Get matched with top rototilling pros in Onida, SD

Q: Do I need to remove grass before leveling?

• <div><p>For minor unevenness, you don't necessarily need to remove grass before leveling. You can apply a topdressing mixture to fill in low areas and even out the surface. However, for more significant unevenness or deep depressions, it might be necessary to temporarily remove the grass to ensure proper leveling and soil compaction. After filling and leveling, you can replace the grass or consider reseeding the area.</p></div>

Q: How do you landscape a steep slope on a budget?

• <div><p>Many ways to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tips-landscaping-your-lawn-budget.htm">landscape a steep slope on a budget</a> exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones. </p></div>

Q: Should I use sand or dirt to level my pool?

• <div><p>It depends on the model of your pool. You&rsquo;ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it&rsquo;s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn&rsquo;t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-decomposed-granite.htm">decomposed granite</a>. Always check your manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions before you begin.</p></div>

Q: How do pros determine the right slope for my landscape?

• <div><p>Pros will assess your soil type, property geography, and rain patterns for optimal slope.</p></div>

Q: How long does a perc test take?

• <div><p>A perc test takes an average of around two hours, but it can range from one hour up to around six hours. Perc tests that require wider or deeper holes and those that require multiple holes dug throughout your property will take longer because there&rsquo;s more excavation involved. The actual filling of the hole and monitoring to gauge the rate of percolation should take under an hour per hole.</p></div>

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TruGreen

TruGreen

Customers say: True professional

52 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We believe life is better outside. TruGreen is committed to improving outdoor spaces like your backyard, our shared communities and the environment as a whole. That's why TruGreen, America's #1 lawn care company, has a team of PhD agronomists and certified specialists who work to provide tailored care and bring out your lawn's full potential. We're here to help you and your lawn flourish this season.

"The pro has been servicing our Mclean property quite well for a couple of years. Our lawn looks good and we are satisfied with the service. The customer service is sometimes underwhelming but it gets the job done at a reasonable cost which is really becoming harder by the day to get."

Alejandro S on May 2025

"The pro has been servicing our Mclean property quite well for a couple of years. Our lawn looks good and we are satisfied with the service. The customer service is sometimes underwhelming but it gets the job done at a reasonable cost which is really becoming harder by the day to get."

Alejandro S on May 2025

Rototilling questions, answered by experts

For minor unevenness, you don't necessarily need to remove grass before leveling. You can apply a topdressing mixture to fill in low areas and even out the surface. However, for more significant unevenness or deep depressions, it might be necessary to temporarily remove the grass to ensure proper leveling and soil compaction. After filling and leveling, you can replace the grass or consider reseeding the area.

Many ways to landscape a steep slope on a budget exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones.

It depends on the model of your pool. You’ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it’s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn’t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like decomposed granite. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.

Pros will assess your soil type, property geography, and rain patterns for optimal slope.

A perc test takes an average of around two hours, but it can range from one hour up to around six hours. Perc tests that require wider or deeper holes and those that require multiple holes dug throughout your property will take longer because there’s more excavation involved. The actual filling of the hole and monitoring to gauge the rate of percolation should take under an hour per hole.

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