Thanks a lot Ben. In editing I really wished I had bought a bag of the coarse sand used in concrete just to show how different it was. I also wish I had a made a third plate for each sand after it had crusted to show what the crust was like. Next time I guess.
@@TurfMechanic yeah, this video answered a bunch of questions for me, on just what to look for when I start sand leveling soon ....and I did notify my my wife when she got me(after) a level lawn flat rake for XMas that it there will be sand involved, and "some" might get tracked around 🤪
I always head to use mason sand but the bags of mason sand are never screened and have little rocks. I use play sand, the same bag as you have here in your video because it's what the GCI turf dude always uses and he can maintain greens-height turf as well as anyone in the business.
ohh yeah, I tried to make it clear in the video any of the bags can work but masonry is probably the best choice. I do get occasional rocks in my sand too so I know that's a drawback but the little rocks are easy to pick out. The play sand certainly can work great as Pete demonstrates, it's just more likely to move around with water which isn't a big problem for well maintained well irrigated plots with very thick turf already established. In my instance I have a long distance sprinkler head that will throw water 20 feet to the edge of my sidewalk. I wouldn't want to sprinkler action to erode the extra sand out of the edge of my yard onto the pavement, with masonry sand thats just less likely to happen.
Thanks for the great explanation. Question: at what “threshold” should I opt in adding more soil vs sand. I want to level the year with my walk way but not sure if I should start by adding soil and next year sand OR sand directly. I’m afraid I’ll make a play sand out of my yard.
I'm always an advocate for adding soil instead of just sand. The more you add just sand then the more you pigeon hole yourself into only applying sand so as to avoid layering your lawn. organic matter found in soil mixes (compost) will shrink over time but root mass will grow into the space and minimize shrinkage. As for the ratio, if that's what you are asking about, I'd say there's no perfect number but you should consider your own native soil first. If you have a sandy soil then you can use more sand in your mix 50/50 and if you've got a clay soil then use more organic matter than sand in your mix, 70/30. You never want to just put a bunch of sand down on straight clay, that will make a surface that's just way to hard over time.
I'll be putting out followup vids on the leveling process, prep work (before leveling), mixing sand/soil, and probably the actual leveling job with before /after, can't rush mother nature even here in socal.
What I am wondering if the sand types you are comparing has a better adhesion for the grassroots to hold on tightly ?? Also, some spots which are way deeper in inches have more chance to get washed out super heavy rains that seem to be happening more often these days ?? Thanks and peace too. v
check out a few of the other comments where I've answered both of these fairly in depth. I'll also be making followup videos addressing those questions directly.
Came across your video because I am trying to determine which type of sand I should mix with topsoil to create a nice "Sandy Loam". Specifically I am going to attempt to plant a mini golf green in my backyard. Any suggestions as what blend would create that nice carpet surface? I'll be planting Creeping Bentgrass and I am in NJ (so cool season grass territory).
I've got two brands of premium compost that already contain additives like mycorrhizae, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal. I may add some extra biochar to the mix but I don't have that in the garage right now. I'm fresh out so I'd have to stock up on something pretty soon. I'll make videos about all this fairly soon as well as the area prep work. For the basic answer to your question though, low nitrogen screened compost either by the truck load or bag depending on the size of your project is fine. It needs to be well aged if it's manure based, I'm not using chicken or steer manure in my mix. Gotta keep the mix light and airy.
Nice video. I appreciate the in-depth analysis of each type of sand. You made a good argument on using the all-purpose sand. Just starting my leveling project and ended up with a combination of play sand and mason sand (whatever was in stock that day) which has been mixed 50/50 with screened soil. First time attempting to level my lawn, hope it goes okay. If anything it will be a learning experience for next time 😅
Thanks for the comment; have fun with it and learn as much as you can. Best piece of advice I can give is to celebrate wins from the attempt and to look at any challenges that come up as a learning experience, they expand your knowledge and experience base. I've got a video documenting my latest leveling job coming out very soon, in less than a week, hopefully you'll be able to catch it. :)
@@TurfMechanic great advice! I used to enjoy learning about lawn care long ago. It’s crazy how things have changed, with advancements in the industry like better cultivars and all these fun products marketed to enhance our lawns. It’s wild! I think the area I am really delighted with is the community. I’m learning so much from creators like you and others. Thanks again. I’ll be sure to check out that video. Cheers 🍻
I didn't aerate before this one, I'll probably do a bit of that soon but not sure if I'll do the side yard yet. Here's the leveling video that came out 3 weeks ago. ua-cam.com/video/0hcRdYPNdWA/v-deo.html
Check out the briefs channel @turfmechanicbriefs I have a much shorter version of this video over there. I'm starting to produce condensed versions of many of my vids there. Lots of people like the full length vids but a lot of people have your opinion too. Thanks for the comment
Question will mason sand be ok just asking I saw a video and that what he was using just making sure cause idk if I have some type of sand in New Jersey thank you
Question: i have a huge wet spot everytime it rains here in Central Ky i do have small dip in my yard --woukd a 50/,50 mix of sand & screened top soil fix it or shoukd i out in a french drain system first then the sand dirt??
it is when it's down fresh you will but when mixed with the soil and after the grass grows through it and after you mulch a few mowings on top you probably wouldn't tell the difference.
