Fixing Uneven Sod After Installation

A smooth, level lawn starts with good groundwork—but skip that step, and the first problem you’ll notice after installation is uneven sod. Dips, bumps, and soft spots can appear within days, turning what should be a clean, uniform surface into a bumpy lawn that feels off balance.

These issues often happen when the base soil isn’t properly prepared. Soil compaction, air pockets, poor drainage, or gradual soil erosion can all cause the sod to settle unevenly. And while the grass blades above may look fine at first, the problems underneath—like trapped moisture or gaps—can lead to thinning grass, dead patches, or drainage trouble later on.

The good news? Uneven sod doesn’t mean you have to start over. With a few targeted fixes, you can smooth out the uneven areas, improve soil stability, and keep your lawn looking fresh. Here’s how to recognize poor sod installation, correct uneven surfaces, and prevent future settling.

What Does a Bad Sod Job Look Like?

Uneven sod is one of the first signs of improper installation—or simply, skipped groundwork. A poorly installed or uneven lawn surface often looks and feels patchy underfoot. You might notice:

• Gaps between sod pieces or overlapping seams that didn’t knit together properly.

• Visible dips or raised ridges running across the yard.

• Standing water in low spots after a rain, a clear sign of poor drainage.

• Thinning grass or dead grass in compacted or soggy areas.

Sometimes, the cause isn’t just poor prep work. Tree roots, existing grass, or thatch buildup can interfere with how evenly the sod settles. Over time, soil compaction from heavy foot traffic can worsen the problem, pressing some areas down while others stay raised.

Left unchecked, a severely uneven lawn can create more than just an eyesore. Uneven water and nutrient distribution lead to slow grass growth, bare spots, and even lawn diseases. The uneven surface can also become a breeding ground for pests and mold where water collects.

How Do You Fix Uneven Sod?

The leveling process depends on how recently the sod was installed—and how uneven it is. The goal is to restore balance to the soil structure without damaging the young roots.

For Minor Dips or Bumps

If your sod was installed recently and the unevenness is minimal, you can fix it with simple adjustments:

1. Gently lift the affected section of sod. Use a flat shovel or spade to lift it just enough to work underneath.

2. Add or remove soil as needed to even the surface. A balanced soil mix (usually topsoil and sand) works best for this.

3. Press the sod back down and make sure it aligns with the surrounding pieces.

4. Use a lawn roller filled halfway with water to lightly smooth out the area and remove any remaining air pockets.

This helps the sod sit flush against the base layer, reducing gaps that can lead to dry roots or patchy color.

For Moderate Unevenness (After a Few Weeks)

Once your sod has started rooting, full lifting isn’t ideal—you might damage the new root system. Instead, focus on light topdressing and maintenance to even things out gradually.

Topdress the lawn with a thin layer of soil, then mix evenly into low spots using a garden rake. Keep the soil moist to encourage the roots to grow upward through the new layer.

Think of this as a temporary fix that helps your lawn recover without disrupting growth. You can also check out these mowing tips to camouflage uneven or patchy spots—regular trimming at the right height helps blend the grass blades and make your lawn appear smoother while it continues to settle and strengthen underneath.

For Deep Depressions or a Bumpy Lawn

If you’re dealing with deep depressions or a noticeably uneven yard, a more hands-on approach is needed:

1. Cut out the affected sod section. Set it aside carefully.

2. Fill the area with a fresh soil mix until it is level, then tamp it down lightly to prevent future settling.

3. Re-lay the sod and press the seams firmly together.

4. Roll over the area again with a lawn roller to ensure full contact between the sod and the soil.

Deep or compacted spots may require extra care. If air pockets persist, water can pool under the surface—creating uneven color and rot. A consistent, moist soil environment helps the sod re-root evenly.

Is It Better to Level a Lawn with Sand or Topsoil?

When learning how to level a lawn, one of the most common questions is whether to use sand or topsoil. Both can help, but the right choice depends on your soil structure and drainage issues.

• Sand improves drainage and works well for minor leveling or correcting uneven terrain. However, using too much can cause the surface to dry out and become unstable, especially during hot months.

• Topsoil is richer in nutrients and better suited for filling deep depressions. It helps with grass growth and water retention, but may not drain as quickly as sand.

For most lawns, the ideal compromise is a 70/30 blend of sand and topsoil. This combination mixes evenly with your existing turf, maintaining good drainage while supporting healthy growth.

Be cautious not to add excess soil, as this can block oxygen from reaching the roots and lead to poor drainage or standing water.

How to Get Sod to Lay Flat

Even with good soil prep, lawn unevenness can appear as your sod settles. It’s a natural part of the adjustment process, but there are ways to help it lay flat and root properly.

1. Before installation, make sure the base soil is smooth, level, and firm—but not compacted. Loose or compacted soil both lead to problems later.

2. After laying the sod, use a lawn roller to eliminate air pockets and ensure strong contact with the base.

3. Water lightly after rolling. The goal is moist soil, not soggy.

4. Inspect the lawn after a few days for raised edges or dips and correct them before roots take hold.

5. Limit heavy foot traffic during the first few weeks to avoid shifting.

If you’re installing sod over existing grass, always remove the old turf first. Laying sod over existing grass traps air and creates layers that lead to uneven surfaces and poor rooting later.

Preventing Future Unevenness

Once your lawn is level, keeping it that way requires consistent care. Prevention is the easiest part of the leveling process—and it saves you a lot of rework.

• Check your yard periodically for low spots or drainage issues, especially after heavy rains.

• Aerate compacted soil at least once a year to maintain good soil structure and prevent soil settling.

• Monitor thatch buildup and standing water, both of which can create a breeding ground for disease and pests.

• Avoid overwatering, which can soften the soil and cause uneven areas to sink.

Consistent care—paired with balanced watering and seasonal feeding—keeps your lawn healthy, resilient, and uniform. A level lawn not only looks better but also supports even nutrient flow and prevents erosion from turning into a long-term problem.

About Bethel Farms

If you’re ready to replace or repair sections of uneven sod, it helps to start with high-quality turf. Bethel Farms is a Florida sod farm offering premium grass for sale bred specifically for the region’s unique climate.

Our Bimini® Bermuda is a favorite for its fine texture, fast recovery, and durability under heavy foot traffic—perfect for lawns that see plenty of play and sunshine. ProVista™ St. Augustine offers a dense, lush look with improved tolerance to shade and reduced mowing needs, while Icon® Zoysia stands out for its rich color and soft feel underfoot.

With the right sod variety and proper preparation, you can restore a level, thriving lawn that feels soft, stable, and beautiful season after season.

Final Takeaway

A smooth lawn doesn’t just happen once—it’s maintained through care, observation, and a willingness to fix small issues early. When you’re correcting uneven sod, patience and consistency will reward you with a lush, even yard you’ll love stepping onto.