Backyard Landscaping Project?

Question

My backyard is about 50 feet by 25 feet. I wanted to rip up all the grass and weeds...mostly weeds, level out the dirt because my backyard is not close to flat, and plant some very attractive flowers and new grass, but I am wondering whether I should shovel out all the dirt by hand or buy/rent some sort of machine that could do that. Could anyone recommend a particular machine to help me remove all of the grass/weeds in my backyard because doing it by hand is going to take A LOT of time. Thanks.

Answer 1

First kill off the weeds and grass with Roundup. That way if the weeds are a perennial, they won't come back even after all the dirt rearragment. There's a weed called bindweed with roots that can go 80 feet out/down. Chopping the root just makes more plants. Give Roundup at least 2 weeks to work after application before you start the project.

The bobcat must have access to the yard......you can always remove a fence section if necessary.

Rototilling with a strong rear tine machine wouldn't take that long but the leveling would. You might want to rototill and then use a bobcat with a level bar on the back to speed that process up.

Be careful with drainage, as mentioned above. No drainage towards your house! and not towards your neighbor's house or even his yard, if possible. Move roof drainage away from the house quickly and if necessary, use swales (opposite of hill) to move the water to a safe location or from the back yard to the front.

When it comes time to design, sketch out some ideas on paper (to scale would be great!) and then use the garden hose(s) to show you on the ground the grass area and other areas. Easy to move the hose to get just the right look. Be creative, but not silly.

Chances are unless you are sitting on river bottom land, you'll need to revitalize the soil with compost and preplanting fertlizer.

Sounds like a nice size......just enough but not overwhelming.

Answer 2

Two machines I have used and I recommend:
1. Sod Cutter to remove the grass. What you'll have is what you see @the garden center - rolls of sod.
2. Rototiller, preferably the rear tine tiller, till up the dirt for future flower beds.
And remember when you design your new landscape - "No straight lines".

Answer 3

Man, do yourself a favor and rent a bobcat for the day. It will probably cost you around $75 bucks, but it will save you so much time and sweat. They're not difficult to operate. You'll be proficient after 20 minutes. You can scrape all the weeds out and move all the dirt you want with ease. I've done this myself, with no previous bobcat experience. I wish you luck.

Answer 4

Rent a rototiller. When you level it out, be sure the grades at the perimeter match the neighbors, or make a retaining wall. Also, don't drain onto someone else's property.

Answer 5

You want to rent a sod cutter, or have a landscape guy bring one and do it for you and yu do the rest. That's the best way.

Answer 6

If it freezes in Sacramento i could wait to place hardscapes like concrete, if no longer circulate terrific forward, spring and fall or solid for planting vegetation by using fact its no longer as demanding on them.

Answer 7

you want a Dingo