Yes, it is more expensive but really, isn’t it better just to use the correct sand, which is USGS sand. I have use both USGS and washed sand. 12 months later I had less re-levelling with the USGS than ‘masonry’ samd. I mix it with sifted compost 9 parts sand 1 part compost.
I’m out here wondering if I can use beach sand. I live in Florida so every landscape business has it available and it’s WAY cheaper than buying bagged sand…. about $20 for a yard
It's a risk, it's likely weed free but it's potentially high in salinity which your lawn may reject. It's going to be fairly smooth in texture so it will potentially errode when dry. Biggest issue is salinity imo. It's cheap so could be worth a test but it's also not fun to have a yard of sand sitting around that you can't use.
Quickcrete AP sand it is. Thanks for making this painstaking video. I know what to get next time I'm at HD. What will you be doing with all of the less desirable sands?
I have some big 18 gallon tubs, I'm going to lay out sand on the tarp really thin for 2/3 hours at a time to dry in the sun and then scoop it all into the tub to wait it out a bit longer. Over the course of a few days I can probably dry out a lot of sand that way. The pot in the garage is great if you are planning weeks to months in advance though.
I wish I watched your video before putting paver sand on my lawn... I think whatever additives they add to it is killing my lawn anywere even just a little bit of sand got.
Around here (where I live) it's common between lawns. This is a transition zone area and many grass types spread invasively. It's actually more of a courtesy to have the border...also, isn't it even worse to have an actual fence between properties? Here my neighbors and I walk back and forth unimpeded and have conversations in the lawn rather than across the fence.
Check his video from a few days ago. Goes over exactly this question in great detail. I prefer a simple 50/50 top soil and sand mix. Doesn’t have to be prefect and works for me.
Could be high in salt which wouldn't be good and it's fairly well rounded off due to weathering like play sand. The rounded stuff is ok mixed with soil but just set on top could result in erosion. Desert sand is the same except for the salt issue.
@@TurfMechanic thank you, I have 100 lbs from my old aquarium that I'm trying to find something to do with... It's probably full of nitrate but regular sand is cheap so I won't use it. My backyard has ruts all over from the previous homeowner.
Okay, you said you are NOT using coarse sand, then you say you're using the all purpose masonary sand that IS coarse. What the heck is your recommendation? I don't think you know what your talking about, you never even say definitively.
cool... I've never seen anyone go into detail about different grades of sand and actually compare them, plus what they would do in the yard
Thanks a lot Ben. In editing I really wished I had bought a bag of the coarse sand used in concrete just to show how different it was. I also wish I had a made a third plate for each sand after it had crusted to show what the crust was like. Next time I guess.
@@TurfMechanic yeah, this video answered a bunch of questions for me, on just what to look for when I start sand leveling soon ....and I did notify my my wife when she got me(after) a level lawn flat rake for XMas that it there will be sand involved, and "some" might get tracked around 🤪
I always head to use mason sand but the bags of mason sand are never screened and have little rocks. I use play sand, the same bag as you have here in your video because it's what the GCI turf dude always uses and he can maintain greens-height turf as well as anyone in the business.
ohh yeah, I tried to make it clear in the video any of the bags can work but masonry is probably the best choice. I do get occasional rocks in my sand too so I know that's a drawback but the little rocks are easy to pick out. The play sand certainly can work great as Pete demonstrates, it's just more likely to move around with water which isn't a big problem for well maintained well irrigated plots with very thick turf already established. In my instance I have a long distance sprinkler head that will throw water 20 feet to the edge of my sidewalk. I wouldn't want to sprinkler action to erode the extra sand out of the edge of my yard onto the pavement, with masonry sand thats just less likely to happen.
This was very informative and helpful. Thank you for the details!
Thanks for the great explanation. Question: at what “threshold” should I opt in adding more soil vs sand. I want to level the year with my walk way but not sure if I should start by adding soil and next year sand OR sand directly. I’m afraid I’ll make a play sand out of my yard.
I'm always an advocate for adding soil instead of just sand. The more you add just sand then the more you pigeon hole yourself into only applying sand so as to avoid layering your lawn. organic matter found in soil mixes (compost) will shrink over time but root mass will grow into the space and minimize shrinkage. As for the ratio, if that's what you are asking about, I'd say there's no perfect number but you should consider your own native soil first. If you have a sandy soil then you can use more sand in your mix 50/50 and if you've got a clay soil then use more organic matter than sand in your mix, 70/30. You never want to just put a bunch of sand down on straight clay, that will make a surface that's just way to hard over time.
