How do I get sloped yard level?

[JesseS6]

Hello,

Our backyard originally had a significant slope. After landscaping, we added a large amount of soil and graded it away from the house to meet the height of the fence plinth. We also have a stormwater pit positioned right in the middle of the yard. As a result, the area now has a steep slope from the house down to the pit, and then a more level section from the pit to the fence.

I’d like to achieve a more level yard overall.

Is it possible to lower the lawn area near the house so that it has a gentle slope toward the fence but remains mostly level?

If lowering it exposes part of the concrete slab, is that a problem? And if so, what’s the best way to cover or manage the exposed slab?

[EricL]

Hello @JesseS6 

I know you are after a more level lawn area, but I am just a bit concerned about exposing the concrete slab of the house. As a possible alternative, I propose topping up the center of your lawn that currently has a noticeable dip in it. 

Topping up the center section of the lawn with a mix of sand and soil is a good approach if your main goal is to even out the dip near the stormwater pit and create a smoother, more gradual slope without major excavation near the house. This method works well as long as drainage patterns are maintained.

If you raise the middle section, make sure the new soil height doesn’t block surface water flow to the stormwater pit. You can add a few centimetres of a 70/30 sand–loam mix in thin layers, watering and lightly compacting between applications so the surface settles evenly. This will help prevent future unevenness and maintain good drainage. The sand improves permeability, which prevents waterlogging, while the loam adds nutrients for healthy grass regrowth.

Avoid raising the soil too much around the pit itself you want the pit lid to stay slightly lower than the surrounding turf to keep collecting runoff effectively. If the pit cover ends up recessed after adding soil, you can raise it with an adjustable riser or add a shallow depression around it to ensure continued drainage.

Overall, this is a low-risk and effective method to improve lawn level and appearance without disturbing the grading near the slab. It’s best done during a warm growing season so the grass can reestablish quickly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric