Using SAND to LEVEL Your LAWN | Topdressing for a FLAT Lawn
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- This video covers how I used mason sand to help level my lawn. The real goal of a sand leveling project is not actually to "level" but to create a flat surface to mow on. Your first step is to mow your lawn down to a low height of cut to make the sand easier to move. I chose to core aerate before applying the sand so I could help with soil compaction and allow the sand to mix better with the existing soil. After aerating, I spread the sand out in piles as evenly as I can using a gorilla cart. Then I knocked the piles down with a landscaping rake so they could dry out. Finally, I just used a drag mat and level rake to spread the sand out over the lawn and create a flat surface.
#lawninsider #bermudagrass #lawnleveling #topdressing #aerating #lawncare #DIYlawncare #reellowbermuda
Lawn Insider Merch Store: merch.lawninsider.com/
2 Week Post Sand Leveling Update Video:
• (2 WEEK UPDATE) Using ...
4 Week Post Sand Leveling Update Video:
• (4 WEEK UPDATE) Using ...
Bermuda Grass Maintenance Calendar:
lawninsider.com/bermudagrass-...
Products Used in Today's Video:
Landscaping Rake: amzn.to/2OCRfiI
Gorilla Cart: amzn.to/3fYgebD
Leveling Rake: amzn.to/3fYm7FP
5x3 Drag Mat: amzn.to/3g1cy8V
3x3 Drag Mat: amzn.to/3s8IYRw
Lawn Marker Flags: amzn.to/2Rj3UZ6
Other products I use:
lawninsider.com/lawn-products/
I may receive compensation if you choose to purchase any of the products linked above. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:04 4 Week Post-Scalp Update
2:51 Materials Used in the Leveling Project
7:45 Aerating the Lawn
12:22 Distributing the Sand Across the Lawn
15:16 Using the Landscaping Rake to Knock Over Piles
16:46 Using the Drag Mat to Level the Sand
19:24 4 Day Update
21:42 5 Day Update
22:42 Using the Leveling Rake to Work the Sand into the Turf
24:52 Conclusion
Song: WCKiD & OUTSHADES - In My Head (ft. Annastacia Boudwin)
Link: • WCKiD & OUTSHADES - In...
Music promoted by FMW. Released by Jupita.
Song: PØRTER - MOON
Link: • PØRTER - MOON | ♫ Copy...
Music promoted by FreeMusicWave.
Song: Burn it Down - Robin Hustin & Jessica Chertock
Link: y2u.be/8QevwKSGqe4
Music promoted by Typical Music - Jak na to + styl
I watch a lot of these lawn care videos. And my take away is this: spend every day working on your lawn and it will look awesome.
Haha it's definitely a labor of love. There are a few big projects throughout the year, but once I get rolling I'm usually only in the lawn twice a week. (If I had my way it would probably be every day though lol)
@@LawnInsider and your lawn reflects your passion. Looks amazing. And I look out my window and think... "I just want the weeds to go away." haha
@@lowreybrown1884 Thanks Lowrey! That's really nice of you!
@@lowreybrown1884 well there not going to go away you have to get up and getter done booooooy 🙂🌱🌱
@@LawnInsider BLM) yes
The difference between your lawn and your neighbors 👍🏽👍🏽 that line of domination is A-1
Patiently (sort of) waiting for all that sand to disappear again!
Lol, love the free labour comment. Family ftw.
Neighbour Dominator level 10
My back is just hurting watching it! Great job and awesome video, again!
Hey, I’ve got the scalping and leveling out of the way now so it’s basically smooth sailing from here ⛵️
man..i love the dominating line between both of your neighbors..put them to shame!!!
Thanks Thomas!
Thumbs up for putting the follow-up vids in the description
Great vid mate! All the best from Australia
I’m sand leveling my lawn this weekend.
I live in Colorado.
I have Colorado blue grass it’s a blend of 4 Kentucky blue grasses, I’m just getting into reel mowing this and looking forward to kicking my neighbors butt this year.
That's going to look awesome! That KBG looks beautiful when it's maintained at a low HOC.
It is nice to see people really helping and sharing the work, I have been on the right side of a shovel most of my life, so it is not easy if you do not do it everyday.
