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-   -   Need Recommendation for a Lawn Leveling Contractor (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/landscape-talk-129/need-recommendation-lawn-leveling-contractor-359827/)

gtraupman 07-05-2025 08:41 AM

Need Recommendation for a Lawn Leveling Contractor
 
Does anyone have a recommendation for a reputable contractor who provides a lawn leveling service? I have several low spots in my yard and would like to have it leveled out before I plant grass or install sod. I have a corner lot with a lot of grass, so I would prefer to not do it myself.

jimhoward 07-05-2025 05:55 PM

I can't recommend any of the landscapers that I have hired. Based on zero responses may be few others can either.

I'm sure you know this, but make sure your low spots aren't drains or otherwise part of the drainage system before filling them. All the low spots in my yard lead to drains.

BrianL99 07-05-2025 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtraupman (Post 2443501)
Does anyone have a recommendation for a reputable contractor who provides a lawn leveling service? I have several low spots in my yard and would like to have it leveled out before I plant grass or install sod. I have a corner lot with a lot of grass, so I would prefer to not do it myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimhoward (Post 2443620)
I can't recommend any of the landscapers that I have hired. Based on zero responses may be few others can either.

I'm sure you know this, but make sure your low spots aren't drains or otherwise part of the drainage system before filling them. All the low spots in my yard lead to drains.


Read the above twice. If you forget it, read it again. You can't just arbitrarily regrade your yard.

villagetinker 07-06-2025 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2443625)
Read the above twice. If you forget it, read it again. You can't just arbitrarily regrade your yard.

I agree with above, in general any landscaping needs ARC approval, look at your deed restrictions. If this is a new house, you could try calling home warranty to see if this was graded correctly and if not, maybe they will fix.

RICH1 07-07-2025 03:01 AM

better consult with ARC and review the drainage prints

Pondboy 07-07-2025 05:10 AM

With no recommendations from the community, I’d recommend calling a local landscape / mulch / soil retailer like “Dirt Cheap”, Ringers” or “Southern Mulch” for recommendations.

To clarify what a Lawn Leveling Process does :

Lawn leveling is the process of creating a smooth, even surface on a lawn, eliminating dips and bumps. This can be achieved by filling low spots with a soil mixture and compacting it, or by using a leveling rake and top dressing to redistribute soil.

I doubt you need ARC approval.

BrianL99 07-07-2025 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pondboy (Post 2443868)


To clarify what a Lawn Leveling Process does :

I doubt you need ARC approval.


"Lawn Leveling" = re-grading = changing drainage characteristics.

ARC Approval required.

Pondboy 07-07-2025 05:40 AM

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2443870]"Lawn Leveling" = re-grading = changing drainage characteristics.

ARC Approval


I think the key word here is “leveling” not regrading. You’re adding at most, an inch of sand to a “divot” in a lawn. It’s really no different that me going to Lowe’s to dump a bag of top soil on a “bald spot” in a lawn.

BrianL99 07-07-2025 06:27 AM

[QUOTE=Pondboy;2443875]
Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL99 (Post 2443870)
"Lawn Leveling" = re-grading = changing drainage characteristics.

ARC Approval


I think the key word here is “leveling” not regrading. You’re adding at most, an inch of sand to a “divot” in a lawn. It’s really no different that me going to Lowe’s to dump a bag of top soil on a “bald spot” in a lawn.


It sounds like you have a clue what you're talking about & generally I'd agree with you.

If it was as simple as dumping a bag of soil from Lowe's on the area, I suspect the poster would have just done that and not be seeking a "contractor".

Having more than a few years of experience in TV & on TOTV, the terminology used by non-professionals is open to a wide variety of interpretations.

What someone in TV and TOTV considers "leveling", is likely to be something I'd use a Cat D8 to do.

gtraupman 07-07-2025 08:39 AM

It's not regrading. I have a large corner lot and there are several random areas that, for one reason or another, e.g. poor lawn maintenance, weed control, inadequate irrigation, etc. is now lower than other parts of the yard. They are also not drains.

gtraupman 07-07-2025 08:40 AM

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2443893]
Quote:

Originally Posted by Pondboy (Post 2443875)


It sounds like you have a clue what you're talking about & generally I'd agree with you.

If it was as simple as dumping a bag of soil from Lowe's on the area, I suspect the poster would have just done that and not be seeking a "contractor".

Having more than a few years of experience in TV & on TOTV, the terminology used by non-professionals is open to a wide variety of interpretations.

What someone in TV and TOTV considers "leveling", is likely to be something I'd use a Cat D8 to do.

I have a lot of areas and a bad back. That's why I was looking for someone to do it.

Pondboy 07-07-2025 11:28 AM

1 Attachment(s)
This is what it looks like. No machines, just sand, a laborer and a rake.

gtraupman 07-07-2025 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pondboy (Post 2443945)
This is what it looks like. No machines, just sand, a laborer and a rake.

Yeah... I'm beginning to think that for it to get done, I'm going to have to be that laborer.

Pondboy 07-07-2025 02:26 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Have you tried these two?

Lili’s advertises here all the time…

gtraupman 07-08-2025 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pondboy (Post 2443976)
Have you tried these two?

Lili’s advertises here all the time…

No, I haven't. I'll give them a call. Thank you very much!!


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