Landscape Grading Explained
Landscape grading, also known as land leveling, is the preparation of the landscape for specific elements, such as grass and planting, or hardscapes like driveways and patios.
landscape grading explained
Land grading happens after excavation to create a smooth landscape, free of lumps and bumps. Dirt is taken from high, full spots and used to fill-in lower or empty spots, resulting in a level base that can be used for laying foundations or planting, depending on the location. This “cut and fill” grading also serves drainage purposes, as the grading slopes water away from the construction site.
Like other foundational aspects of a home or place of work, if land grading is done well, you won’t even know to think about it, or be aware of how much time and thought was put into it. It’s only when grading is done poorly or not at all, that you wind up with pooled water, bad drainage or much worse: potential damage to the building’s infrastructure.
Why is Landscape Grading Important?
Good drainage is an extremely important issue on any piece of land. When grading a property, water always needs to be diverted away from the building or structure. If water builds up near the foundation it can result in serious issues, such as damage to the internal blockwork. This means that precise and accurate land grade services are critical to any construction project, whether it’s a new backyard and lawn, an extension to your home or a whole new building.
Why is landscape grading so important
Landscape grading is important for other reasons too. Poor drainage or standing water in your back yard can cause erosion issues and prevent grass or other vegetation to grow, resulting in a muddy mess when it rains. A sloped or uneven yard can also be tough to mow and maintain. Finally, if you like to use your back yard for entertainment, having an uneven surface can make it hard for guests or children to enjoy, and in extreme cases might even pose as a falling hazard.
How to Grade Land
So, you’ve decided that your yard needs some work. Here are some essential steps to bear in mind when grading your land.
Before you start:
- Take note of drainage areas are in your yard. Taking pictures of your yard after heavy rain might help to use as a reference later on.
- Wait for a dry day to start your project. This will prevent equipment from getting stuck in muddy and wet areas.
- Call in a dig ticket. Always call 811 before you start any digging projects on your property. Once called in, a locator will come mark important utilities. It is not only the law but can also save you money if you hit an unmarked utility line. You can call in a dig ticket in Nashville (or Tennessee for that matter) by clicking here.
Ready to begin:
- You need to establish a level line. Drive rigid, wooden stakes into the ground into the areas you want to change – both low and high points.
- Attach a nylon line (this is the best material because it doesn’t sag or rip) between the two stakes. If you’ve got a spirit level that can attach midway along the line, you can snap it on and pull the line tight.
- Using a measuring tape, you can now take measurements from the ground to the line to see how the low spots compare to the high spots. This gives you the amount of earth you need to fill in to reach the high spots, or how much you need to bulldoze away, to match the low spots.
- Order the dirt for your low spots, or the bulldozer rental. Either way, make sure not to compact the earth too much.
- Monitor the new earth at the next rainfall to see how your work has affected the way the water drains.
- And now it’s time to plant some grass or other vegetation to make it look great!
“Work with skilled Nashville hardscaping and outdoor construction professionals who understand your vision and respect your schedule. Contact us for a free quote!”
mini excavator grading a residential backyard
Can I Grade My Own Yard?
Bulldozers are certainly available to rent by the private individual but land grading is a specialist job that is best done by professionals. If you do it yourself and get it wrong, the damage to your property could be extensive and therefore very expensive to remedy. As well as being able to operate the heavy machinery necessary to grade your yard or landscape, local laws can require permits for the identification of underground utilities like cable TV, gas, electricity, and water. Yard grading and drainage system installation are complex requirements and easy to mess up if you don’t know-how. Greenway of Nashville has been the trusted choice for external services for over 10 years, so give us a call to discuss your needs with a trusted and professional landscape grading contractor.
No two projects are the same, so give the land grading experts at Greenway of Nashville a call at (615) 238-4574 and we can talk through your landscape grading needs. Alternatively, you can schedule an onsite visit to get a free grading quote.
