I've tried leveling with sand in Chicago. It sounds like a great idea. The lawn initially looked great. Nice and level. But after having the sweltering sun hit the lawn for days on end, the sand gets hot, just like on a sunny day at the beach, and burns up the grass/turf/soil below. So you start seeing yellowing of the grass - especially if you don't keep up with watering. But water can only keep the sand temperature down so long. I wouldn't advise leveling with sand. A grated top soil mixed with some good compost is the best option, in my experience.
@@GriffithLawnLabs at first I was psyched at how easily it rolls. And I’m on the south shore of log island, so it’s flaaaaaat around here. Then I tried to get it to stand still by my car when I unloaded bags of mulch. Amazing what a little tiny slope in the driveway will do!,
I did this a couple of years ago. It took 100 tons of sand. I used a compact tractor to move the sand. I built a ten foot leveler to drag behind my tractor. It made a difference in my lawn. I love how it sped up the mowing process.
100 tons!? That's a massive project. Was that for 2-3 acres? I've mowed a few times since my leveling project, and the difference in the look and feel of the grass is incredible.
@@GriffithLawnLabs yeah, it was 2 acres 😁. My neighbors didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing when they saw me dumping and spreading all of sand, lol. They finally started asking, and then they understood. I did mine coming out of the winter. I had common Bermuda. I scalped it right as it was starting to green up. Threw fertilizer down, and irrigated the next day. Man,…it came out really!!! I was so proud of myself when it greened and thickened up.
Thank you for the video. The question that needs to be addressed is that SAND along with CLAY Soil ( which I have ) Unfortunately turns into Concrete. So IF you have clay soil I would apply a Topsoil only and skip the sand process. I learned the hard way as the Aeration process was rough.
Hey, I'm new to the lawn leveling community but have good growing experience. I'm starting to find out how addictive and satisfying this process is after leveling my lawn this year. recently I've had a few people in the neighborhood who have been observing my progress and are starting to show interest in me doing this for their lawns. I'm in Manitoba Canada and there is nobody providing this service and I'm toying with the idea of trying to maybe get my foot in the door. I'm wondering how you decide what to charge for a full lawn level from start to finish product? do you have a ballpark fee per square foot or do you quote jobs based on individual situations? I know there's a bunch of factors to consider but I'm just looking for a rough starting point. Any info would be greatly appreciated. thank you.
If you have large dips like that, fill most of the hole with dirt from elsewhere on your property, and leave about 1 inch from being level with the ground. Pack the dirt down well to prevent sinking. Then, fill the rest with a mix of 70% topsoil and 30% sand, Smooth it out. If you have a large bare spot, you can either seed (cool season grass) or use sod plugs (warm season grass) to fill in the area quicker. This method is cost-effective for large holes.
@@GriffithLawnLabs Ah good to know. Well at least I know I can ask for dry sand. Just did 9 cubic yards of not totally dry sand to my yard and it wasn't fun lol.
Masonry sand is cleaner, more consistent, and reduces risk of introducing weeds compared to river sand, plus it improves drainage and spreads more easily.
@@GriffithLawnLabs Masonry sand has the exact opposite effect on drainage I think you'll find due to it being much less course, it's also a bugger for compaction.
@@Thimeri0n exactly right. People use mason sand because it spreads easier due to the rounded and uniform nature - but yeah it's pretty bad for soil health/drainage. Anyone who does this is probably going to be on a watering and fertilizer/inputs program forever after they do this. But TBH anyone who does this probably was already obsessed enough with their lawn to be doing that anyway. For actually improving clay tilth sharp sand and organic matter is much better. Of course so is clover mixed into your lawn as a nitrogen fixer - I don't think we're going to convince the "golf lawn" guys of that one either though.
Doing it myself cost around $1,500 for materials and tools, plus about $800 estimate for my time, totaling $2,300. Check the video description for detailed products and links.
Dude! Are you kidding me? Go to Home Depot and rent a compost spreader for $8 per day. It will spread the sand evenly and you will need about 6 cubic yards instead.
The video aims to show general DIY vs. professional costs, and I also discussed the average costs of those pieces of equipment we used, so you can rent if you want to go that route. If you're in the Atlanta area, renting equipment through Mike could be an option. Thanks for watching and I hope this helps.
That's right! Thanks for pointing that out. I have a few spots in the yard that will need multiple layers, especially around the curb where I need to build up to make it level with the concrete.
