Landscaping 101 – What Is Land Grading?
If you’ve never heard of land grading before, it’s a process used to create a flat or sloping surface. It helps prevent erosion and surface runoff and can make your landscaping more usable. The process also allows you to control the amount of water in certain areas.
(Looking for Land Clearing Mulching? Contact us today!)
It is a part of landscaping
Land grading involves sculpting the soil in your landscape in a manner that promotes proper drainage. The process can be challenging, and you need the right tools and know-how to do it right. If you don’t grade your land properly, water can collect in large puddles or flow away in a narrow stream.
Land grading services cost between $5 and $10 per square foot, depending on the complexity of your site. A small-lot grading will only cost a few hundred dollars, but a large-scale property may cost more. It is best to consult a landscaper for a fair estimate.
It is used to control surface runoff
Surface runoff can be prevented by using proper land grading techniques. Besides ensuring proper drainage, these methods also reduce water velocity. Water with a lower speed can be more effective than fast-moving water. Clean sand can also be used to control surface runoff, as it is free from debris and is easy to spread without clumping up like tacky clay material.
When land grading is performed for drainage purposes, the land surface is smoothened or shaped to a continuous surface grade that has been planned. Often, the objective of this process is to control surface runoff and avoid ponding.
It helps prevent erosion
Land grading is important for many reasons, but one of the most common is to prevent erosion. Erosion is the result of water washing away small bits of land. It can happen over time or suddenly during heavy rains. It can result in unsightly hills that make it difficult to maintain your yard. It can also damage your siding or foundation. Additionally, too much vegetation can make your home hard to heat during the winter months and block sunlight.
In addition to preventing erosion, land grading improves the landscape surrounding your home. This process entails removing excess dirt and re-grading the area. It is important to do this with care, as any changes in the soil will affect the existing plants and animals living in the area. In addition to improving the landscape around your home, land grading can also be a good way to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
It can make a landscape more usable
Land grading is a crucial part of any landscaping project. It makes the terrain level, making the landscape more usable and easier to maintain. For example, a homeowner might want to build a smooth stone walkway outside their home, but an uneven landscape would make this difficult and even dangerous. Proper land grading also helps prevent flooding and prevents water from pooling around a home’s foundation.
Proper land grading also keeps the lawn from becoming overly wet and marshy. Waterlogged soils can be detrimental to the health of plants and can contribute to erosion. Proper grading can help improve drainage and soil health, which are important for plants and trees. Also, a well-graded lot can encourage plant growth. The right amount of moisture in the soil will help plants thrive and prevent water runoff.
It can be expensive
The cost of land grading varies depending on the size of the project and the scope. Larger projects require more materials and people. The costs can increase if there is an irrigation system involved. In addition to the cost of the materials, a drainage system is a necessity for some projects.
Before starting your land grading project, make sure you get all the necessary permits and inspections. Depending on the size of the project, these permits can cost anywhere from $100 to $500. Also, make sure to check with your local utility company to make sure the land is free of underground utilities.
