Alternative ways to flatten a bumpy lawn

Dig out some soil under the high spots Simply wait till late spring and mark out the high spots in your lawn. Dig up some of the soil underneath these areas, and remove the excess soil causing the high spots. Return the grass as you would sod, and you’ll notice the lawn is flat again.

1. Use Plywood (alternative when laying sod) One of the most inexpensive alternatives to lawn rollers is that sheet of plywood lying around your home. Plus, it’s amazingly simple to use. Follow these steps to help your sod bond with the soil…. Step 1: Place a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of plywood on your new lawn. Step 2: Walk over it to press your sod solidly into the soil. We suggest that you invite a friend, if possible, to walk alongside you. The plywood distributes the applied weight evenly and will have an impact similar to a commercial lawn roller.

What can I use in place of a lawn roller?I raked in some bags of top soil and reseeded a very large section of my lawn (a walkway was moved) but the area is very soft and you sink in about 4 inches if you step there.Is there something I can use instead of a lawn roller? I don't have one...

Water it regularly and stamp it down gently. To avoid footprint shaped holes, try putting a plank of wood on the ground and stamping on it, then move it over a few inches and repeat.You should not plant grass seed on a soft bed -- it needs firm soil to do well. If the area is soft, it will settle over the next few months and leave you with a dip in the ground.

On seeded lawns its unnecessary. Sod is tamped good for good root / soil contact.

You could just tramp it down with your feet. Or use a board to walk on to compress the area. You may have to add more dirt to the area and re-re-seed.