SAND LEVELING Your Lawn - What You NEED To Know!
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- Everyone loves a flat lawn to mow, but how to accomplish that leveling with sand or soil becomes a question that I want to help answer today. I recently helped on a couple of lawn leveling projects with sand and I wanted to share some of the things you need to think about before you go down this path and put down that sand in your lawn. Below you will find links to things discussed in the video.
Lawn Leveling Tool - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
The Ultimate Guide To Cool Season Lawns - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
For those asking about grass seed, here’s what I recommend - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product...
Recommended Sand Specs - USGA is best, C-144 is another option
More Info On Sand Details - safesportsfields.cals.cornell....
Great article on Sand Topdressing - iowastma.org/resources/Sideli...
Tim VanLoo Twitter - / cycloneturf
My friend Ryan (Sports Turf Consulting) - / fieldsourceohio
Swardman Reel Mower - ryanknorrknorrlawncare.com/swardman/
Looking for lawn care in Des Moines? - www.qualitycutiowa.com
Topdressing Calculator - waupacasand.com/solutions/gol...
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs below. An affiliate advertising program is designed to provide a means for sites and creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com or other product sites. I receive a small commission through these links.
Gorilla Cart - amzn.to/2KIe52L
Simple Lawn Solutions
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My website - ryanknorrlawncare.com
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Paypal - www.paypal.me/ryanknorr
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Great Place to Purchase Lawn Products - shrsl.com/129zc
Sprayer I use - Sprayers Plus 105Ex
Referral URL: www.sprayers-plus.com/ref/rya...
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Kujo Yard Shoes Promo Code - Save 10% on a pair of shoes www.kujoyardwear.com?promo=10ryanknorr
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Want to learn how I became a lawn care youtuber? - • The Ryan Knorr Lawn Ca...
Learn how to renovate your lawn from start to finish - • Lawn Renovation
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Lawn Leveling Tool - ryanknorrlawncare.com/product/lawn-level/
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care why so much money. Aye!
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care, what about sand and soil mix? Also, when you said that you'll have to use sand every time once you start using it, are you saying that I will have to keep using sand up until it's leveled, or would I have to keep using it even after it's leveled?
Thanks for the info.
Post this again when you have a 50% off coupon code. 🙂
You would have to keep removing organic matter and adding sand year after year
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care So if we don’t want to level year after year, should we stick with soil instead?
I made my own soil spreader/leveling tool from 2"X2"s and a long pole. It works like a charm...
diito
Since i started using youtube, i've never seen a single video with lot of gold nuggets as this. Wow!!👏🏿am impressed.
Hi Thanks for all the useful videos.
I'm in UK and the lawn levellers here (called lutes BTW) have a stirrup fitting so you can turn the working surface over and get a higher or lower level of aggressiveness. This makes it easy to do fine final levelling and also hard at it for the big patches like you showed outside the church.
A guy I taught was a groundsman for our local UK Premier league soccer team (later he became head groundsman). Each year at the end of the season, they would strip off the turf, regrade and refine the soil before resowing ready for the next season.
Our city also had a world class Rugby team and they did more or less the same.
Another great video Ryan, love all the detail and time you take to include info for people in different regions. Good list of resources, thanks for including those!
Just ordered the leveling tool...my small yard has one side that needs leveling and my plan is to mix top soil with sand and add some compost...hopefully it will help to thicken the lawn (previous home owner neglected it) and help with drainage which is an issue for us. Big fan of your channel!!!
Hi Ryan, thank you for the upload, perfect timing, gotta do a sand leveling this weeknd ! All the best ! cheers from Austria
As tim mentioned in his article, once you start sand capping its important you don't stop. Sand capping is a big commitment.
I'm so glad you posted this video! I never realized that sand capping was such a commitment; I thought I could do it once and that was it - count me out!
i still don't understand why you have to continue. i heard that you can't have organic material above sand because why? i just did a 50/50 sand/top soil leveling project. and i definitely don't plan to do that every year.
I appreciate the time you take to research the info you share. 👌
I remember helping my brother do this last year on his Bermuda lawn. It was about 90° out...so much fun! ;-)
Awesome video. I have been wanting to do this for a long time. I just need to pull the trigger. It’s a big expense! The 50/50 mix (About $300 bucks) The Gorilla cart ($99) The level rake ($139) So happy you have it for less than Amazon, Thank you. I think I will buy it now, to get the ball rolling.
Just ordered the lawn leveling tool!!! Thanks for added this tool to your website.
Love the narration overlay with the work performed in the video😎
This is one of the best sand top dressing videos because Ryan really goes into detail how this is a commitment and not just a thrower down. Was that your Brinly spreader getting some action. Great video.