They’re a big help! That’s a lot of manual labor if you’re going at it solo!
Great video with great detailed explanations. I have the leveling rake but can tell I will need a drag. That makes it look a little easier. Good luck in the lawn.
Excellent video! You got me motivated where I will do my yard October of this year, thanks😁
Awesome! You’ll enjoy the results!
Your yard is looking amazing man! Your videos are awesome! I've learned more about maintaining my Bermuda grass from your videos in the last few months than I've ever known. Keep it up man!! Thanks!!
Thanks Brian! Now I’m just playing the waiting game until all this sand disappears so I can pull out the reel mower again!
@@LawnInsider I see you used New Braunfels Landscape for your Mason sand delivery. I see they have white or yellow color options. $20 difference per yard. White looks more expensive. Which one did you go with? Thanks again!!
I used the yellow. No real reason other than the price and that’s what I had used in the past.
@@LawnInsider thank you!!
Thank you for your video. I plan to level my yard with sand by the end of September, when the winter ends in Brazil.
Thanks Gerson! Good luck on your project!
If I didn't watch this video first and I was a neighbor driving by I will definitely think there is something wrong you. Lol! Never seen anybody dumping sand at their lawn. Especially a lawn that looks so beautiful. Great job! You mention you can get sand mix with soil that have nutrient. I might try that in a few months. After seen your scalping video, two days ago I did scalped my yard (31 bags) at 1.5 inch cut. I admit was a bit hesitant to go lower. My wife is super mad at me!! She thinks I mess up the lawn. Today I spread some 3-1 fertilizer with weed control. Will see... Lol!
Maybe I am just a little crazy lol but your yard will come back better than ever after that scalp!
lookin really nice. congrats on 400 subs
Thanks Wade! I’ll keep on keepin on!
Thanks Coach! Just discovered your channel and digging the content
Thank you for all the positive feedback, Robert!
I would be so jealous being your neighbour
Great video Brother that's going to look really good
Thanks B Davis! Looking forward to your next one!
Good job my man 🔥
great video. I follow almost an identical process for my Zoysia lawn. I pickup my aeration plugs and then throw down some fert before I throw the sand down. helps the grass fight through the sand and green up faster. Leaving the plugs makes a mess.
Yeah my plugs all disintegrated after all the leveling with the drag haha. Thanks for watching!
Great video as always my fellow Texan!
I appreciate it! Best place on 🌍.
Great video! Btw that car is a Scion iQ, rare but cool car.
I Did my level at the end of March. Hopefully I can do another one this year.
I am happy with the one big leveling job per season haha I may spot level a few areas later in the year.
Congrats on 400 subs and more to come great video as always and nice mouse rat shirt
Thank you Hagen!
Nice job. It looks great! I really appreciate the comment about sand turning clay into cocrete or brick. Overall the video was very helpful. TY!
If you ran on my bermuda lawn right now you would break an ankle.
And I'm tired of th scalp marks. I need to get to work!
Glad you enjoyed it! Scalp marks in bermuda are the absolute worst lol can't hide them.
Billy Goat Aerator most safe to use has 4 wheels, plus you can change the tines to spike tines.
Probably best leveling video I have seen. Fantastic job
Appreciate it! Glad you enjoyed watching!
So started my project 3 weeks ago. Zeon Zoysia 17000’. Scalp,dethatch,sand level. 20 yards of double wash 100% sand. Plus a sand box for my Retired Racing Greyhound Cheers from NC
Now that sounds like a job! There are certain days of the year when I’m really happy I have a smaller lawn, two of them being scalping and leveling!
Go Stros! Looks good
New sub here. I'm going to do a 80/20 mix next month on my front and back. Not ready for 100% sand. Nice job. 👍🏻
Appreciate it! Looking forward to see your project!
Definitely not 100% sand unless you’re making a putting green and then watering it like crazy so it doesn’t burn up. Always used sandy loam (sandy top soil) in OK. Straight sand would be ok in totally shaded areas with cool season grasses.
Great video, just subscribed. 👍
Thank you sir! Appreciate it!
☀️I see your neighbor just did a scalp. Is he going to try and compete? 😎 Nice work on the lawn! 👍 Your buddy has a tiny car!
if the neighbor is competing he will loose😂
Haha I’ll take a little friendly competition if it comes down to that. Thanks for watching!