It would be helpful to add a follow up video showing the types of soil you used with the sand and it's mix rate.
I'll be putting out followup vids on the leveling process, prep work (before leveling), mixing sand/soil, and probably the actual leveling job with before /after, can't rush mother nature even here in socal.
@@TurfMechanic Look forward to your follow up.
Such a great video! Exactly what I was looking for thanks!
What I am wondering if the sand types you are comparing has a better adhesion for the grassroots to hold on tightly ?? Also, some spots which are way deeper in inches have more chance to get washed out super heavy rains that seem to be happening more often these days ?? Thanks and peace too. v
whats your mix rate of sand and organic material? and what do you use for your organic material for leveling?
check out a few of the other comments where I've answered both of these fairly in depth. I'll also be making followup videos addressing those questions directly.
Very helpful video.
This video is very clear and well done! There is a product called lawn top dressing, is there a reason to use sand instead of that?
Came across your video because I am trying to determine which type of sand I should mix with topsoil to create a nice "Sandy Loam". Specifically I am going to attempt to plant a mini golf green in my backyard. Any suggestions as what blend would create that nice carpet surface? I'll be planting Creeping Bentgrass and I am in NJ (so cool season grass territory).
In addition to the all purpose sand product, which soil amendment product would you recommend adding into it?
I've got two brands of premium compost that already contain additives like mycorrhizae, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal. I may add some extra biochar to the mix but I don't have that in the garage right now. I'm fresh out so I'd have to stock up on something pretty soon. I'll make videos about all this fairly soon as well as the area prep work. For the basic answer to your question though, low nitrogen screened compost either by the truck load or bag depending on the size of your project is fine. It needs to be well aged if it's manure based, I'm not using chicken or steer manure in my mix. Gotta keep the mix light and airy.
Can you use decomposed granite for lawn leveling?
Which sand I can buy for lawn levelling in uk ?
Nice video. I appreciate the in-depth analysis of each type of sand. You made a good argument on using the all-purpose sand.
Just starting my leveling project and ended up with a combination of play sand and mason sand (whatever was in stock that day) which has been mixed 50/50 with screened soil. First time attempting to level my lawn, hope it goes okay. If anything it will be a learning experience for next time 😅
Thanks for the comment; have fun with it and learn as much as you can. Best piece of advice I can give is to celebrate wins from the attempt and to look at any challenges that come up as a learning experience, they expand your knowledge and experience base. I've got a video documenting my latest leveling job coming out very soon, in less than a week, hopefully you'll be able to catch it. :)
@@TurfMechanic great advice! I used to enjoy learning about lawn care long ago. It’s crazy how things have changed, with advancements in the industry like better cultivars and all these fun products marketed to enhance our lawns. It’s wild!
I think the area I am really delighted with is the community. I’m learning so much from creators like you and others. Thanks again.
I’ll be sure to check out that video. Cheers 🍻
thats awesome to hear, it's a fun grown man hobby for sure, and usually the wife is happy when all we do is make the house a nicer home. :)
How did the leveling project turn out? I’m going to level my lawn next week. Did you core aerate your lawn before leveling?
I didn't aerate before this one, I'll probably do a bit of that soon but not sure if I'll do the side yard yet. Here's the leveling video that came out 3 weeks ago. ua-cam.com/video/0hcRdYPNdWA/v-deo.html
Great video ❤ 🇱🇰
Great video thank u!
Love it, but got bored 😆 I wish your explanation was shorter, I felt you beat a dead horse. Tell us what to use and why 😂😅
Check out the briefs channel @turfmechanicbriefs I have a much shorter version of this video over there. I'm starting to produce condensed versions of many of my vids there. Lots of people like the full length vids but a lot of people have your opinion too. Thanks for the comment
🤣funny comment, but I agree 100%
This video made me very upset extremely 😂
Nah i disagree, very good detailed video.
13mins GEEEZZZZ get on with it lmao
Can we use the bulk sand at Lowe’s?
Question will mason sand be ok just asking I saw a video and that what he was using just making sure cause idk if I have some type of sand in New Jersey thank you
Question: i have a huge wet spot everytime it rains here in Central Ky i do have small dip in my yard --woukd a 50/,50 mix of sand & screened top soil fix it or shoukd i out in a french drain system first then the sand dirt??
With the coarser sand you recommend, is that noticeable walking on it barefoot?
it is when it's down fresh you will but when mixed with the soil and after the grass grows through it and after you mulch a few mowings on top you probably wouldn't tell the difference.
Play sand in my area is 10 cents a lb. and all purpose is 13.5 cents, at the big box store.
