a big long wood beam, smooth log, a few 4x4's. My Grandfather used to do that in Vermont. He'd tie a 4x4 behind me and I'd drag it around the yard or he'd pull it behind his 2 wheel Gravely. Your just trying to spread dirt. DON'T DO WHEN WET.

 

[Reb954]

There was a shallow ditch that ran through my front yard that wasn't used so this spring I filled it in. My process was as follows,

Pick the rocks out, no pictures of that but I'm sure you get the idea.

Load top soil into ATV trailer with tractor. The tractor is too heavy to run on the lawn.


Dump top soil in a roll in the ditch. Then run the ATV over it to pack it down.


Hooked up the box scrapper to the ATV, used it to level and cut the dirt to grass level.


Dirt work all done, just spread seed, rake it in and water it.


It took a lot longer to get the rocks picked than to do all the rest. Sorry about the one sideways picture, it was right when I put it in but I don't know how to rotate it.

 

[CalG]

A water filled lawn roller used a couple of times in spring has always worked well for me.
Doesn't harm the grass a bit, and makes mowing pleasant.

ETA

The plastic ones are worthless, use the steel type.

 

[the old grind]

I use a steel 2' x 4' lawn roller, but wish I had a spike aerator to pull in front of it. Even sand gets lumpy from moles when lawn roots hold it together.

Bought the rental from the hardware store at the end of the season. One Summer of use and 1/2 price. :dance1:

CalG is so right that repeated use will be rewarded. Hopefully the fill & rake way would be a one time deal, for now.

Mike, one aspect of metal cutting is the 'shear' (angling of the edge) which without exception increases 'cut' effectiveness and reduces power requirement.

The advice in this thread is beyond anyone's hopes, and we're learning much from each other. Angle your implement and use anything suggested.