York, PA on Jan 27, 2012

My back yard is very uneven and I am constantly twisting my ankles. Does anyone have ideas on how to even it out w/out

buying a lot of top soil or having the entire yard graded by a professional? I do plan on having different types of gardens in some of the trouble spots, but that still won't take care of the entire problem

9 Comments

Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Is anything planted there now, Terri? Perhaps you could post a photo to help us see the issues you are facing. If there is not much there now and you are planning on putting in several types of gardens, it sounds like it would be well worth the expense to have a pro come out and take a look. He or she could come up with a plan that would address the site's challenges, and that could be done is stages as budget allows.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Terri J York, PA

Thanks for the answer but I'm still hoping for more ideas. Having a pro do it wil leave me w/ red clay for a back yard until new grass starts to grow. The only thig there now is a sand pit where a pool usued to be, and an electircal stand up w/ a live connector. I was going to put a bush of some sort around the electrical stand. Having a professional do the job is a little more than what my buget can handle. Oh yeah, in one corner there is an ugly old shed that a neighbor put in. And ...»
I do mean ugly & old. That will be replaced one dday w/ a new one that has doors that work! I do have some ideas myself...such as making the worst of spots into various flower beds, vegetable gardens, etc, but that will be a lot of work too.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Terri J York, PA

Doug, I will post pictures as soon as my camera is fixed. The one on the phone really doesn't show things that well, plus I forgot to mention there is a three foot slope to my yard. I have some ideas of where I would like what to go, and am working on a diagram to send you. Maybe you could add onto that as well. Have a great day :)

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Anything you can post will be helpful, Terri.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 0
Donna Dixson Buford, GA

It would be great to see a picture. In the mean time think on this. You don't have to walk in all of your yard? You can create even and level pathways yourself to walk on. But if you are talking about maintenance and mowing you can sand your yard to level with some patience and time. Sorry quick answer,I can't stand it any longer I am going OUTSIDE! The sun is shining!

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 1
Faidra at CA Global Inc Marietta, GA

Has the same prob, did as 4 seasons suggested, made winding paths in back yard, see my site, if cost prohibitive to do w/cement or don't like look, you can do mulch, river rock, or compacted crush granite or some other rock material. I actually did all these until I could afford to do the carved cement I have currently.

on Jan 28, 2012 · Like 1
Woodbridge Environmental ... Colonia, NJ

I am amazed you only have a 3 foot slope in your yard. Your in hilly country there.
What you do depends upon your willingness to maintain the yard. You can put topsoil down and perhaps tier it so the lawn does not wash away. Or put gardens in with path ways.
With grass you need to cut it, with plantings you need to deal with trimming, mulch etc.
You can do both and have the best of both worlds. Perhaps some tiered gardens to take away ...»
some of the hill in the yard with a nice grassy walk way with pavers and some sitting areas.
Either or will determine your spring, summer and fall workload in the yard and what your willing to do to maintain it. So that needs to be considered into the mix as well.

on Jan 29, 2012 · Like 1
Linda E Huntington, TX

Hello I am Not a landscaper but if your twisting your ankles when walking maybe it you took a tiller and ran over it and smothed it out you can do it yourself with a rented tiller if you dont have one and a long piece of wood like a 2x4 and just smooth it out. Then you can plant your gardens or make walkways where you want them.

on May 09, 2012 · Like 0
Terri J York, PA

@ Linda E - part of the problem is caused by all the rabbits around here. I con't always firnd the holes until I step in them. Also has to put drain extemsion onto the house, run them under ground, and dug a tiltle to keep water going down hill. Slowly gettting new bags of dirtt, as I can afford, and spreading it aournd, filling holes.

on May 09, 2012 · Like 0