Landscaping question

[Joe-CJ7]

I have my back yard and I am finishing my Daughters swing set area up. I want to level that area to make it level. It currently slopes up by about 4-5 inches and is very noticeable when I am laying my play area brick border.

Questions:
What is the best and least expensive way to get it level?
What should I haul the dirt/rocks and grass off in? I do not want to take 25 trips to the dump.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[JamesT]

I think you may be able to find a pool company to unload some of their dirt from a new install for you. I know this is what my neighbor did.

[1BLKJP]

Joe,

Is there any noticeable reason that there is a slope right there? I am just thinking that if you alter the terrain you could face some problems in the future.

You should be able to rent a larger truck or trailer from one of the equipment rental outfits in town that would allow you to knock some of the trips out.

[k7mto]

How large is the area you need to level? If the slope is only 4-5 inches difference from the top to the bottom, you can do it with a pick and a shovel. Rather than dig out the high end and end up with dirt/rocks to remove, you can install a retaining wall/border on the low end and remove half the amount from the top and use it to back fill behind the wall on the bottom. A single row of 6" landscaping ties or a row of 6" decorative blocks would be sufficient. Each are fairly cheap in cost. I did something similar with my (in progress) front yard landscaping. You're more than welcome to stop by and have a look if you like. I'm also in Gilbert and work from home so I'm here all day. Stop by anytime.

3472 E Geronimo Ct.
near Higley and Pecos

[rolled1]

I did something simular in my yard also.
2 rows of tera cotta landscape bricks from home depot. back filled with extra dirt and now have a nice meandering planter.:)

[Craig]

Make sure that your yard will drain correctly. If leveling the area causes any water to pool next to your house you are asking for settling problems. Builders can and will void warranties for this. Just something to consider. ;)

Have fun!:D I hate moving dirt!

[Joe-CJ7]

Thanks everybody.

Currently the backyard slopes towards the house. I do not want to fill in that area because then it will be a step up.
Besides a laser level company or using a 3 foot level I would like find a way in between to level it properly

Or I can have a shovel party and have everybody grab a shovel and take a Jeep load for me :D

It looks like I will be hauling the dirt and rocks out of there in trips to the dump, or renting a BFT to make one trip.

We called Gilbert and they can bring out a dumpster and then haul it off for me, sounds nice but look at the price:
Delivery of dumpster 25.00
Dumpster rental 125.00
Removal 25.00
Then a 28.00 per ton fee (that is the bad one)

Jk

[rolled1]

If you are handy with small equipment , you can rent a small bob cat to cut it down to size. they might be able to instruct you on how to run one at the rental place.
Those little ones are easy to use and kinda fun too.:cool:

[Craig]

Clear tubing with water in it is a cheap way to level two points that are a good distance away. Watch harbor freight though. You can get one of their laser levels for under $30.00