When it comes to regrading your yard, there are a lot of factors to consider. It would be best if you thought about the time of year, the weather, and your schedule before deciding. Some people believe that a yard grading project is not worth doing at all, but others believe that there are many benefits to be had. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and help you decide whether or not regrading your yard is right for you and, most of all, when is the best time to regrade your lawn.
Why should you regrade your yard?
Thinking about regrading your entire yard but wondering if you should? There’s a lot of reasons to do so, but there’s also plenty of considerations.
If your yard is sloped with a high percentage of rocks and dirt, it will be hard for water to seep through. This can lead to flooding during a heavy rainstorm which could cause a lot of damage to your home’s foundation. Yard slope is typically the biggest reason you’ll need landscape grading. If you have a large amount of greenery in your yard, then it’s best to regrade the area around your garden. Proper drainage will allow water to flow through and keep the landscape healthy.
While those might be reasons to do some yard leveling, if you have a small yard, it may not be best to regrade depending on your specific situation. It would be best if you looked at your yard from the perspective of what’s best for it. However, there are some areas in which you should consider regrading, like your driveway, yard, or pathways.
If you have a flat yard with no rocks or dirt in sight, then it’s best to keep it that way. You shouldn’t regrade the area unless there is some problem. Before you hire someone to do so, keep this in mind because they may try to convince you otherwise.
Of course, you don’t have to do the entire lawn, perhaps yard grading is only required around your homes foundation or in an area where you put down new grass. Regardless of where you do landscape grading be sure to follow proper grading techniques.
What are the benefits of regrading your lawn?
There are a several benefits to regarding your home’s lawn.
- Correct poor drainage to protect your property from water damage.
- Eliminate thatch buildup to prevent moisture retention, heat retention, and damage from harmful insects.
- Replace unsightly weeds with beautiful, even grass.
- Repair lawn disease damage caused by brown patch, fairy rings, rust, red thread and more.
- Undo insect damage caused by chinch bugs, green bugs, army worms and other pests.
The best benefit of regrading your yard is keeping your home safe from water damage. If you have a high percentage of rocks dirt, and caliche on the surface, then water won’t be able to seep through. This could potentially cause flooding, which can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Another benefit would be the appearance of your yard. If you regrade, it should be much easier for water to flow through your yard. This will keep the greenery healthy and the look of your yard intact.
Why shouldn’t I regrade my yard?
There is no reason to regrade if you have a small yard with only grass. It may cause more damage than good. You shouldn’t hire someone to do it without knowing if it’s best in your situation. If you don’t regrade and there is no damage, you will have wasted money.
So, what is the best time to regrade your lawn?
The best time to regrade your lawn depends significantly on what types of greenery you’re going to put down. Most equipment will have no problem grading the earth any time of the year, but your plants will be the limiting factor.
If you consider laying down sod or seeding grass, then it’s best to do so in the spring or fall seasons. This will allow the grass to root in and grow well. Also don’t do it when you have standing water on your lawn (which is why you’re probably doing the yard grading in the first place).
If you are putting down other types of greenery like trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., then it’s best to regrade in the winter season. This will allow them to root correctly before the weather becomes too hot and the plants whither.
Lawn Grading FAQs
Seems easy enough, right? We’re sure you still have some questions, and that’s perfectly fine. Our lawn grading experts put together a few questions they get asked all the time.
What is lawn leveling and when is the best time to regrade a yard?
Lawn leveling, also known as yard grading, is the process of creating a level grade line on your lawn. It involves removing high points and filling in low points to create a smooth surface for your property. This process can help solve drainage issues, prevent water from pooling in certain areas, and improve the overall appearance of your yard.
The best time to regrade your yard depends on several factors such as weather conditions, soil moisture, and the type of grass you have. Generally, it is recommended to do this DIY project during spring or fall when the soil is moist but not saturated. Avoid doing it during hot summer months or frozen winter months as this can damage your grass.
Can I regrade my yard myself or should I hire a professional?
Regrading your yard can be done as a DIY project if you have basic knowledge about landscaping and gardening tools. However, keep in mind that it requires physical labor and may take several days, depending on the size of your yard. You will also need to rent equipment like a tiller, shovel, rake, and top dressing mix, which can add up in cost. If it’s a more oversized yard, you may need a skid steer.
Hiring a professional landscaper might be more expensive, but they have experience dealing with steep slopes and retaining walls which are difficult for beginners to manage. They also know how to correctly fill air pockets which can cause future problems if not addressed correctly.
How do I determine if my yard needs regrading?
If you notice that there are high and low points on your lawn or water pooling around basement windows after rainfalls then it’s likely that you need to regrade your yard. Another indication is if you see bare patches of grass or weeds growing unevenly on different parts of your lawn.
To check if you need to level out any areas, place a flat board over different parts of the lawn. If there are gaps between the board and ground then there are high spots which need to be leveled out with top dressing mix.
How long does it take to regrade a yard?
The length of time required for regrading depends on various factors such as the size of the area being graded, steepness of slopes, and whether there are any obstacles like trees or retaining walls in place.
For small yards with minimal slope variations, it could take anywhere from 1-2 days for DIY projects. However, professionals might finish within hours using heavy-duty equipment like skid steers or backhoes.
For larger yards with steep slopes or obstacles like retaining walls then expect more time spent working especially if you’re doing it yourself since these require more manual labor.
What should I do after regrading my yard?
After regading your yard with top dressing mix make sure that you water it thoroughly so that air pockets don’t form underneath causing future problems. You may also want to consider overseeding any bare patches with new grass seed. This will help prevent weed growth while promoting healthy root development.
It’s important not to walk over newly-regaded areas until they’ve had time to settle down so avoid mowing for at least two weeks after finishing this project. Once settled down start mowing at higher heights than usual so that new grass has enough time to establish itself before being cut down too short by blades.
What are the most common causes of uneven lawns?
Uneven lawns can be caused by several factors such as soil erosion, poor drainage, tree roots, and animal activity. Another common cause is improper lawn maintenance techniques like mowing too short or not regularly aerating the soil.
Can regrading a yard improve its overall health?
Yes, regrading your yard can improve its overall health by promoting better drainage and preventing water from pooling in certain areas. This helps prevent root rot which can be caused by excessive moisture. Regrading also allows for better air circulation and nutrient absorption in your soil mixture which promotes healthy grass growth.
How much does it cost to hire a professional landscaper for yard grading?
The cost of hiring a professional landscaper for yard grading varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for this service. It’s always best to get multiple quotes from different companies before making a decision. Remember, they’ll most likely charge by the cubic yard if they have to bring in soil and the cost will be even more if you have to build a retaining wall.
What should I do if my yard needs regrading but I have plants or flowers already planted?
If you have plants or flowers already planted in your yard but need to regrade it, it’s best to transplant them temporarily until the project is finished. You can also protect them during the process by covering them with burlap or plastic sheeting to prevent damage from heavy equipment or top dressing mix. Ensure you mark the ground with either string or spray paint so you know not to grade any closer to those plants.
Is now the best time to regrade your lawn?
There is no one definitive answer to the question of when is the best time to regrade your yard. It depends on what you’re planting, and most importantly, on the climate in your area. However, some general tips can help you decide whether or not to regrade your lawn. Keep these things in mind as you weigh your options for a level yard.
As always, if you have any additional questions about grading your yard, drop them in the comments below. We’ll answer them as soon as possible.
