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Smoothing yard

Hedgelj

Hedgelj

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Mohicanish
What's the best way to smooth out bumps, divots and general unevenness in your yard?

My wife dislikes how "bumpy" mowing can be. I don't notice it when i mow but i also buckle in and watching her is enjoyable.

Thoughts?
 
Don't be afraid to rent a mini asphalt roller. Damp but not saturated is good. I'd recommend aerating it after it is rolled. You're really going to be compacting the soil.

The other option is to top dress with top soil. They make top dressers. Not an every day item. Usually ball fields or golf courses have them.
 
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hickslawns said:
Don't be afraid to rent a mini asphalt roller. Damp but not saturated is good. I'd recommend aerating it after it is rolled. You're really going to be compacting the soil.

The other option is to top dress with top soil. They make top dressers. Not an every day item. Usually ball fields or golf courses have them.
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Gern186 said:
Topsoil is super expensive for the quantity that you will likely need. Id go with renting a small roller and aerator like Phil mentioned to start with, and possibly ferilizer/lime.
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What concerns would i have for a 2800# roller for drainage tile or septic lines under where I'm rolling?
 
Depends on how deep your lines are and what they are made of. A roller has a wide surface area which will spread its weight out over several feet. Most likely will only be compacting the first few inches of soil. Think of it like this. A car or average vehicle weighs around the same amount. And its weight is spread out over 4 tires. Would you drive your vehicle across the same area in your yard? If your septic lines are schedule 40 pvc there should be no worries at all. Perforated drainage tile could crush if its only buried a foot or less. Use your best judgment. Avoid areas where there could be issues. Soil type also has alot to do with it. Sandy soil will compact much easier than heavy clays.
 
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Gern is spot on. Pounds over surface area is lower than driving a truck , skid loader or heavy tractor across. Soil types? Good call there. Most people don't think about that aspect.

Aerate heavy enough and it will aid in leveling too. Those plugs are yanked out. They break down in the rain. In theory, they should break down and fall into the lowest spots. That's a LOT of plugs though to equal top soil being brought in. 🤣

I've heard of people using a vibratory roller. I would definitely not do that if you're concerned about buried lines.

One either thought, Devils Advocate if you will. Every winter you will get some freeze/thaw making your lawn uneven again. This isn't a one time fix. Also, no matter how heavy your roller is, some bumps are not going to roll out. If you have tire ruts or if it is simply that bumpy, the roller isn't a miracle worker.
 
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Yard Farmer LLC.....local winery family who fab'd it up. Great results seen in person.
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