Outdoor living projects are becoming increasingly popular. And with them, site grading must also be considered.
Site grading is an important consideration for any landscaping or ground improvement project. It is also essential for proper surface drainage. Without site grading, you risk building or implementing garden improvements on uneven ground or suffering water damage.
Starting with a level foundation for your next garden project, or just for water drainage, will save you a lot of hassle and extra costs later on. But how do you properly accomplish the leveling of a yard?
Check out our top 5 tips below.
Properly Land Grading Your Yard: The Basics
1. Order enough dirt
You can never have too much soil for grading a yard. You may end up using more than you intended, so order topsoil in bulk and have it delivered directly to your home.
2. Identify utility lines and drainage area
Mark all water, gas, electrical and telephone lines in the ground. This is an important step to ensure that no pipes or lines are damaged or broken during the digging process.
You should also identify the nearest drainage area so you know where the water should drain.
3. Determine the level grade line
You need to mark out the area you plan to grade, and then identify the lowest and highest points in that area. This will help you establish the grade line you need to aim for. You will be looking to create a 90 degree angle from the lowest and highest points (think of a right triangle).
4. Avoid grading too high
This is a common mistake. If you are grading the land right next to your house, you should leave a 15-20 cm gap between where you plan to grade and the pavement. It is also a bad idea to try to solve a drainage problem by pushing and piling dirt to the sides of the house. This is an inefficient and short-term strategy.
5. Finish by tamping down the soil
When you have finished hoeing and raking the soil to make sure it is level, finish by using a piece of plywood or a tamping machine to gently tamp the soil.
If you’re looking for professional grading service Spartanburg, check out CR Construction & Grading. Our team of experts can answer any questions you may have about landscaping projects and help you get your yard designed exactly the way you want it.