How to get new lawn level with old lawn

[GAZ2785]

Hi there,

I have almost finished my garden project but have one last question.

I have removed and old patio and path, rotovated and put down 4 tonnes of top soil to bring it level with the lawn. I am then seeding the new sections of soil.

At the moment the new soil is perfectly level with the remainder of the lawn. However if you walk over the new soil, it sinks by around half an inch or so. I have heard it's bad to roll or compact the soil prior to putting down grass seed, however I don't want these new bits of lawn to sink later on the moment they are walked over.

What is the correct thing to do here? Will the new grass roots fill out and stop the soil from sinking, or should I try and lightly compact it first (which will probably also mean topping up with more soil)?

A few people have mentioned walking over it first, but it's a big area and that's going to make it quite uneven.

Thanks,

 

[r896neo]

you either heel and toe walk over it, like baby steps or roll it for a larger area. If you have put down 4 tons of fresh soil compaction will not be an issue.

 

[GAZ2785]

Thanks, I walked over the whole area this evening, then raked it over. A large section raked over fine, however another area (the bit I did originally using the same batch of soil, but a few weeks ago) has created slightly larger clumps when I raked it. Am hoping I can rake or till these out when it dries out somewhat.

If the new sections of soil are level with the old lawn *after* walking over it and raking, is this ok, or is it likely to sink further?

Thanks,