How to Change Topography

Planning Topographical Changes to Your Yard

• 1

  Draw a detailed map of your yard. Include every feature in the yard, from trees to plants to walkways and any slopes or hills. Make sure the map is to scale.

• 2

  Design what alterations you want to make to your property. Using the map you just created as a template, draw on the changes that will be made to the topography. When adding slopes or hills, consider how tall it will be so you can properly calculate how much new dirt you'll need.

• 3

  Plot out your planned topographical changes onto the yard itself. Mark the location of any new planting areas or changes to the yard's grade using spray paint. This will help you to better visualize your intended changes and make any alterations.

Constructing Hills and Slopes

• 4

  Build up the shape of the slope or hill with dirt. Landscaping centers are the best place to get new dirt from, since they stock dirt meant specifically for changing landscape topography. Start by filling up the base, then shape the slope as you add more dirt.

• 5

  Apply a starter fertilizer to the new dirt structure. Smooth out the surface of the slope with a rake, further mixing the fertilizer into the soil.

• 6

  Lay the sod perpendicular to the slope. This will prevent the rolls of sod from sliding downhill as it becomes wet. Stagger the seams and lay the rolls as closely together as possible. Keep the sod in place with stakes if the slope is especially steep.

• 7

  Pat down the sod to establish good contact between the sod and soil. Stand on a board to distribute your weight evenly over the sod and pat it down using the back of a shovel.

• 8

  Water the new sod thoroughly every day for three weeks. After that, water it every other day for an additional three weeks. Pay attention to the seams to make sure the sod isn't drying out.