Is mowing the lawn more difficult than walking through a minefield? Are you tired of bumps and holes that make your summer evenings with your guests less memorable than they could be? You can create a lawn that will be envied by all your neighbors, even those who have a perfect garden and look down on you. Start reading from step 1 and learn how to proceed!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for Success
Step 1. Check for any drainage problems
Before proceeding, you should analyze why the lawn is full of holes. Sometimes, this is due to problems with water leaks or improper drainage. If you have done works and moved the earth in recent years, and the holes are present all over the surface, they are due to excavations and it is normal that there are. If, on the other hand, there are some points where holes are formed, perhaps in correspondence with the water pipes, it will be better to contact some professional to rule out the presence of any leaks.
Step 2. Decide the area to work on
Do you need to level some specific points or the whole lawn? If you have many holes all over the surface, perhaps it is better to start with different means than a localized intervention. You have to decide the result you want to achieve, so as not to waste time and waste energy unnecessarily.
Step 3. Choose a slope for the lawn
A level lawn is certainly pleasant, but you also need to consider the slope you want to give your garden. Experts recommend leaving a slight slope towards the outside of the house, in order to favor drainage in case of heavy rain. If you intervene to level the lawn, it will be better to consider the slope as well, particularly if you have problems with drainage or water stagnation.
Step 4. Find the depth of the holes
If they are shallow, the work will be easier. If the holes are deep, it may be best to remove the topsoil and grass before leveling the hole.
Step 5. Choose carefully when to level the lawn
For simple jobs prefer spring, so that the grass seeds grow best and with the correct light and humidity.
Part 2 of 4: Mix the Soil
Step 1. Add the soil
Get potting soil from a gardening shop or an agricultural consortium. A good soil is the basis for creating an even surface and for the grass to grow well.
Step 2. Add sand
Sand is added to the soil to give the right consistency and drainage, helping both the growth of the grass and the uniformity of the surface.
Step 3. Add compost or organic fertilizer
This ensures the right nutrients within the soil, to grow the grass healthy and quickly.
Step 4. Mix everything
Combine two parts of potting soil with two parts of sand and one part of manure or compost.
Part 3 of 4: Fill the Holes
Step 1. Place the soil obtained by mixing the various elements in the holes in the lawn
Find the places to insert the soil, and arrange it so that there is little more than is strictly necessary, so that over time the result is uniform and level.
Step 2. Spread the soil until you have an even result
Use a rake to spread it evenly.
Step 3. Press the soil to compress it
Use your feet or rake to press and compact the soil. Alternatively, you can rent a trainer from some store, or borrow one from a neighbor. With the roller you will have a more uniform result and you will hardly have to worry about holes again.
Step 4. Wet the surface
Wet the newly settled earth certainly helps to compact it better.
Step 5. Let the earth adapt
Be patient for a long time so that the earth will compact and adapt, ideally a few days or a week, even better if you wait for a couple of heavy rainfall.
Part 4 of 4: Regrow the Weed
Step 1. Spread the seeds
Choose seeds that are calibrated for the area you live in and for the specific type of soil, and spread them with a dedicated tool, especially if the area to be covered is quite large.
Step 2. Add soil
Sprinkle a little soil over the seeds. The layer you add on top of the seeds should be very light. This helps keep seed-eating birds away.
Step 3. Compact the ground
With your hands, squeeze the soil you added onto the seeds.
Step 4. Wet often
Wet the soil with a light spray at regular intervals, 4 times a day for the first two days, so that the seeds germinate immediately.
Step 5. Add more seeds as needed
Give the grass time to grow. If there are bare spots, add seeds where needed. At this point you should be able to enjoy your new leveled lawn!
Advice
- This is work to be done in the fall or early spring.
- The lawn must absolutely be leveled if you remove and reposition the clods of earth where the grass grows. Before replacing the sod or sowing new grass, use a rake or a wooden board (fasten it with a rope on either side and drag it) to level the soil.
