GARDEN LANDSCAPING
How should I level my sloping garden?
Levelling a garden is the process of evening out the surface to get rid of any slopes or bumps. Flat and even surfaces give a cleaner look to your garden and make it easier to create areas, such as a patio space. It can also lead to better garden health as it ensures it drains properly as lowlying areas can get waterlogged, soil can erode, and plants can be damaged. You’ll nd it’s easier to level a lawn when the soil is slightly, but not overly damp.
If there’s only a slight slope or a small area to level, you should be able to manage with a spade, wheelbarrow and rake. With larger gardens you’re better off using a small digger and a compactor to help you. Alternatively you can create at areas at different heights which are connected with steps. You will need:
● Spirit level
● Wooden stakes
● Sturdy string
● Shovel
● Wheelbarrow
● Extra soil
● Rake
● Lawn compactor
● Small digger or mini excavator (for larger spaces)
● Rotavator (optional)
1 SURVEY YOUR SPACE
First, survey the garden to nd any high or low areas that need to be levelled. You can identify these by using a spirit level, string or a laser. If your garden is gently sloping, the lowest end can be topped up with soil to level the surface out. Put a stake in the ground at the highest and lowest points. Tie a piece of string between the two stakes, making sure it is taut and level. Once this is in place, you can see where your garden’s surface level should be. You may need to build a retaining wall at the lower end of it to support the area you’re lling in with soil. One of the easiest methods for this is to use garden sleepers.
2 START LEVELLING
If you’ve added a retaining wall, you can begin lling in the lower end with extra soil up to your string line. Alternatively you can use the existing soil from the higher end and add to the low end until you get an even spread. If you have a rotavator, use it to break up the soil before shifting it. Adding extra string lines across your garden or using a spirit level will help to ensure your soil is spread out evenly as you go.
3 IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR SOIL
If your soil isn’t fertile, mix in soil improvers like compost, topsoil and sand for drainage with a rake or shovel. If drainage is a problem, you should install a system like a French drain, to redirect water away from your garden.
4 COMPACT THE SOIL
Compact the soil down, so your ground is free from lumps, ready for turf and other garden coverings. Use a lawn roller or compactor to press it down. Check for any inconsistencies, and then water the garden lightly and allow the water to settle into the ground. Recheck for any differences in elevation.
5 REPLANT YOUR SPACE
Once the garden is attened and ready, you can plant grass, shrubs, owers, or trees. To prevent erosion, use plants that are suitable for your soil and climate.