Want to level out some low spots

[95Z71]

Hi, for the most part I have a pretty level lawn, but I would like for it to be completely smoothe when you walk on it.

What would be the best soil mixture to use and would now be a good time to apply it?

I'll post up some pictures shortly.

Thanks

[JShe8918]

The county extensions say to use a similar soil to what you currently have. I personally am going to use a mix of 60% sand and 40% erthfood (enriched topsoil basically). You will want to scalp down to 1/2", core aerate, and then topdress. Use no more than 1/2" i would try to stay around 1/4" even if it means you have to topdress two separate times. Being that your in mississippi i am guessing you have either bermuda, zoysia, centipede, or saint augustine. Be careful when top dressing centipede or saint augustine. They don't seem to be as easy to topdress because they don't like their foliage to be covered up.

[ICT Bill]

Hi, for the most part I have a pretty level lawn, but I would like for it to be completely smoothe when you walk on it.

What would be the best soil mixture to use and would now be a good time to apply it?

I'll post up some pictures shortly.

Thanks

If you want major league ball field quality you will have to replace the top 18 inches of soil with a sand based mix

Otherwise topdressing sand/compost often will eventually get you the results you want

what kind of grass is typical in your area?

[95Z71]

Thanks for the replies...I have bermuda grass. Here are some pics.
http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu18/greypowerstroke350/DSC00483.jpg

http://i629.photobucket.com/albums/uu18/greypowerstroke350/DSC00482.jpg

[Kiril]

The most important thing to remember is to avoid layering your soil, whatever you use. Personally I use topsoil, which around these parts is a sandy loam mixed with compost.

[JShe8918]

Looks pretty good. Have you considered lowering deck height? I mow mine at around an 1 1/4 with my walker even though it is lumpy as all get out. It gets rid of alot of the brown stem and lets the green leaf show better. The taller you let the grass get the more prone to weeds your going to become. If you maintain it short it will be more dense and if you use a reel mower it will learn to grow horizontally more than vertically. Take a soil sample as well. 6-10 dollars at your local county extension office.

[95Z71]

Thanks for the replies, I normally cut it a little shorter, but we've had a lot of rain and the grass was pretty tall so I didn't want to "shock" it moving too short.

Kiril, what did you mean by avoid layering your soil?

Would now be a good time to topdress? Thanks

[JShe8918]

NO!!! Do NOT topdress now. The yard may not have enough time to fully recover before the first frost. Bermuda is going to start going dormant fast after the first frost. You always want to topdress when the bermuda is growing at its fastest rate. May and June are good months to topdress or even a little earlier if you want. Layering soil means if you have topsoil don't put sand as your topdress material use topsoil. If you have a sandy base don't use topsoil use sand. Make sense? You want to topdress with a similar soil profile.

[Kiril]

Kiril, what did you mean by avoid layering your soil?

Distinct difference in the soil profile (i.e. like a sandy loam on top of a heavy clay). If you are not going to till in your amendment, then you should at least core aerate before you top dress to lessen the chances of layering.

Would now be a good time to topdress? Thanks

Best time is when the turf is actively growing.