Rolling an existing yard

[Gern Blansten]

First off, what a great site! I stumbled in here searching for turf info and WOW, its all here. Please excuse the new guy dumb question(s).

Background:
State: Minnesota
Size of year 2 acres
Has been a pretty "lumpy" yard, but seems to have gotten much worse in the last two seasons. Lot of worms, I guess. Kind of feel like I need to wear a mouth guard to go mow. Between all of the neighbors we could run a lawn care business with all our gear. LOL!

Question: Neighbor has a pull behind "yard roller" that gets its weight by filling it full of water. I'm guessing its about 40-45" wide with no sharp edges. If I wait until there has been rain and roll an existing yard, can I smooth out the yard? Will I damage the yard? Should I aerate right after? Is this a good idea or a bad one?

Thanks in advance for any and all thoughts on this subject!!!

[bwhite82]

I would suggest getting rid of the moles causing the lumpiness. But this is no easy task! Can't remember where I saw the link here on this forum, but apparently there is an expert who has a free website with a ton of useful advice on mole control. Try searching for moles in the titles. Good luck.

[Gern Blansten]

Originally Posted by bwhite82

I would suggest getting rid of the moles causing the lumpiness. But this is no easy task! Can't remember where I saw the link here on this forum, but apparently there is an expert who has a free website with a ton of useful advice on mole control. Try searching for moles in the titles. Good luck.

Definitely not moles. No conicles (sp) or raised tunnels. Just a big open space with pretty decent grass. I'm pretty sure some of it is from frost heaving, but I'm after the small ones not big.

The goal is NOT to level the yard just smooth some of it.

[MS_SURVEYOR]

I think it's a good idea. I'd ask this question in other sections this site.

But here you go,

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.p...rolling+a+lawn

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.p...rolling+a+lawn

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.p...rolling+a+lawn

[44DCNF]

I'd run a drag mat across the lawn.
Actually I'd first aerate, then topdress with organic matter to feed the worms and turf, then drag mat to level it all off once the aeration cores begin to dry out.

Rolling may increase the mounds temporarily as the worms work to loosen the soil again. That's not a bad thing. Heavy worm activity is a sign of healthy fertile soil.