Dude you didn’t tell me you were a stros fan too!! Nice job, I’m a couple weeks behind you in East Texas. Almost fully green
I'm originally from East Texas! Moved here in the last few years! Go 'stros! Need to get off the losing streak.
Doing it as soon as ias possible in Michigan
Waiting on May to start my level. I'll be doing the same as you.
That was my original plan too, but it’s always nice when it’s over 😂
@@LawnInsider Where did u get your sand from by chance? I'll need about 7 or 8 yards for my 7000 Sq ft
I got mine from New Braunfels Landscape Supply. Stone and Soil Depot (Site One) also has mason sand, and I actually got a cheaper quote from them, but their delivery dates were backed up and didn’t work for me. NBLS was able to deliver same day.
@@LawnInsider yeah I used them last year too for topsoil. Thanks! Love your yard and hopefully mine can get that way in the next year or 2 :) (my gas reel mower makes a HUGE difference over the manual lol)
The lawn looked to be level (or flat) already; if it was not level, it looked to be 'flat / smooth' ... was this a top-dressing project, actually? It looks good!
Lol!! That shameful clip was hilarious!!
Go Astro!! Great video..
Thanks Chris! Go stros!
Leveled my Bermuda lawn 6 days ago. It’s recovering nicely... Got sand from my local supplier. It was labeled as: Mortar Sand PGA approved. ( mix of sand and cements best used for binding brick & wall blocks & golf course top dressing).
Sounds nice! I’ve seen a few places carry the PGA approved sand as well, but nothing locally that I’m aware of.
If you don’t mind me asking what is the business name of your local supplier
@@GS-vm8gb Hasties Sand & Gravel. Sacramento, Ca
Great video. Looks like a baseball infield!
I’m trying to be patient waiting for my next now.. idk how much longer I’ll be able to last!
I really envy you guys with very small yards. Makes it so much more manageable to do this.
Go Astros!
This is the best leveling video I've seen! Thank you! You have given me to confidence that I would know how to do this with all the detail you've given. It seems like too much work for just myself, what do you think about picking up a couple day laborers to help?
I would recommend buying a friend beer or hiring a neighborhood kid. From someone who has hired day laborers for my work, you don’t want some of those people at your house. There’s often a reason they need to get paid daily.
@@brandonjones6938 Thanks for your advice. I had this thought myself and was hesitant for this very reason. I don't want to break my friends backs and take them away from their families for a task like this, I feel it's asking too much. What about hiring someone from Task Rabbit?
Thanks for the insight, astros be CHEATIN. BAHAHAHAH Thanks, my yard needs like 5 layers of leveling been watching alot if different approaches. Thanks again
Alright you have my attention.....had to sub👍
Appreciate it!
Ok I’m planning on leveling my lawn next spring 2024, if I scalp my lawn I’ve notice it’ll be completely brown. What can I do to bring it back to green once it’s been leveled?
Funniest thing I ever seen got alot to learn
I have Bermuda and I put some sand in low spots
You have a very nice looking house.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I love lawns and can appreciate the work put in here. I plan on leveling my lawn as well. But I won't do that until all my planting beds and landscape work is done. Your home has no foundation plantings or flower beds and I just don't understand why the focus is all on just the lawn.
I hear ya! To be honest I care wayyyy more about the grass, but I would love to actually have more landscaping. It’s just a massive/time consuming/expensive project to take on. The main reason I want beds around the house/fence line is to cut down on trimming! But I agree that good landscaping takes the appearance of your lawn to the next level!
That Astros hat just gained you a new sub , good content man 🤘🏽🤘🏽
Thanks Alfonso! Trying to stay up and get them off their losing streak here! Thanks for watching!
I wanted to do this but after watching…i called it quits. Good job
Haha definitely not for the faint of heart.
Have you noticed any wavy-ness from using the screen drag. I was thinking about building a 6ft one out of c-channel and angel iron like Connor Ward and The Yard Tools but I have access to a screen drag for free. Which would you recommend given the choice? Thanks-Drew
I think the more rigid frame that Connor uses is probably ideal, but the drag mat does an awesome job. It does form to the undulation of the ground though sometimes. I don’t think it’s a big enough difference to build one as opposed to using the one you have access to for free, but that’s completely your call!
