What To Know About Final Grading Your Property
#1. Grading For Proper Drainage
The primary reason for property grading isn't just to make everything level and uniform. The real purpose for property grading is to provide proper drainage by sloping the grade away from your home or other out-buildings and landscape elements. This is called "positive" grading and it works to direct water away from your structure. If the grade is sloping towards your home this would be considered a "negative" grade and would lead to water pooling up around your structure which is not a good thing.
#2. Soil Conditions
The condition of your soil can make an impact on how your property is graded. Usually the layer of topsoil will need to come off to expose the soil underneath. This is where we use a machine to actually level and "shape" your property with the desired slope. If you have very hard clay-based soil (hardpan condition) then this will need to be addressed.
#3. Matching Existing Fixtures With The Final Grade
This is where it takes a little finesse and a lot of experience with property grading! You want to make sure your final grade matches your existing landscape fixtures. You don't want to step off your back patio and drop down a foot onto your lawn. Ideally your property is graded so the final grade can match up with your existing fixtures but at the same time allowing for the proper slope to prevent water from pooling up and directing into a drainage ditch, swale, or other drainage system.
If you'd like to schedule a consultation with us to discuss property grading we'd be happy to meet with you. Please call (229) 848-1773 or fill out our online form and we'll get right back to you.