It might seem like free time has no cost, but it's actually your most valuable resource. Even if you're not being paid, your time has worth because it could be spent on other valuable activities or goals. Considering the opportunity cost can help you make better decisions about how you spend your time on DIY projects.
@@GriffithLawnLabs You can also see it this way. Money is the finite resource too. If I only have 5000 per year I can either spend it on my home or go on a vacation. I cannot do both
Since when and how are people growing grass in sand? Im not trying to be funny or anything at all... just saying I thought it was not possible or optimal I guess.
Using sand is best for leveling minor ruts and dips in your yard, but it doesn't change the underlying soil. I got straight clay under there and that's never gonna change. The sand just helps create a smooth, even surface.
Thanks for watching! Follow my lawn care program and get monthly product updates: griffithlawnlabs.substack.com/
I've tried leveling with sand in Chicago. It sounds like a great idea. The lawn initially looked great. Nice and level. But after having the sweltering sun hit the lawn for days on end, the sand gets hot, just like on a sunny day at the beach, and burns up the grass/turf/soil below. So you start seeing yellowing of the grass - especially if you don't keep up with watering. But water can only keep the sand temperature down so long. I wouldn't advise leveling with sand. A grated top soil mixed with some good compost is the best option, in my experience.
To call the gorilla cart a game changer is an understatement. I love mine!! I only wish it had a parking brake.
No joke! 😂
@@GriffithLawnLabs at first I was psyched at how easily it rolls. And I’m on the south shore of log island, so it’s flaaaaaat around here. Then I tried to get it to stand still by my car when I unloaded bags of mulch. Amazing what a little tiny slope in the driveway will do!,
Only reason I stayed with the wheel barrel
(Barrow)
@@vernacular1483 nope, it's a barrel. Made it myself 😋
I did this a couple of years ago. It took 100 tons of sand. I used a compact tractor to move the sand. I built a ten foot leveler to drag behind my tractor. It made a difference in my lawn. I love how it sped up the mowing process.
100 tons!? That's a massive project. Was that for 2-3 acres? I've mowed a few times since my leveling project, and the difference in the look and feel of the grass is incredible.
@@GriffithLawnLabs yeah, it was 2 acres 😁. My neighbors didn’t have a clue as to what I was doing when they saw me dumping and spreading all of sand, lol. They finally started asking, and then they understood. I did mine coming out of the winter. I had common Bermuda. I scalped it right as it was starting to green up. Threw fertilizer down, and irrigated the next day. Man,…it came out really!!! I was so proud of myself when it greened and thickened up.
That's awesome! I had a couple of neighbors come out and ask what we were doing too! Same experience
Awesome vid bro! and shout out to Mike for delivering the goods!
Thanks George! Mike really came through in a big way. We tag-teamed it, and got everything done in about 3 hours.
Solid video all around! That EcoLawn Topdresser is so satisfying to watch!
Thanks! Ain't that the truth!
Thank you for the video. The question that needs to be addressed is that SAND along with CLAY Soil ( which I have ) Unfortunately turns into Concrete. So IF you have clay soil I would apply a Topsoil only and skip the sand process. I learned the hard way as the Aeration process was rough.
Thanks! I hadn't heard of it doing that before, but thanks for bringing it to my attention. I wanted to avoid topsoil because of the wood chips.
@GriffithLawnLabs The wood chips! I went ahead and made a dirt filter screen for my wheel barrel. Sifting out Rocks and wood chips.
I have done this before too. Built one out of chicken wire (mesh) and it took forever to screen it through, because the gaps were small - too small.
@@GriffithLawnLabs We live and learn right. Lol
Hah..wrong
I had Juniper top dress my yard this year too and it’s turned out great!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience with them
Hey, I'm new to the lawn leveling community but have good growing experience. I'm starting to find out how addictive and satisfying this process is after leveling my lawn this year. recently I've had a few people in the neighborhood who have been observing my progress and are starting to show interest in me doing this for their lawns. I'm in Manitoba Canada and there is nobody providing this service and I'm toying with the idea of trying to maybe get my foot in the door. I'm wondering how you decide what to charge for a full lawn level from start to finish product? do you have a ballpark fee per square foot or do you quote jobs based on individual situations? I know there's a bunch of factors to consider but I'm just looking for a rough starting point. Any info would be greatly appreciated. thank you.
I'd love to, but the cost of this project and time, labor, doesn't seem worth it in my case!
I get it! My goal wasn't to deter anyone from doing a project like this, but to lay out the expectations for what's involved.
