Getting Smooth with a Lawn Roller

If the pursuit of landscape perfection is the way you roll, there’s a piece of yard care equipment you may want to check out. Lawn rollers (or grass rollers) can be a great way to keep your lawn looking better than ever by smoothing the surface under the grass for the ultimate even finish.

What a lawn roller does

If you’re establishing new turf with sod or seed, a using a roller for your lawn creates a level surface and proper drainage pattern for better growth and easier maintenance. Plus, for both new and existing lawns, lawn rolling helps sod or seed to adhere to the soil and promote stronger root growth. If you have an existing lawn that’s bumpy or uneven, using a lawn roller can help flatten out those areas, but aeration and redistribution of soil will really do the trick.

How to use a lawn roller

Lawn roller rentals are typically available at yard and garden stores. You can also find them to purchase home stores, such as Home Depot or Lowes.

And they’re no more difficult to use than a lawn mower. If you’re starting a new lawn, use the lawn roller to smooth out the soil before seeding or laying sod. First, water the dirt to soften the surface. Then, run the lawn roller over the area until it’s level. Lay the seed or sod, water again, and use the lawn roller to push the seed or sod into the soil and create a strong bond. If you’re using a lawn roller to flatten out bumps in an existing lawn, it’s best to first cut into the grass around the bulging area and remove the excess soil underneath. Then go over the spot with the lawn roller to flatten it and make it level with the rest of the turf. Still having trouble? Try these lumpy lawn tips from the Yard Doctor.

Types of lawn rollers

Push lawn rollers, either steel or poly, are common and work well to maintain a smooth landscape. If you have the right model of lawn mower, a lawn mower roller attachment is another option.

However you choose to roll, a lawn mower roller could be the extra piece of yard care equipment that takes your landscape to a new level.