I wanted to try using it spread sand but it was too wet
Youve heard it a thousand times im sure. The quality of your filming, the detailed content, and the audio is incredible.
The work you put into this is incredible. Thank you
Even the thank you falls short...
Glad you enjoyed it!
Appreciate the videos! Live in North Dallas and have Bermuda that was installed as sod - tons of peaks and valleys. Working on leveling the front yard recently and used an 80/20 (sand/organic) mix. Aiming to get it it much more level and ultimately shift into reel mowing. Keep up the great work!
Tom I am in north Texas as well. Where did you get your sand and what did you order.
Nick Laubhan,
I used AMA Landscape who applied the first layer.
Very thoroughly explained video man. Loved it!
Thanks finally found answer to question on best time to do this for cool season lawns! You have the best looking lawn broh!
Great information Ryan, I have fescue and is planning to do this in the fall. Thank you much
Another right to the point video with great information. You do a great job. Thanks
Awesome info! I would have to do little by little anyway. Have a large yard and I'm not as young as I once was.
I always used a combination of sand, peat loam and triple mix. I think just sand alone makes for more work down the road. The peat loam and triple mix add's to the soil base while the sand helps to carry the soil down to the roots. I always cored and detached first. I also mixed in grass seed with my mixture. Once I spread this, I used a green's rake to level it all off. Worked perfectly and new growth started fairly quickly. The rest was just cultural work...water, fertilizer, mowing. I really don't get this just sand treatment but I'm impressed very much by your efforts and information!
Really, Ryan and a Ryan working on a lawn. Update got the sprinklers in and they work great, only problem is wind but it goes the 35 ‘ I set it at most times.
I’m watching this video while taking a shit… Ngl I’m in love now and actually motivated to start caring for my lawn. Thank you for the in depth analysis and such an awesome video
"Best level of success" good one!
Wasn't even planned!
I was shopping around for a leveling tool today on various sites since they’re a little pricey. Including shipping, Ryan’s site has the best price. Didn’t even know he sold them. Obviously just started. Can’t wait to get it.
Yeah I'm trying to make it as reasonable as possible. They are really nice to have and I've used it through many projects throughout the last few years.
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care I just received mine from you today! Thank you for selling it, I’ve been wanting that one for a long time!
Thank you for the info buddy! Nice video 👍
Awesome content once again! Thank you.
You should change the oil after running the mower with the brush on the sand. It gets everywhere and in everything. When you drive a car on the beach it's best for the car to change all the fluids afterwards. Great video my friend!
Good you mention that type of sand matters. A lot of builder types of sands can really turn hard.
Thanks Ryan ..... another very informative video ....
Very nicely detailed! If I were you, leaning towards several, light applications throughout the year, I'd be investing in a topdressing machine. They work well. Perhaps you could go in together with a few of your lawn buddies.
You helped me make up my mind about leveling since I mechanically areate twice a year I'm going to shy away from sand leveling
Agree with you...No sand for me...topsoil for my clay soil alway. Sand made my clay soil worse.
Thanks for the great video! Wanted to do some leveling in the future and was trying to figure it out myself. Now just need to win that Swardman mower!
Good luck!
I'm loving the research and effort put into this, great job!
ive been looking into doing this!
I’m gonna be leveling my my yard this fall, with my overseeding but gonna use soil. You already won me over last year using soil and the benefits. Also following another UA-cam’rs advise as well. Between you two guys and the results from your yards using soil. I would never use sand. Thanks for offering the tool.
Yes, I really like the idea of screening the soil. I followed his lead and although it's a lot of work it worked out well when I renovated my lawn last fall.
The further screening on mine made it fantastic for spreading and topdressing...I think people get frustrated with topsoil because it's often clumpy
OK I just love watching these videos because there’s so much info to digest. I live in Kansas and my lawn is all fescue cut at 4 inches. I assume leveling will be the best done in the fall but how does one level with grass cut that tall? I know it’s going to be a long process because I’ve got quite a few sections in my yard where I’ve got big dips. Obviously those will take time to fill-in so I intend on using topsoil for those. But when the fall rolls around how do I begin leveling with grass that is that tall?
Great video! Planning on leveling, top dressing and overseeding lawn in the fall (Midwest Illinois). Would it be better to level now with a little overseeding and then do the major seeding in the fall or should I do it all at once?
Just got my levelling tool from your site. Plan on using soil since I have some significant undulations of 2 inches.
It's a workout but worth it in the end!
Just bought the leveling tool from your store, nice price on them, better than amazon and ebay for sure.