@@GriffithLawnLabs Definitely! Great content here, I’m glad you shared. I’m sure it’s on a lot of our minds. Is it worth it!?
what are the steps if you have large dips and divots in your lawn 6 inch+, fill in with top soil?
If you have large dips like that, fill most of the hole with dirt from elsewhere on your property, and leave about 1 inch from being level with the ground. Pack the dirt down well to prevent sinking. Then, fill the rest with a mix of 70% topsoil and 30% sand, Smooth it out. If you have a large bare spot, you can either seed (cool season grass) or use sod plugs (warm season grass) to fill in the area quicker. This method is cost-effective for large holes.
Did you leave the plugs on your yard or pick them up before you spread the sand?
We used the drag to break them up before putting down the sand
Also helps to have a Bermuda lawn too for all that sand
Yes, definitely easier with Bermuda compared to something like St. Augustine that you can't cut short.
Let's see mike do a yard that really has dips and ruts. Your yard was great looking to begin with.
Mike's crew got the skills to take on tougher jobs. They'd get it done
you should have more traffic on this video, very well made.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Your support means a lot
In my area they charge $1 for sqft
That's incredible!
I’m also in Atlanta - are you able to say who delivered your sand? Nice job on the video!
Thanks! If you're on the north side of ATL, they may not deliver to you, but I got it from these guys... www.yardtimeinc.com/
@@GriffithLawnLabs Ah good to know. Well at least I know I can ask for dry sand. Just did 9 cubic yards of not totally dry sand to my yard and it wasn't fun lol.
Oh man! I bet! Glad you made it out alive LOL
Great video! Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Why sand costs so much ?
I wish I knew! Everything is so expensive
How much for the pro to do it?
I mentioned it in the video: it's usually 30 to 40 cents per square foot. Just do the math based on your yard size. Thanks for watching!
Why masonry sand over river/sharp sand?
Masonry sand is cleaner, more consistent, and reduces risk of introducing weeds compared to river sand, plus it improves drainage and spreads more easily.
@@GriffithLawnLabs Masonry sand has the exact opposite effect on drainage I think you'll find due to it being much less course, it's also a bugger for compaction.
@@Thimeri0n exactly right. People use mason sand because it spreads easier due to the rounded and uniform nature - but yeah it's pretty bad for soil health/drainage. Anyone who does this is probably going to be on a watering and fertilizer/inputs program forever after they do this. But TBH anyone who does this probably was already obsessed enough with their lawn to be doing that anyway.
For actually improving clay tilth sharp sand and organic matter is much better. Of course so is clover mixed into your lawn as a nitrogen fixer - I don't think we're going to convince the "golf lawn" guys of that one either though.
@@krisroadruck5081hah wrong
So what was the final cost for you if you did it yourself versus paying Mike to help?
Doing it myself cost around $1,500 for materials and tools, plus about $800 estimate for my time, totaling $2,300. Check the video description for detailed products and links.
Dude! Are you kidding me? Go to Home Depot and rent a compost spreader for $8 per day. It will spread the sand evenly and you will need about 6 cubic yards instead.
Looks like you’ve got it all figured out! 😄
All that and you didn't tell us what he charged for comparison 🤦♂️
The video aims to show general DIY vs. professional costs, and I also discussed the average costs of those pieces of equipment we used, so you can rent if you want to go that route. If you're in the Atlanta area, renting equipment through Mike could be an option. Thanks for watching and I hope this helps.
Youre only as good as your tools
A wise man told me that 😁
And it's not one and done. You will have to do this every few years.
or even multiple times a year for depending on severity and patience.
That's right! Thanks for pointing that out. I have a few spots in the yard that will need multiple layers, especially around the curb where I need to build up to make it level with the concrete.
When it comes to lawn care, we're in it for the long haul.
Nobody pays me 50 an hour in my free time
It might seem like free time has no cost, but it's actually your most valuable resource. Even if you're not being paid, your time has worth because it could be spent on other valuable activities or goals. Considering the opportunity cost can help you make better decisions about how you spend your time on DIY projects.
@@GriffithLawnLabs You can also see it this way. Money is the finite resource too. If I only have 5000 per year I can either spend it on my home or go on a vacation. I cannot do both
Since when and how are people growing grass in sand?
Im not trying to be funny or anything at all... just saying I thought it was not possible or optimal I guess.
Using sand is best for leveling minor ruts and dips in your yard, but it doesn't change the underlying soil. I got straight clay under there and that's never gonna change. The sand just helps create a smooth, even surface.
every golf course uses sand. the grass grows through it and the sand does not break down over time.