how do you flatten a hilly backyard

How to Flatten Out a Sloped Backyard

• Step 1: Remove all vegetation from the sloped backyard. Dig up any plants you wish to save using a shovel and transplant them into pots. ...
• Step 2: Contact your local utility companies and inform them of your intended digging. ...
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Full Answer

How to flatten out a sloped backyard?

How to Flatten Out a Sloped Backyard. 1 Step 1: Remove all vegetation from the sloped backyard. Dig up any plants you wish to save using a shovel and transplant them into pots. Water the ... 2 Step 2: 3 Step 3: 4 Step 4: 5 Step 5: More items

How to fix an uneven backyard?

Piecemeal fixes or filling in low spots creates a nonuniform appearance. Drainage is a major concern, and the yard should slope gently away from any structures or contain drainage features such as French drains or swales. Flatten an uneven backyard by removing the topsoil and re-grading the subsoil.

How do you fix a sloping yard?

Dig out the lower area of the slope and use it as fill for the upper area. Put in flower beds at the top of and in front of the central retaining wall. Add an attractive and useful accent by including a small stairway at the center of the retaining wall to provide access between the upper and lower parts of the yard.

How do you make a sloping garden plan?

Deposit the topsoil into a pile in an out-of-the-way area. Add purchased subsoil to the bottom of the slope to build it up. Spread the soil over the ground to create a slight slope away from any nearby buildings. Distribute the soil to create a slope of 12 inches for every 50 square feet of ground. Rake the ground's surface until it is smooth.

Can you flatten a sloped backyard?

If you measure a drop from 3 inches to 2 feet, you may be able to do the leveling yourself. However, if the drop is greater than that, or it slopes upward, it is recommended that you hire a professional to grade the yard. For very steep slopes you may consider planting ground covers or building terraces.

How do you flatten an uneven backyard?

How do I level my whole yard? With lawns, mow the grass and fill in low spots while digging out lumps or high spots. Put the grass back in place once level, then top-dress the lawn with a ½-inch layer of compost and level the lawn with the back of a bow rake. Use leveling sand to fix uneven pavers or flagstone paths.

How do I level my hilly backyard?

How to Level a sloping Yard: 9 Easy StepsStep 1: First Seek Permission. ... Step 2: Remove all Vegetation and Clear Debris. ... Step 3: Grade. ... Step 4: Measure the Rise and Run of your Land. ... Step 5: Calculate and Mark the number of Terraces. ... Step 6: Water the Ground. ... Step 7: Build Retaining Wall(s) ... Step 8: Fill with Sand.More items...

How do you make a sloped backyard usable?

Add a Deck. Constructing a deck over a steep downward slope affords level space for entertaining and great views of a garden. ... Build a Banked Border. ... Design Terraces Around Different Themes. ... Plant a Living Mural. ... Keep Plantings Loose and Low-Maintenance. ... Install a Rail. ... Create Zones. ... Lay a Feature Path.More items...

How much does it cost to level a sloped backyard?

The cost to level a yard is $500 to $5,000 on average, depending on the project size and type, slope, and site conditions. Leveling a small area for a patio or pool costs $500 to $1,000. Leveling an entire backyard to flatten a slope costs $1,000 to $5,000.

Can you put top soil over grass to level?

Spread a layer of debris-free topsoil or potting soil into the hole—enough to bring the turf patch level with the surrounding lawn. As you work, water the soil lightly to remove air pockets; this helps to prevent future settling. Replace the turf patch, pressing the grass back into place with your hand or foot.

How can I landscape my hillside cheap?

5 creative ways to landscape a sloped yardMulch your slope. The most affordable way to landscape a slope is also the easiest: mulch it. ... Plant your slope. The most promising accent of any yard, plants can add some serious personality to your slope. ... Erect a masonry retaining wall. ... Landscape a slope with it all.

What is the easiest way to level ground?

