Level a Bumpy Yard

[koop]

What implement can be used to level a bumpy yard. My yard is too large to realistically fix everything by hand. If there was something I could pull behind the mower that would slowly flatten the area, that would be a dream come true. Perhaps a core aerator would allow the plugs to fall into the low areas over time. I am willing to be most patient.
Thanks in advance.

 

[jeffinsgf]

You're on the right track with the idea of core aeration. Core aerate and top dress with compost or compost/sand mixture, depending on your soil composition now.

Is part of your bumpiness clump forming grass? I have experienced that. Start a program of Spring and Fall aeration and overseeding with a good quality turf grass that is suited to your growing conditions. It will eventually crowd out the clumping fescue.

Another issue worth mentioning is irrigation. Nothing you can do will change a bad yard into a showplace faster than irrigation.

 

[koop]

What would be the efficient way to spread compost into just the low areas. To top dress almost three acres by hand would be time consuming. The bumps are caused by several factors. Mostly the lawn was an old pasture or wooded thus never finish graded. Some mole damage and some erosion.

 

[MrJimi]

Only one tool that will do what you want
Disc Harrow
and lots of time and it will come out great
Jim

 

[jbrumberg]

Only one tool that will do what you want
Disc Harrow
and lots of time and it will come out great
Jim

Koop:

I agree with MrJimi. I am currently running an "experiment" on my bumpy lawn. I am filling in the low areas with fill and tilling the high areas. I have used both my landscape rake and/or my boxblade to level everything out. In hindsight I should have mixed in some composted manure in with my heavy clay based fill to lighten it up and fertilize as well as maybe have used a fresher grass seed. Next week should tell how well this "technique" will work. Jay

 

[jeffinsgf]

Only one tool that will do what you want
Disc Harrow
and lots of time and it will come out great
Jim

I think that saying there is "only one tool" to do this job is a little over the top.

koop specifically mentioned that he wanted a long range, and I assume minimally invasive, solution. Disking up the whole yard and starting over will work, but it is not the only solution. Aerating, topdressing, and overseeding on a regular basis will get results in time and without the disruption of a complete overhaul.

koop: re: spreading compost and top dressing.

I bought a used Turfco Mete-R-Matic tow behind model from a golf course and rebuilt it. I use it two or three times a year on about an acre of lawn. They also make a really dandy walk behind powered unit. Check out http://www.turfco.com

I have heard good things about the Mini-Topper from Bannerman. Go to this link, then go to Products>landscaping>topdressing>mini topper

http://www.sportsturfmagic.com/

 

[MrJimi]

I just read my post and what I meant to say was a spike harrow
I have and use one and its great and will do exactly what he wants done
sorry about my mistake

 

[slowrev]

Just mow really really low and sharpen your blades often. It will all get leveler with time.

 

[deereguy]

You have the patience that I don't.

I would Round-up the area, rent/buy a rototiller for the rear of your tractor/machine, level it out, and reseed. I am waiting until August/September and will be box blading about an acre where the seed didn't take that was planted around 6 weeks ago.

Good Luck in your decision!

 

[koop]

Thanks for all the helpful info.

61" Turf Tiger already is working to level area by scalping high areas LOL

Spike or chain harrow vs a core aerator are the leading contenders.

Any thoughts on the better product?

I do not need a golf course, just a few teeth to eat dinner after I cut the grass. Currently, running top speed leaves me only with baby food as an option for supper.

Thanks again!