Hey everyone! I recently ripped up some concrete slabs (about 10 ft x 8 ft) and replaced them with 1.5 tons of fill dirt back in November. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to work on the area since then, and now the dirt has become compacted due to foot traffic and rain. I still need to level it out and create a slope before finishing with sand, base panels, and pavers. I'm looking for the easiest way to loosen up a few inches of that dirt by hand. Any suggestions on tools or methods that could help me out? Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
Have you considered using a rake? While it might seem that a rake could do the job, keep in mind that if the dirt is really compacted, it might not be effective enough. You might want to go for something sturdier like a tiller.
If the dirt is super hard, I actually use a small jackhammer or demolition hammer for tough spots. It really makes a difference and gets the job done when hand tools just won’t cut it!
I’d recommend using a tiller or a cultivator to break up that compacted dirt. They’re designed for this kind of work and should help you get everything loosened up nicely. Just make sure to get one that's powerful enough for compacted soil!