Can I do rototilling myself?

• <div><p>Yes, you can rent a rototiller for around <b>$60</b> per day and do the work yourself, but it’s not recommended. Tilling is more of an art than a science, as tilling too deep can be detrimental to your soil structure and the organic matter that is beneficial to plants and shrubs, and tilling too shallow won’t properly introduce fertilizer or break up the soil for rooting plants. Additionally, tillers are powerful machines with sharp blades to cut through small roots and soil, so they are inherently dangerous to use. It’s usually worth it to hire a professional rototiller.</p></div>

Get matched with top rototilling pros in North Sioux City, SD

Q: Should you fertilize before leveling a lawn?

• <div><p>Yes, it&rsquo;s always a good idea to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-fertilize-lawn.htm">fertilize your lawn</a> before a major leveling project. This step gives your grass the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, helping it recover and replenish itself faster. However, you should do this at least three weeks in advance, as the leveling process can disturb the newly-applied fertilizer. </p></div>

Q: How deep do you dig for plastic edging?

• <div><p>You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it&mdash;2 inches is usually sufficient. </p></div>

Q: What is the best landscape material for drainage?

• <div><p>Pea gravel is hands down a top pick for managing landscape drainage. These small stones allow water to flow through easily by creating natural gaps that promote runoff. Beyond functionality, pea gravel also offers visual versatility. Homeowners will find a range of earthy tones like gray, brown, blue, and even red, making it easy to match with different outdoor styles and plantings.</p></div>

Q: How do professionals handle uneven terrain during aeration?

• <div><p>Professional equipment adapts to different terrains, ensuring thorough aeration across all lawn areas.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your rototilling project in North Sioux City, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Rototilling pros in North Sioux City

K&M Exteriors LLC

3045 200th Trl

No reviews yet

K&M Exteriors LLC

3045 200th Trl

No reviews yet

2 years of experience

The company provides various exterior contracting solutions to meet the needs of every customer. We specialize in decks, porches, fences, outside fireplaces, brick lain walkways, septic tanks, residential utility service repair, environmental remediation, hazmat clean up and much more!

Rototilling questions, answered by experts

Yes, it’s always a good idea to fertilize your lawn before a major leveling project. This step gives your grass the nutrients necessary for healthy growth, helping it recover and replenish itself faster. However, you should do this at least three weeks in advance, as the leveling process can disturb the newly-applied fertilizer.

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

Pea gravel is hands down a top pick for managing landscape drainage. These small stones allow water to flow through easily by creating natural gaps that promote runoff. Beyond functionality, pea gravel also offers visual versatility. Homeowners will find a range of earthy tones like gray, brown, blue, and even red, making it easy to match with different outdoor styles and plantings.

Yes, you can rent a rototiller for around $60 per day and do the work yourself, but it’s not recommended. Tilling is more of an art than a science, as tilling too deep can be detrimental to your soil structure and the organic matter that is beneficial to plants and shrubs, and tilling too shallow won’t properly introduce fertilizer or break up the soil for rooting plants. Additionally, tillers are powerful machines with sharp blades to cut through small roots and soil, so they are inherently dangerous to use. It’s usually worth it to hire a professional rototiller.

Professional equipment adapts to different terrains, ensuring thorough aeration across all lawn areas.

The homeowners guide to home care is here

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Oct 14, 2025Oct 14, 2025
How Much Does Lawn Removal Cost? [2025 Data]
Removing an old lawn is often necessary to plant new grass or build a new outdoor structure. Find out what to budget for your lawn removal cost.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does Lawn Care Cost? [2025 Data]
Your total lawn care cost depends on several factors, including the type of service and lawn size. Our guide will cover what you can expect to pay for lawn care.
Heather Ayer
•
Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Seed and Reseed a Lawn? [2025 Data]
The cost to reseed a lawn can vary depending on the size of your yard and the condition of the soil. We’ll help you figure out the true cost of reseeding or overseeding your lawn, along with whether or not you should hire a professional.
Melissa Graham
•
Feb 3, 2025Feb 3, 2025
What Should I Do With Grass Clippings? 5 Ideas to Try
Don’t let your grass clippings go to waste. Instead, turn them into mulch or add them to your compost pile. These tips and more are included in our helpful guide.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
Who To Call for Lawn Problems: A Complete Guide
If you notice brown patches, thin blades, or weeds on your lawn, you should call a lawn care company. Here’s who to call for lawn problems.
Dan Simms
•
Apr 6, 2025Apr 6, 2025
Why Is My Yard So Soft? 6 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Why is my yard so soft and soggy? Use this helpful guide to diagnose the issue and implement a solution that will restore your yard’s health.