How do I level a yard?
by
Grace
+2
My daughter is moving into a duplex with a small, uneven back yard. What is the best way to even out the mini-Alp range so we can walk through the area without risk of a sprained ankle - or worse?
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
rent a small/mini back hoe
The way the homes are built in my neighborhood, you can't get heavy machinery into the back yard. Must be done by hand. Here is how.
https://www.lawnlegion.com/do-it-yourself-lawn-grading/
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/way-level-yard-bobcat-83680.html
https://m.wikihow.com/Level-Ground
Make sure you grade a slope away from any structure for proper drainage. You don't want to deal with expensive water intrusion issues down the line. While you are at it, this would be a good time to add French drains if needed.
My husband uses a water filled roller pulled behind our lawn tractor after a hard rain. You can rent a roller or buy one for under two hundred. It comes without water, and you drain it before a freeze. We have oodles of moles and he uses it regularly.
Yes, Naomi has good points. The Code says 4% slope away from the house for the first 6’ feet.
Believe me, having had mystery water in the Crawlspace, this is important.