[IaHawk]

Hello all!

New member here and I just want to say this site is awesome! The unfortunate thing is I think I'm slowly transitioning from a Tier 2 to a Tier 3 lawn nut. :lol:

My biggest issue I would like to tackle this year is leveling the back yard. The grade is fairly level but also very bumpy. I have done quite a bit of research on material to use (sand, sand/soil, sand/compost) and have a plan for this fall to detach, aerate, top dress, overseed...but my question is...do I have to wait to start top dressing? Since my main goal is to level it out, I plan on using 100% mason sand (agree?). I realize its a slow process, and thats why I'd like to get started sooner rather then later!

My other issue I'd like to tackle at some point is I have some lighter shades of green, but those can wait for now.

Here are some pics of the back yard. As always, thanks for any info!

 

[zeus201]

What is your current HOC as lower the better?

 

[SpencerMaclean86]

To Zeus's point, I've read that the lower HOC will help you get the sand worked into the low spots easier as their isn't as much grass blade getting in the way. If your height of cut is longer you may either need to wait until fall when the HOC is lower or reduce your height of cut now to make the top dressing easier.

Welcome to the board, I've just joined myself but already found this to be a very helpful place.

 

[IaHawk]

Current HOC is 3 inches.

 

[zeus201]

Lots of good information here from the two lawn leveling pros: wardconnor & Pete1313

https://thelawnforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=484

But, I'd personally wait till your HOC is lower. Start lowering HOC towards end of summer / start of fall time as the grass will begin to grow aggressive again. Or you could go full Tier 3, do a reno, and level inbetween kill and seeding.

From Pete1313

"It is going to look ugly, but it will recover. By cutting high at 3" you allowed the crown and stem parts of the plant to grow taller as well. You will need to slowly take it down and like GrassDaddy said, it would be best to do in fall. Take it down alittle at a time, and bag the clippings if possible. Once you are down as low as you want to go, you can sand/level. Then fertilize and water more frequent like you would if you were establishing grass and most importantly keep cutting short to train the grass crowns and stems to stay low. An added step would be to rent a power rake/dethatcher to clean out the canopy and could be done when you get it low right before you topdress. I had good results without it though as the scalp and then sand did a great job at resetting the growing point of the plant."

 

[crussell]

Sounds like you are already aware that Fall is the better time frame, due to lower HOC and your will be breaking ground with detatching and aeration.

If I understand your intent, you want to get a jump on topdressing because the leveling process takes multiple applications, and is long an drawn out. I can relate, I just topdressed not long ago because I became impatient with leveling. Just understand that a lot of effort will be needed to work the sand down to the surface. Prepare yourself for lots of Raking, Dragging, and Brooming.

What is the damage/risk of lowering your HOC (and breaking the 1/3rd rule) just prior to top dressing? might be something to consider, if your lawn will recover timely.