Step 1: Stake out the ground or work area you need to level.
Measure the ground. Make certain all sides are equal in proportion, creating a square or rectangular-shaped workspace. Spray fluorescent orange paint on the ground at each of the corners to mark where your stakes will go. Use a hammer or sledgehammer to drive 1 stake into each of the corners marked with orange paint. Tie the end of string to the first stake and walk to the second stake. Wrap the string around the second stake and then the third and fourth stakes. Tie the string off when you get back to the first stake. This will give you a good visual of your work area.
Step 2: Level the prepared ground.
Use a shovel to remove excess soil from hills, inclines, or other high areas to bring the ground closer to level. Dump or shovel soil over lower areas in your staked-out area. Spread the soil, working it evenly over the ground with bow rake.
Step 3: Check the ground to be sure it is level.
Drive one post into the ground on either side of your work area. Tie a string a couple of inches above the ground and between the 2 posts. Pull the string tight before you tie it off. Hang a string level in the center of your line. Read the level. If the ground is not quite level, add soil to the low areas, rake and then re-check the level.