Yes, it is more expensive but really, isn’t it better just to use the correct sand, which is USGS sand. I have use both USGS and washed sand. 12 months later I had less re-levelling with the USGS than ‘masonry’ samd. I mix it with sifted compost 9 parts sand 1 part compost.
Is there a thumb rule for number of bags? They're around $5 per bag right now at the big box stores. (70lb bags)
This dude goes on and on about sand 😂
All purpose mason sand👏👏👏
Great video 👍🏽👍🏽
thanks a lot, glad you found it worthwhile!
What if u mix the fine sand with dirt? And lets say ibam not interested in the minerals it has, i am only looking for leveling properties
Play sand is half the cost of all purpose in my area. If I’m mixing with topsoil does the polished nature matter as much?
If you are mixing it almost doesn't matter, if it's sitting on top unmixed it will more easily erode away.
Great Video, I am sure you got those saucers back into the house before wifey poo saw she was short 12 sand saucers...BOOM
You know it! 😂
What an outdated thought. I'm sure she's inside cooking a pot roast, too. You're probably too old to be doing yard work.😅
I’m out here wondering if I can use beach sand. I live in Florida so every landscape business has it available and it’s WAY cheaper than buying bagged sand…. about $20 for a yard
It's a risk, it's likely weed free but it's potentially high in salinity which your lawn may reject. It's going to be fairly smooth in texture so it will potentially errode when dry. Biggest issue is salinity imo. It's cheap so could be worth a test but it's also not fun to have a yard of sand sitting around that you can't use.
@@TurfMechanic never considered the salt content it was gonna be for leveling so not sure if it would work the same
Quickcrete AP sand it is. Thanks for making this painstaking video. I know what to get next time I'm at HD.
What will you be doing with all of the less desirable sands?
Lol, I don't know 🤣
I've put sand in a garden pot and left it in the garage for weeks to let it dry out.
I have some big 18 gallon tubs, I'm going to lay out sand on the tarp really thin for 2/3 hours at a time to dry in the sun and then scoop it all into the tub to wait it out a bit longer. Over the course of a few days I can probably dry out a lot of sand that way. The pot in the garage is great if you are planning weeks to months in advance though.
I wish I watched your video before putting paver sand on my lawn... I think whatever additives they add to it is killing my lawn anywere even just a little bit of sand got.
im going to get 5 yards of mason sand delivered soon to level my lawn
What a neighbor to put a BORDER between his yard and others GEEZZZZ
Around here (where I live) it's common between lawns. This is a transition zone area and many grass types spread invasively. It's actually more of a courtesy to have the border...also, isn't it even worse to have an actual fence between properties? Here my neighbors and I walk back and forth unimpeded and have conversations in the lawn rather than across the fence.
Why is it important to use dry sand when you water lawn after anyway?
If i bought 10 bags of the all purpose sand , what other amendment could i add to it to help the leveling mixture be just a little bit better?
Check his video from a few days ago. Goes over exactly this question in great detail.
I prefer a simple 50/50 top soil and sand mix. Doesn’t have to be prefect and works for me.
If I level my clay filled lawn with mason sand am I going to end up turning my lawn into concrete?
😂
What he uses at 7:01
Lol, he should circle back at end.
I'm about to plant Clover in one section of my lawn. Can i mix seed,sand and dirt together and use my spreader to distribute the mix.
Thanks Steve
COULD I USE SAND FROM A FREASH WATER BEACH?..
Could be high in salt which wouldn't be good and it's fairly well rounded off due to weathering like play sand. The rounded stuff is ok mixed with soil but just set on top could result in erosion. Desert sand is the same except for the salt issue.
Can I use pool filter sand?
That would be silica sand, as I said in the video you could use it but probably not the best for the lawn.
@@TurfMechanic thank you, I have 100 lbs from my old aquarium that I'm trying to find something to do with... It's probably full of nitrate but regular sand is cheap so I won't use it. My backyard has ruts all over from the previous homeowner.
those look like plates your wife is going to be angry about you putting sand in
Lol, she's used to me doing stuff like this by now. If it means paying the mortgage she's happy with the weird stuff I do. 😂
Okay, you said you are NOT using coarse sand, then you say you're using the all purpose masonary sand that IS coarse. What the heck is your recommendation? I don't think you know what your talking about, you never even say definitively.
Anakin ran far away from this video... (though he might've been happy with the play sand)
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, what am I watching? Once the level came on on the lawn I realized I'm only on this planet for so long...
Its for demonstration purposes only.
Dude.... it's NOT that deep..
sand for leveling?😂🤣😅😆
🤔
Why funny?
@@Adam-nz2ti sand is for construction use
Sand has many purposes and lawn levelling is one of them
@@Adam-nz2ti when you use sand for leveling ,you are asking green moss to move in ,,good luck