Ryan, here in Ga. we use river sand, only draw back is it can cause weeds, some people use a mix of ERTH FOOD and river sand...I've used River sand by a topdressing company, used mason sand by myself and just used a rake, but on my emerald zoysia it didn't work as well to get my lawn level, smooth yes but level no.
Great info as always.
Great video bro.
Many thanks
Dude! You are at 106k followers & almost 20 million views! Congratulations!!
Ryan Fantastic advice
I have the same truck...several videos on UA-cam with the fix...an easy solder project!!
Damn, they’ve got literally everything on UA-cam!👍👍
Hey Ryan thanks for all the info. I have just started leveling my lawn with 50 50vtop soil compost. Have you ever thought about taking on a project yard and limiting your time. Both my wife and I are essential workers and we have 2 kids 4 months and 5 years old. As much as I would love to have hours a week to work on the yard, I simply do not have the time. Can you help me prioritize my overall lawn care routine to maximize results.
I make a 50/50 topsoil sand mix when I level an area or fill in low spots. I dont know if its the right way but it works, it dries up the low areas up which is good but still has soil to hold nutrients
That is the way I would do it except I also added peat loam. The peat loam hold moisture, the soil is nutrients, the sand takes everything down once you rake it in/level it. It's a great combination. They do this on golf course greens.
You can fix the gear lcd by taking out the cluster and resoldering one of the pins. It’s super easy.
Need to get with that company about the rakes and see if they will offer larger ones, around 48 inches would be great
Nice presentation Ryan. It's important folks with clay soil lawns do research before adding sand. Maybe a very light application mixed with top soil would be okay. I think last year's leveling using a quality top soil on your lawn was a win/win solution. The results speak for itself. Bottom line, there are trade offs using sand ~ mike.
Yeah i'm very happy with my lawn...it's not absolutely 100% level but it's still fun to reel mow
The natural growth of turf creates a thatch layer. Aeration and top dressing breaks down the thatch layer. A thin layer will keep from creating layers.USGA has some very useful info available on UA-cam and USGA website on how to perform this process. Their info will be on greens and fairways, but can be applied to home lawns as well. Ohio State University has a UA-cam video explaining the top dressing process. It’s narrated by Pam Sherratt very good video.
Beautiful Jack Trice Stadium!
Brilliant info.
After having used the 30” level rake, which size would you recommend... 30 or 36? I have access to both of these locally at Reinders here in WI.
What is the best thing to use to fill in divots and trails left over from voles? I don't know if I would be adding too much sand to the ground (which is mostly clay soil) using it to fill all of the holes and trails.
Was wondering if I can do this with peat moss and topsoil mix? Backyard has come out great but recently have encountered a ground mole. The mole has made the level yard into bumpy road . Not sure if I could do it on my new perennial ryegrass? Or what do you recommend? 😎
When you start sand leveling can you then never use soil? Even if you are aerating/top dressing/overseeding?
@0:25 LOL my F150 does this but for the backlight and dome light. I'll be taking apart the dash cluster this summer to clean up the connectors and possibly have to re-solder.
I'm sure mine is a loose connection
Great video, very thought out. I will be attempting my first lawn level this year. Wish me luck!
I was looking into getting the 36 inch levelawn because it is only 10 dollars more than the 30 inch version? Is there a downside to having a bigger model. I have a small yard now but I plan on having a larger yard in our next home. I love your videos! Keep up the great work.
I do little league baseball and I make my own drags... made about 5 now and they're amazing to use... sand is the problem down here though. We have hard-packed clay, 4" down. How would I get the grass to grown down deep enough or do I just add more sand over time to grow up through?
I need a whole new lawn and leveling!!
Would you use the same formula if you used topsoil or black dirt instead of sand? I’d like to add some more nutrients to my sandy soil I have after aerating?
Hey Ryan, I plan to do some top dressing, leveling and some seeding in the fall. I have some pretty extreme height variations (4-6" in some areas) and I'd like to get it mostly flat in one go. Is top soil the best option for me? 12k sq ft, a few trees with large surface roots but healthy turf for the most part. Central PA.
Yes I think it is
I've never heard that you shouldn't mix sands until this video. I did a layer of courser sand last year. Does that make masonry sand a bad idea for this season??
Hey! Someone told me you live in Iowa? I live in the Iowa City area. Any local place to buy good grass seed? I'm trying to get my neglected yard finally looking nice. Someone suggested buying TTTF? What are your thoughts?
After leveling, when should we water and how much water? I live in North Salt Lake, UT so it’s very dry here. Thanks!
Good info 👍
What time of year would you recommend leveling?
I'll likely be ordering one of the leveling tools soon. Great info Ryan! 👍
what is the best season to do leveling? I have zoysa grass. I have some dry spots (not enough top soil). Is it ok to do leveling in August, September?
