How to level my backyard?

[Suzza]

 

Hi Folks,

Just looking for a bit of advice.  I have recently ripped up my lawn and tried to level it by adding up to 7cm of loam.  I have planted Bermuda couch with the view of creating a surface that would be suitable for backyard croquet and kubb.  I used boards to level and screed the loam to get it as level as I could then lightly compacted it with a tamper.

My problem is the surface is very soft to the point you create quite deep footprints when you walk on it and I feel it needs compacting more. Do I:

a/ Leave it and let it settle down as it will be better when the grass grows.

b/ Hire a wackier and compact it while the grass is just germinating.

c/ Wait for the grass to grow and then compact it with a wacker.

d/ Something else completely different.

I plan to top dress it and go over it with a leveling rake in the spring but I am wondering if there is something I should do now.

If I had my time over again I would’ve used a wacker initially but circumstances didn’t make that practical.

Cheers

Suzza

[JacobZ]

Hi @Suzza,

It looks like you’ve done a great job preparing the surface, but I can see why the softness is a concern, especially for backyard games like croquet and kubb, where a firm, even lawn is crucial. 

Since the grass is already germinating, compacting it aggressively now could do more harm than good. Rather than using a wacker plate at this stage, I’d recommend letting the soil settle naturally with a few deep waterings. This will help it firm up over time without disrupting the grass. 

After that, using a water-filled lawn roller can help gently compact the surface without damaging the young roots. Rolling it a couple of times over the next few weeks should improve firmness while still allowing the grass to establish.

Once the Bermuda couch is well-rooted, usually after 6–8 weeks, you can reassess. If the ground is still too soft, a second round of rolling will help. 

Your plan to top-dress and level it again in Spring is a good approach, as it will smooth out any remaining imperfections.

Given a bit of time and the right maintenance, you’ll end up with a great playing surface.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Suzza]

Thanks very much for that Jacob that sounds like really good advice. Really appreciate your feedback.

 Cheers

 Suzza

[JacobZ]

No worries @Suzza.

I'd love to see how it all goes, don't forget to update us. I'm sure you'll have a beautiful flat green in no time.

Jacob