What did you do about your sprinkler heads? did you need to avoid them while dragging? Did they need height adjustment to bring them level with the new surface after?
No, I haven't had to make any adjustment yet. It does look like a lot of sand, but in reality I'm only adding fractions of an inch to the overall height of the lawn. I don't have to avoid them while dragging because when they're not on, they're underground.
Great video! Would you recommend me leveling my lawn this time of year 9/22 in the Austin area. Seems like we have three weeks of good heat remaining. Thank you!
No sir, not a full leveling project at least. Wait for next spring spring April or May.
Great job on your lawn. I'm also located in SATX. I'm looking to get to yalls level. You stated that this is your third lawn leveling project, on your first one, did you go straight mason sand?
Hey neighbor! I’ve used mason sand every time I’ve leveled so far.
Could you do a video on how to start your yard ( like planting and stuff)
Hey Michael, my lawn was actually laid as sod. Most Bermuda lawns actually started with sod. Idk if I’ll cover seeding, but I will do a video over new sod care at some point this season.
I think you need a small wall between you and your neighbor to help keeps the weeds away.
I need to do some really heavy duty leveling in my bermuda yard. I noticed that your sand left quite a bit of your bermuda completely covered. Is this okay to do? If I completely cover the bermuda in some spots that need serious leveling will it poke through the sand in a few days or am I going to kill it by doing this?
It can definitely be completely covered in some areas. Like you mentioned, mine has always had areas that stay under the sand for a bit. Those are the deeper areas in the lawn. Your grass won’t die from it.
Will do some light leveling in early May to take out some of the biggest bumps. In Portland, Oregon. My SS9000 Rye from the SuperSeed store is not yet available. Might continue to do light leveling in September.
May have missed it in the video… do you keep a 1/2” HOC and how soon are you mowing after leveling… also still at 1/2”. Appreciate the detail in the video, have a great season! Go ‘Stros BTW
I was still at 1/2” afterwards. It depends how heavy you go with the sand, but I’ve waited weeks to mow before. Ideally you don’t want any visible sand. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to wait for it to completely disappear though haha
I plan on doing a centipede lawn leveling in late june,I'm in myrtle beach, I was gonna do a 50/50 mix, sand/top soil, any advice ?
I’m not very familiar with centipede. I would imagine you would be fine as long as you’re not smothering the turf. Also, the shorter your grass before leveling, the easier you’ll be able to move the topdressing material.
The Leveling Rake you linked to is the 30" version. Is that sufficient or should I get the 36" version from R&R?
It was sufficient for me! I actually borrowed it from a buddy of mine. In the past I had only used the drag mat. Honestly, it all depends on how big the holes/ruts you’re trying to level are.
Nice detailed vid! I’m planning on tackling this come spring! What kind of bermuda calendar do you follow?! Do you have any kind of link? Also what kind of bermuda do you have?
I have Tifway 419. I actually made my own for my area. It’s under most of my videos, but here’s a link:
postimg.cc/w7CS2JRs
@@LawnInsider nice! Thankyou! I’ve got 419 as well but I’ve been cutting it at about 2 inches since it was out down 2 years ago! Lots of ruts to fill and want to bring it down to an inch
The work will be worth it!
Pretty good tutorial here. How do you like New Braunfels? Been looking to move there but its crazy expensive
I really enjoy it, but you’re right. The house prices are crazy around here.
Would you recommend sand leveling the Black Beauty Tall Fescue that I have in Central MO.
I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m not an expert with fescue. I think I’ve seen more people use a sand/soil or sand/compost mix with that turf type.
Any advice on filling in cracks in the lawn from last summers crazy heat we had in New Braunfels?
I didn’t get any cracks in my lawn last year exist by the fences and a little by the house. They’ve all filled in on their own for the most part with the rain we had over the fall and winter. If we can have a wet spring, a lot of those cracks will fix themselves. If I were to fill them in I would use a mixture of sand and soil. Probably 50/50. Personally though, I’m not going to mess with it.
@@LawnInsider thanks. Some of mine have started to fill in but I have a couple really bad ones so I’ll probably try the 50/50 mix.
