How to Fix the Grading of Your Lawn

Insert a stake into the ground next to the base of the foundation. Measure 8 feet outward from the stake into the lawn and insert the stake into the ground. Keep both stakes parallel to each other and straight.

Remove the sod or grass between the stakes, exposing the soil underneath. Using a sod cutter or shovel, slice the sod into rectangular sections that are easy to replace later. Slide the shovel 1 inch under the section to separate the roots from the soil. Mist the roots and keep the sod sections in a shaded spot until you replant them.

Tie a length of string firmly to one stake. Pull the string taut as you extend it to the other stake. Adjust the string until it is level before securing it to the second post.

Measure and mark the string at 1-foot intervals. Attach lengths of tape as flags over the marked spots along the string.

Measure the distance between each tape flag and the ground below and record the measurements. Calculate the ideal grade for the area and note it next to the actual measurements, so you can make comparisons. For instance, if the distance between the first tape flag and ground equals 9 inches, the space between the second mark and ground should equal 8 1/4 inches. The 3/4-inch difference accounts for the ideal slope per square foot.

Calculate and note the difference between the actual and ideal slope at each tape flag along the string line. The resultant figures determine the amount of soil you have to add or remove to achieve the desired grade.

Add or remove soil over the area to achieve the desired grade, according to the noted measurements. Continue measuring the difference between the tape flags and ground as you work.

Tamp the soil over the graded section. Remove stones, debris and clumps from the tamped section using a grading rake. Starting at the foundation, pull the rake in a straight line downward along the slope.

Replace the sections of sod over the graded area and roll over them lightly with a lawn roller. Remove the first stake and insert it 8 feet away from the second one. Repeat the process, working in 8-foot sections until you grade the entire lawn.