Fixing Low Spots on Your Lawn With a Soil & Sand Blend
Uneven lawns aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can lead to water pooling, poor drainage, and trouble mowing. The good news? You can fix low spots using a simple soil and sand blend. Here’s how it works.
Why Lawns Develop Low Spots
Low areas in your yard can form for a few reasons:
- Settling after construction or landscaping
- Water erosion
- Buried roots breaking down
- Heavy foot or vehicle traffic
If the area collects water or causes mower scalping, it’s time to fix it.
Why Use a Soil & Sand Blend?
A mix of screened topsoil and sand levels the ground without compacting too much. Each ingredient plays a role:
- Topsoil provides nutrients and holds moisture
- Sand improves drainage and prevents compaction
Together, they create a smooth, supportive surface that’s easy to spread and safe for grass.
Step-by-Step: How to Level Low Spots
1. Mow the Lawn
Cut your grass short, but not too short. This helps you see the low areas clearly.
2. Mark the Problem Spots
Look for dips, soggy patches, or areas where the mower bottoms out.
3. Mix Your Blend
Use a 70/30 or 60/40 mix of soil to sand. We offer a ready-made lawn blend with the right ratio.
4. Spread Thin Layers
Add no more than ½ inch at a time. Use a shovel or landscape rake to spread it evenly over the low spot.
5. Water Lightly
This helps the blend settle and exposes any remaining dips.
6. Repeat if Needed
Let the grass grow through for a couple of weeks. If the area’s still low, apply another thin layer.
Should You Remove the Grass First?
No—unless the low spot is deeper than 2–3 inches. For shallow dips, topdressing over the grass works best. The grass will grow through the blend with no issue.
When to Do This
- Best time: Late spring or early fall
- Avoid leveling during drought or heat waves
- Water your lawn before and after to reduce stress
How Much Material Do You Need?
A little goes a long way. For shallow fixes, one ½ yard bag of lawn blend can cover up to 1,000 sq ft at ½ inch deep. We deliver for free in ½ and 1-yard bags in Calgary—no shovel-loading required.
Final Tip
Always use screened materials. Unscreened soil or sand can contain clumps, rocks, or weeds that make the job harder. Our lawn blend is screened, clean, and easy to work with.