Leveling the ground on your property doesn’t have to be done by hired experts if you have some time and are willing to put in the hard work. Just follow the tips below and the project will be completed in no time without spending a fortune.
Use the Appropriate Tools/Machinery
Start by carefully observing the area that you wish to level and determine the best tools that can complete the job. For example, is it a small area where you want to plant some lawn grass? A shovel, wheelbarrow and a tamping tool may be all you need for such a task. However, you may need a mini bulldozer, such as the Magnatrac RS196K, to break and move larger amounts of soil from a steeper slope. You can also consider renting a wide rake (about 3-feet wide) so that you can cover more ground than you would with an ordinary garden rake. Have the right tools so that the job doesn’t get any more complicated or harder than it needs to be.
Stake Off the Target Area
You should never begin leveling the ground when you have not demarcated the area that you want to be leveled. Use stakes and a string to mark off the limits of where you will be working. This will save you from leveling a larger area than you need, or having to return to the task of leveling more ground in case you realize later on that you covered less space than you had intended.
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Water the Soil
It is harder to move soil that is very dry and powdery. Learn from the pros and water you soil heavily a day before you plan to level that ground. The extra hours before you start your work will allow that soil to lose some of its moisture so that the soil isn’t too heavy to move as you work.
Use Puddles to Locate Low Areas
It can be hard to identify the low points on the ground if the area is generally flat. One simple trick to find out where all the low points are is by flooding the target area. Note down all the places where puddles form so that more soil will be moved to those spots during the leveling exercise.
Take Your Time
One important tip you need keep in mind when leveling the ground is that it is never a good idea to be in a hurry as you work. For example, rushing as you use a mini bulldozer can expose you to several safety risks as you use that power equipment. It is also wise to let the ground settle for a day or two so that you can add more soil to the areas where depressions show after that settling process. Such spots can be easy to find in case you water the leveled area lightly each day.
The tips above are invaluable whether you are using fill dirt, terracing or any other technique to level the ground on your property. Consider getting help from an expert in case the area to be covered is large or you lack the necessary skills and experience to do it on your own.
“Steve leveled his driveway with the dozer blade, tilting it slightly to crown it for better drainage.”
You can read more about his story here ” MAGNATRAC Owner Preps New Home Basement“
