How to Level a Yard
Leveling a yard is a time consuming task. To free yourself from problems and save time doing the job, your first task should be to decide on the equipment you plan to use. Here are some tips on how to level a yard.
Steps:
There are various equipment that you can use to level a yard. The best that you can use is a box blade and a tractor.
A box blade, or what is also called as a box scraper comes in different sizes. Choose a correct size for your yard. Having a small lawn- tractor sized box scraper for a big yard would take a lot of time while getting a big one for a small yard won’t give you enough room to properly maneuver the equipment.
Attach the box scraper to the tractor. Small units have only 1 hitch while bigger units may have a 3-point hitch.
Once you’ve attached the box blade, make sure to also position the upper link so that the unit sits leveled. Avoid lowering the teeth until your on your project area, in this case, your yard.
Make sure that all parts are working properly, specifically the hydraulic hitch. Follow necessary guidelines when operating the machine.
Clear your land area. Make sure that logs, rocks and other materials that may hinder you from completing your task are removed from the site.
If you plan to save your trees, Place stakes or ribbons around them. Measure the diameter of the trees. Their root area would approximately be as wide as their crowns or branch structures.
Move the tractor on your work area. Use the back of the blade to flatten soil or gravel.
Avoid driving on top of the pile of dirt or soil. Begin at grade level and move the material to the place that needs to be filled.
Lower the teeth carefully. Rough- grade the area to determine places that needs to be filled. Make sure that you’ve evaluated the land before doing this so you don’t have to move the soil a lot of times to get the results you want.
Lift the teeth and start leveling the yard. Place soil or gravel on low areas.
When you’re about done, repeat passes a few more times to achieve the elevation you want.
Tip:
After leveling, it’s a good idea to check the slope and grade of the land. Check your drainage plan, and make sure that the elevation doesn’t cause any drainage problems.