[jackallis]

i got this https://i.imgur.com/y1xmbLF.mp4 backyard. planning to cut trees down to set lawn.

trouble i am having, after stumps are taken care of, is how to grade and make the area lawn ready. the place is full of leaves,dead leaves, and crap, how much of that and underneath do i remove? And how much soil do i add?
i am upto the point of taking care of the stumps, after that i have no clue.

i was going to rent skid steer but i can get handle of how of top layer to remove. here is close of surface https://i.imgur.com/y1xmbLF.mp4

 

[chandler48]

My first course would be to use a rock rake to get as much stone and other matter out of the way. You may be cursed with a never ending supply of rocks that will emerge every year to the surface, but they should be removed and a soil test made to see what amendments are needed before you plan on hauling in top soil.

 

[DoomsDave]

@jackallis, first and foremost, welcome! I can see you're not a newbie, but nice to see you.

Second, it's totally important to know where you are. The advice given is going to vary a lot depending upon location. Just City/County and State/Province are sufficient. Orange County California, is one place, Miami Florida is another, Manitoba is another.

As far as his advice goes, I totally concur with @chandler48, but we really need to know a lot more to advise further.

Hope you're well and safe.

 

[Bondo]

trouble i am having, after stumps are taken care of, is how to grade and make the area lawn ready. the place is full of leaves,dead leaves, and crap, how much of that and underneath do i remove? And how much soil do i add?
i am upto the point of taking care of the stumps, after that i have no clue.

Ayuh,..... the trees in the very brief glimpse in the vid, the biggish pine trees,..??

If so, removin' the stumps is gonna leave pretty traumatized land,....
Once the stumps are off-site, rough grade the lot for proper drainage, with the material that's there, native to the site,.....
Sticks, 'n leaves rot, free organic material,.....

Once rough graded, test the soil, 'n see what it needs to support grass,.....
Add in whatever it needs, durin' the final finish grading process,.....

'n I agree with Larry,.....
Yer gonna wanta pick a spot for yer new Rock Pile,.....
Looks like yer gonna have alota fist to foot sized stones,......
Hopefully, no bigger,.....