Spring is the sweet spot for yard leveling. The soil has enough moisture to shape easily but is still firm enough to stay put once you finish grading. Tackle the project before summer downpours arrive, and you’ll improve drainage, reduce erosion, and give new grass time to take root. Leveling in early spring also helps pros schedule followup landscaping before the busy season hits.
A pro crew typically needs five to six days to level an average‑size yard. Smaller spots may wrap up in a single day, while a sprawling or steep property can stretch the timeline to a full week. Those days cover everything from prep and initial grading to final touch‑ups that leave the surface stable and ready for new landscaping. Building this window into your schedule keeps the project on track and ensures long-lasting results.
Leave a four‑inch gap between finished soil and both the top of the foundation and the bottom edge of the siding. That clearance lets water run off instead of slipping inside and keeps pests from finding an easy path indoors. Sticking to this measurement protects the structure, preserves proper drainage, and helps you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Grading tilts the ground so water flows away from your foundation; leveling smooths out bumps so you can mow, entertain, or add hardscaping with ease. Most projects need a mix of both—grade first for drainage, then fine‑tune the surface for a neat, user‑friendly lawn. Combining the two protects the house and boosts curb appeal in one pass.