Hey there, I just saw your video today and have been thinking about doing this to my yard. My questions are, do you have to do this every year. When is the best time to do this in Dallas Texas, my wife and I loved the video especially of your dog following you around while you were working. I am sure my dogs will do the same. Sept. 12, 2021
Hey Eric! I wouldn’t try to do a leveling project at this point in the season. If I were you I would shoot for next April or May. That way we still have enough heat for growth, but not enough to kill you doing the manual labor haha thanks for watching!
Did you fertilize after you aerated and before you laid the sand?Thanks
I fertilize after aerating and before leveling with sand.
What was the potting soil test you referred too? On the dog spots
Basically I top dressed those areas with potting soil and sprinkled a little bit of fertilizer over them. Just trying to encourage more runners to creep into those areas. It was working pretty well, but then we moved forward with the leveling project!
When you say “lost a lot of sand”, do you mean it worked into the soil or it physically left the yard?
Do you sweep up the plugs? I’m moving to Texas from North Carolina where I have a fescue yard
I don’t, personally, because they’re so sandy that they just break up whenever I go over them with the level.
Can I use play sand instead of Mason sand as I have bags of it already with me or you feel that is not a right sand for levels?
You can use play sand. I only use mason sand because it’s a lot cheaper in bulk.
Just got my arden 15, essential G, and hydretain in. Should i level the yard first, then add the stuff or?
If you’re doing a light top dressing, you can put the seed down before. If you’re going heavy I would hold off with everything.
@@LawnInsider I need 2 inches of soil over 7 cubic feet.
Thanks for the way you present it. Did you say which city did you do this project?
New Braunfels, TX.
Congratulations your place is beautiful.
I live in New Jersey, would you suggest leveling with sand? Will it grow well after sand leveling even in winter time?
Best time to level a cool season lawn is the early fall/spring time. You probably won’t see much growth through the winter time unless you have a very mild winter. You’ll still be ok using sand!
You mention that you used masons sand . Here in the UK we would not use masons sand as you should use sports sand . What are your thoughts on this
Sounds awesome. Most of our landscaping places around here don’t offer anything like that. There are certain places you can get USGA sand, but nowhere that I’m aware of near me! If it’s a fine sand that’s been screened I’m sure it will work well!
I live in Washington state any advice on when I should level my yard.....
I’m assuming you have a cool season grass, so you would want to level during the most active growing season for your turf type. Usually that’s late spring and fall.
Hi, I just wanted to know when you cut the grass.
Wait to cut it until all or most of the sand has disappeared into the canopy.
Very helpfl video!!
What is your lawn size ?
I am planning to level my bumpy lawn (2000sq.ft).. I'm a newbie in lawn care and I'm not sure how much of sand/soil/compost mix generally required to level 1000sq.ft.
1 yard should cover a 1000 sq ft at about an 1 inch depth
Usually start with 1 cy per 1,000 sf giving 0.324" depth. (27 cf/1000 sf) x 12 = 0.324"
Do you think it’s a good idea to fertilize before leveling to help the grass grow through the sand better? Thanks and great video
I think it’s a good idea to fertilize like a week out from your leveling. At least that’s what I did. I don’t have any hard and fast proof that it’s better, but my thinking was it would push more growth faster than fertilizing after the sand has been put down. I also didn’t want to do it right before leveling because I don’t really know if it would be moved all over the place during the leveling project.
Hi, is there a best or better time of the year to level your yard? I have Bermuda grass, live in South Texas and thinking about leveling it this weekend…
As long as your grass is actively growing you can level your lawn. The hotter it is, the faster your grass will fill back in afterwards.
Willy G is da man!
Willy G will be happy to see this haha
mowing 'single- double' stripes...how do you do that?
One stripe one direction, two stripes mowing in the other direction. Rinse. Repeat. I’ll have to put it on a video sometime.
Dr Horton indeed
I have pretty deep low spots, probably about half a foot or one foot deep. Would it be ok to use sand? Or at that point, should I use soil?
You can still use sand. Bermuda will basically grow through just about anything!