Hey man - any plans to be expand shipping of the leveling tool to include Canada?
what do you think about robotic lawn mower?
do these rules around having to redo sand on top every year apply the same if its a 50/50 sand and soil mix?
great info
Would this method not be recommended for already sandy soil?
What brand kind of sand do you recommend? I heard that medium Sand is Best? Please advise. Thanks
Started doing this today. This kicks the crap out of you. How many days do you think the blades can be covered before it becomes a problem? I have several spots that are deep and won't be able to get to them for a few days.
Ryan, love your videos. I'm just starting to get into lawn care stuff. What is one thing you would say that someone who has done nothing except mow his lawn can do right now to better his lawn? I have a cool season lawn (I'm in Southern Ontario, Canada).
Mow more often
I heard the best way to sand level is with a mini ATV and a handlebar mustache.
Lmao 🤣
😆
😆😆😆
😂🤣😂🤣😂
That's true. Somebody you know is very informed.
So when do you use sand vs soil. I need to bring a lawn up at least an inch to two inches so that water drains away.
The heathier and less compacted your lawns soil is, the more often you need to add sand...but the layering problem is far less of a concern.
Sand is much more dense than lawn soil that's why it works down past the grass for leveling so well. Combine that with smaller sized screened grains of sand and it will work its way down past anything but packed clay. Same reason behind panning for gold, its density man.
Ryan, I'm going to be doing a full renovation in my 3800 sq ft back yard this fall and I'm planning to do sand leveling (in addition to a DIY sprinkler system install). I live about 2 hours away, want to help?
Can you imagine putting play sand all over your lawn? That would be f***** up. All the best Ryan.
Your lawn just leveled up.
Love your videos. I'm aerating my Empire Zoysia on Tuesday and will then be leveling it with sand. In the video, around 3:43, the text says to stay away from sand that is similar in particle size. When looking at Cornell article (first link provided in description), it says the exact opposite - "The chosen topdressing material must be consistent in type and particle size and available for future applications". Can you direct me to which one is correct?
Consistent meaning the product you continue to use should be the same thing if possible. Usga spec is best if you can get it
glad you finally got over 100k subscribers
Thanks!
Hey Ryan, what do you recommend if peat moss gets blown off a bare spot making the seed still exposed to the surface from heavy winds along with rain. Would I just re apply peat moss or pick another type of covering to cover the spot. Thanks and keep up the great content👍.
Just reapply and you will be fine
This is a great video. Want the lawn leveling tool....that price doe.
Is it possible to have a prefectly level lawn in my region, ottawa canada, with our variable weather and température, winter freezing température.
Nice video Ryan and very good information, but why Google recommends play sand to level your lawn. Lol thanks for sharing your knowledge.
So do you think this is a good process to fill in vole burrows
I have a great deal of respect for any man who drives a truck with an 8 foot box.
Hello Ryan, so glad you did this video, it answered a lot of questions for me. One thing I’m not sure about is cutting my tall fescue prior to leveling. If I level with soil in the Fall when it is cooler, can I cut the tall fescue shorter than the recommended 3-4” HOC? I’m concerned those long grass blades may get ripped up by the leveler, and the soil might have a harder time getting through all that grass. I was wondering what HOC prior to leveling would be best, if it’s a one time deal (or once a year)?
Also, I took your advice and got the Skil angle grinder and sanding disc. It should be here any day. Looking forward to sharpening my own blades, especially now with this shelter in place!
Thanks for all your research and great advice!
Yeah you won't have much luck trying to spread it very well on longer grass. A one time shock to it will be ok and overseeing after you level also helps
Ryan Knorr Lawn Care Thanks, Ryan. Do you think 2” HOC would work for soil leveling, or should I go lower?
I experimented with growing grass in a pot of play sand. No soil, just pure sand. The only issue that I seen was the seeds took a long time to germinate and the grass took a long time to grow. The roots system did get long and healthy
You saw, NOT SEEN!!!!
What’s wrong with play sand? I’ve just got a spot against my sidewalk where the grass gets overrun whenever it rains and I just want to fill in around it to keep the water from taking away the topsoil over and over. A few lb of plays and should work fine, right?
We need a gofundme to build cheaper versions of those leveling rakes.
Yeah that price is absurd!
Once you do a whole yard it's totally worth it
@@constellationmma I will let you know this weekend. I just built on from PVC pipe today.
Elijah McNeish There are a couple on UA-cam that I have seen. I have the same concern, about how they compare.
@@ryanknorrlawncare In the end, I'm sure the results make the purchase totally worth it. I think I'll buy this leveling rake in a couple years. Right now I'm just starting to renovate my lawn. Leveling is the least important issue at the moment :)