Lawn Leveling Tools

Lawn leveling tools help smooth out shallow dips, spread topdressing and make an uneven yard easier to mow. A lawn leveling rake has a broad, flat head that moves loose material across the surface, helping fill small low spots without digging deeply into established turf. A landscape rake is better suited to breaking apart loose clumps and moving larger amounts of soil during rough grading, while a shovel and wheelbarrow help get fill where it needs to go. For a small lawn or tight spaces around garden beds, a narrower rake head can be easier to steer. Across open stretches, a wider head covers more ground with each pass. Compare tool weight, handle length and grip comfort, too, since spreading soil takes repeated back-and-forth strokes. The right lawn leveling equipment should fit both the size of your yard and the amount of work ahead. Before tackling lawn leveling, mow the grass to its normal recommended height and check uneven areas with a long straightedge or a string line and level. The goal is a smoother mowing surface, not a perfectly flat yard; keep the slope that carries water away from your house and other buildings. For shallow depressions, spread a thin layer of topdressing suited to your soil and grass, then work it across the low area with a leveling rake, leaving grass blades exposed. Several light applications during active growth are generally easier on established turf than one deep layer. Work with soil that is slightly moist rather than soggy, and avoid dragging heavy equipment across wet ground. A lawn roller can help firm loose soil in some lawn projects, but it will not fill depressions, and excessive rolling can compact the ground. Deep ruts, recurring sinkholes or persistent puddles call for checking the underlying cause before adding more fill.