How to Grade a Lumpy Backyard

Rake and remove all leaves and debris from the yard. Mow the grass to 3 inches in height. It needs to be high to avoid being covered with the fill dirt.

Calculate approximately how much fill dirt you will need. If you are going to need enough for the entire yard, it's best to hire a professional to do the calculations. Obtain enough fill dirt to cover the desired area. This may involve a dump truck load for large areas.

Fill all the deep holes in the yard. Spread the fill dirt across the low areas in the yard, bringing the dips and furrows up to the current ground level. For large truckloads of dirt, you can spread it by hand, or hire a professional with special spreading equipment that can do the job quickly.

Rake the soil with a garden rake to level it. Knock down and rake out any high areas. Use a sod roller to compact the dirt. Add more dirt where needed, rake and roll until the yard is level.

Rope off the area to allow the dirt to settle without being walked or ridden on. Water the backyard well to settle the fill dirt. Fill in low spots found as the dirt settles and rake them smooth.

Spread grass seed over bare spots and lightly cover with soil. Water the area daily for seven days and don't allow people or animals to walk on it. Remove the roping once the grass seed has grown tall enough to mow.