I live in Mass (Zone 5) with mainly a tall fescue lawn. I've leveled in the past mainly with topsoil and I've top dressed with compost. I've never heard of people leveling up here with sand. Do you know if this technique will work in zone 5?
i am about to level my front yard with 5 yards of mason sand in springfield ma with tall fescue,i dont see why it wouldnt work
Great video! What type of bermuda grass do you have?
I have Tifway 419 bermudagrass.
@@LawnInsider, very beautiful grass! Thanks! Keep up the great work with your lawn care.
Is there a best time of year to level the yard or can this be done at any time during the growing season?
spring or fall unless you like summer heat wave
No trees around the neighborhood at all? Btw would it be the same process for a St Augustine lawn? Your years looks great!
We all have small trees because the entire neighborhood is less than two years old. We're required to have two trees in our front yards. I personally wish I didn't have any trees, because eventually they'll get bigger and their shade will kill the grass. Bermuda doesn't do well with shade. I wouldn't try to do a heavy leveling like this with St. Augustine. For one, it can't spread as quickly as bermuda, and two, it would be much harder to spread due to the higher height of cut. I would focus on smaller leveling projects in problem areas, personally.
Did you hand water after leveling or just run the irrigation? I just put a putting green in the backyard and had to level. Lol.. plan on going out and using the leveling rake the next few days till the sand settles in good.
I just used my irrigation system and moved my impact sprinkler around the back yard a little. No hand watering though. I probably had to wait 4-5 days until the sand worked its way in well enough to effectively use the level rake on my project.
@@LawnInsider yeah if I can utilize my irrigation system I’d rather do that then hand water lol. You were still putting down a inch of water a week though and no problems? Like me I run them 2x a week and put down half a inch of water each watering.
N00b question: Why do you need to level your yard every year? Shouldnt it be one time deal or atleast once every 4-5 year?
the more flat it is,,,,the better
Thank you for this video. By any chance are you located in the Hill Country? I am in SATX and my lawn still has not greened up enough. Going to attempt leveling this weekend with cooler temps.
I am! I’m in New Braunfels. Just on the edge of the Hill Country.
Where did you get your sand from? HD and Lowes around me are out of Mason sand. I'm also in SA.
@@angelominglana7185 I got my sand from New Braunfels Landscape Supply. Stone and Soil Depot (Site One) also carries mason sand!
@Angelo, here in SA there are two paces that I know of. San Antonio Masonry and Steele on FM 1560 sells loose sand in multiple quantities. Morris Company on S. Flores sells masonry sand and other topsoils by the bag and loose too. They even deliver if needed.
Thank you to both of you.
Why does it always rain during sand level projects 😂😂😂 nice work my dude love the channel! 😊🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾
Hey if I can get some rain from leveling this year I’ll schedule a project every week 😂 thanks for the support bro! I enjoy your videos too! Congrats on the new reel!
@@LawnInsider 😂😂😂 Thank you my friend 😊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤙🏾
MOUSE RAT!!!! But dang I definitely going to do one this year!
Finally someone appreciates the shirt! haha. I think I might've had Mouse Rat socks on too.
@@LawnInsider socks?! That's dedication!
@@nolanburchett7972 Oh yeah. I got a whole pack of Parks and Rec socks for Christmas lol
@@LawnInsider can't beat that!! Lil sebastian is galloping with glee in the great pasture in the sky
@@nolanburchett7972 He's 5000 candles in the wind.
dope ass hat. Astros fan here, nice yard..
Good choice in ball clubs! thanks!
That's awesome and great video, especially the cap. GO ASTROS!! P.S. are you in the Houston area? if so, i'd love to check out your lawn in person. Going to do my 2nd leveling project this week or next.
I’m actually in New Braunfels! But originally from the Houston area. More specifically near Huntsville.
When is the best time to do this, I live in Huntington Beach Ca, ave weather 79 degrees
Just has to be done when the grass is actively growing. Late March or April is probably the earliest you want to go.
@@LawnInsider Thank you love your videos
Five yards is 45 x 45 x 45 feet ... are you saying that little pile is FIVE YARDS? or there is a hidden pile of leveling mixture off-camera. One yard of sand, btw, is 2700 lbs ... 5x2700=13,500 lbs ... you got that delivered? etc ... let us be honest from the start ... how many sq ft of lawn there?