Bumpy, Uneven, new Tifton Bermuda

NorthAtlanta – posted 25 July 2002 09:05

My lawn is 1 year old and the contractor did a poor job of leveling the soil before adding the sod. However the sod has done an amazing job of rooting in and is growing quite well. When I mow it leaves bumps and ridges. How can I smooth the lawn? Overwatering untill the soil becomes soggy and soft is not really an option. The naturally clay soil soaks up just enough water and then runs off down hill to my neighbors yard. I watered the back for 5 hours straight last fall, then we got a great 2 day soaking rain, and still the sod/soil was firm underfoot. What is top-drssing all about and will it help?

tjenkins – posted 17 August 2002 21:59

Sounds like your sod was grown in clay, which will act as a barrier to suitable drainage. I suggest before you top-dress with sand that you rent and use an aerator to poke holes through the clay. try to find one that will pull cores, if available. Then top dress to fill the holes with sand. The sand will smooth out your yard, and the combination of the sand and the aerification will dramatically improve the drainage characteristics of your yard. You will have to do this annually to produce a really great, turf quality lawn.