STEP 1: Determine your location and remove any large rocks or debris. ... STEP 2: Place 2x4s on the site and place a level on top. ... STEP 3: Add or take away soil until the ground is level. ... STEP 4: Repeat the process until the entire area is flat. ... STEP 5: Rake any remaining rocks or debris and tamp the ground.More items...•

What equipment do I need to level my yard?

Basic equipment needed to level your lawn is pretty simple: a hand rake, landscape rake, plastic leaf rake, a large push broom, a shovel, an edger, and a wheelbarrow. Additionally, the tool I use is a leveling rake, like the Accuform AccuLevel by Par Aide or a similar one on Amazon.

How do you landscape a steep slope without retaining walls?

Landscaping on SlopesStabilize With Plants & Trees. A smart way to stabilize the soil on a hill is by planting shrubs, trees, and flowers. ... Install Stairs or a Path. If your slope is not too steep, installing a stone path or stairs in your landscape can be a good option. ... Build Up Tiers of Walls. ... Build a Deck.

Can I grade my yard myself?

If your yard grading project is fairly small and simple, it's something you can do yourself. For example, regrading the area on one side of your home's foundation or around a landscaping feature like a patio or a pool are probably DIY jobs.

What can I do with an uneven backyard?

Here are 10 things to do with a sloping backyard.Determine the surface texture of your soil. ... Build a deck. ... Try landscaping in tiers. ... Create a winding path or a staircase. ... Consider a landscape waterfall. ... Use the slope to your advantage when building vegetable beds. ... Create a destination at the bottom of the slope.More items...•

Can you flatten a backyard?

Add purchased subsoil to the bottom of the slope to build it up. Spread the soil over the ground to create a slight slope away from any nearby buildings. Distribute the soil to create a slope of 12 inches for every 50 square feet of ground. Rake the ground's surface until it is smooth.

What equipment do I need to level my yard?

Basic equipment needed to level your lawn is pretty simple: a hand rake, landscape rake, plastic leaf rake, a large push broom, a shovel, an edger, and a wheelbarrow. Additionally, the tool I use is a leveling rake, like the Accuform AccuLevel by Par Aide or a similar one on Amazon.

What should I use to level ground?

If you are leveling a small area, you can tamp the soil using your foot and the bottom of your rake. If you are leveling a large area, or it is especially important to keep the ground level (such as if you are building a structure), get a tamper or plate compactor to compact the soil.

How to save plants on a sloped yard?

Remove all vegetation from the sloped backyard. Dig up any plants you wish to save using a shovel and transplant them into pots. Water the plants and place them in an area with filtered shade to minimize the stress from transplant. Clear any other debris and objects from the ground.

How to build a slope on a hill?

Add purchased subsoil to the bottom of the slope to build it up. Spread the soil over the ground to create a slight slope away from any nearby buildings. Distribute the soil to create a slope of 12 inches for every 50 square feet of ground. Rake the ground's surface until it is smooth.

How do I remove topsoil from a sloped yard?

Remove the entire layer of topsoil -- the rich, dark soil that comprises the top 8 inches of ground -- from the sloped backyard using a mini track loader or a skid steer loader. Deposit the topsoil into a pile in an out-of-the-way area.

How to grade a slope?

Lay an 8-foot-long 2-by-4 flat on the ground at the top of the slope. Position the board so that its length is running down the slope, leaving one end even with the slope's top horizontal edge. Place a level on top of the board and lift the lower end of the board until the level indicates that the board is level. Measure the distance between the lifted end of the board and the ground below it using a measuring tape or ruler. If the distance is 2 inches then your grade is correct. Repeat this process down the entire length of the slope to ensure an even grade.

How to level a board on a slope?

Position the board so that its length is running down the slope, leaving one end even with the slope's top horizontal edge. Place a level on top of the board and lift the lower end of the board until the level indicates that the board is level.

How to find buried power lines?

Contact your local utility companies and inform them of your intended digging. Wait for representatives to come to your yard, identify, and mark any buried power lines, water pipes and phone lines.

Can you dig in an area where electrical lines are buried?

Never dig in an area where electrical lines or water pipes are buried.