When it comes to lawn rejuvenation, grading ensures that your lawn consistently stays healthy and lush.
A lush, healthy lawn is every homeowner’s dream, but achieving and maintaining it requires more than just regular mowing and watering. One often-overlooked aspect of lawn care is grading, which ensures proper drainage and prevents water from pooling in low spots. If your yard struggles with standing water, uneven terrain, or patchy grass growth, it may be time to consider lawn grading. Here’s what you need to know about when and why your yard needs grading.
Why Lawn Grading is Essential
Grading is the process of leveling and reshaping your yard to create a smooth, even surface that promotes proper water drainage. Without effective grading, water can accumulate in certain areas, leading to problems such as:
- Soil Erosion: Uneven terrain allows water to wash away soil and essential nutrients, making it difficult for grass to grow.
- Water Pooling: Low spots in your lawn can collect water, leading to muddy patches and potential damage to plant roots.
- Foundation Issues: Poor drainage can cause water to seep into your home’s foundation, leading to costly repairs.
- Pest Infestations: Standing water creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.
Signs That Your Lawn Needs Grading
Not sure if your yard requires grading? Here are some clear signs to look for:
- Persistent Puddles: If water sits in certain areas after a rainstorm, your yard likely has drainage issues.
- Uneven or Sloping Ground: Noticeable dips and mounds in your lawn indicate that your yard is not level.
- Water Flowing Toward the House: If water runs toward your home instead of away from it, grading is necessary to protect your foundation.
- Patchy or Struggling Grass: Areas where grass refuses to grow or looks unhealthy despite proper care may be suffering from water pooling or soil erosion.
When to Grade Your Lawn
The best time for lawn grading depends on your local climate and the condition of your yard. Ideally, grading should be done during the growing season—spring or early fall—when temperatures are moderate, and the soil is easier to work with. Avoid grading during heavy rain seasons, as excess moisture can make the process more challenging.
How Lawn Grading Works
Lawn grading typically involves the following steps:
- Assessing the Landscape: A professional will evaluate your yard’s slopes, low spots, and drainage issues.
- Removing Excess Soil: High spots are dug down, and low spots are filled with topsoil to create a more even surface.
- Reshaping the Yard: The soil is regraded to ensure water flows away from structures and toward designated drainage areas.
- Adding New Grass or Sod: Once grading is complete, grass seed or sod is laid down to restore your lawn’s lush appearance.
The Benefits of Professional Lawn Grading
Hiring a professional to perform your lawn grading ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently. A skilled landscaper will use specialized tools to accurately level your yard, improving drainage and preventing long-term issues. Additionally, professionals can recommend the best grass type and soil amendments to help your lawn recover quickly.
Choose Edward’s Lawn & Landscaping
Since 2007, Edward’s Lawn and Landscaping has been offering premier residential and commercial services to improve your property all year. The options are endless, from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Aware serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.