How to Grade Uneven Land

Uneven land can be unwanted for a variety of reasons. For farmers, it creates irrigation problems since water runs away from peaks and accumulates in valleys. For homeowners, it can simply make mowing the lawn a miserable process, or affect the aesthetics of a view from the kitchen window. Whatever the case, grading the land is simple. The difficulty comes in accurately assessing any problems that might arise as a result of your project.

Small to medium-size bulldozer

Wait for at least one heavy rain before beginning your project. You'll need an opportunity to evaluate the behavior of your lawn and how the drainage process takes place. Farmers looking to improve irrigation can disregard this step, but homeowners need to be aware if a certain mound or hill is preventing accumulated water from seeping into a basement, neighbor's lawn etc.

Make plans before grading if any parts of the lawn do help manage water flow during wet seasons. Simple ditches should be dug at the same time that any land is graded if this is the case.

Use the bulldozer to remove layers of dirt from the yard or land in question. Unless a more elaborate landscaping plan is in place, this dirt should be sold or given away to landscape developers or other individuals in need of extra soil to prevent an unsightly mound in the yard or a hindrance to water drainage.

Avoid compacting the soil if at all possible. This most often occurs as a result of running the bulldozer back and forth over the same ground many times. Whether a farmer or homeowner, this creates a problem. Both grass and crops have trouble growing in compacted soil. Till up any soils that may have been compacted in the process.

Monitor yard drainage during the next heavy rain after the project is complete. If rivulets or puddles develop, you may want to consider implementing some secondary drainage features in the yard such as small, gravel-filled post holes or small trenches to control excess water.