Is a lawn roller necessary? It is spring, and I imagine the soil in your yard is lumpy because of the frost that occurred in the previous months. This is why you think a lawn roller is necessary. Well, unless you’re maintaining a golf course, I wouldn’t recommend a lawn roller. It just isn’t necessary.

Most would argue a cardboard drum is better than options like grease drums. The reason for this is that a cardboard drum does not have ridges on it, so it can level the yard properly. Another advantage of this homemade lawn-roller equipment is that it is lightweight and as such won’t lead to soil compaction.

If you’re installing new sod, you may use a light roller to make sure the pieces come into close contact with soil for the roots to grow and take hold.

There are times when you may need to flatten a bumpy lawn. For example, a golf course or a cricket pitch may be rolled to attain a smooth, level surface for playing. This is when a lawn roller may be needed.

In short, here’s why a lawn roller may not be necessary for your lawn: Using heavy rollers on the ground leads to soil compaction.Compacted soil causes slow root development and slower turfgrass growth.

Use a leveling drag instead of a grass seed roller If you’re smoothing the lawn to cultivate it, a leveling drag may suffice.

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...