Landscape Grading: The Foundation To A Beautiful Yard

Paul’s split-ranch is located on 1/3-acre in a tree-lined area. Rainwater would have flowed out of the backyard when the house was built in 1972. Greenbar Excavation allowed water to flow from an easement channel that ran along with the property to a culvert at the back to a drainage pipe.

The channel was dug by the town to replace a sewer line. It was built about five years ago. What was the result? Paul claims that snow melt and rainwater don’t drain from his backyard anymore. Instead, it builds up and creates large puddles in the spring and late winter.

Paul said, “It’s like a swamp, and sometimes there’s enough water to look like a pond.” In April and May, however, the yard remains too muddy to mow.

“The lawnmower wheels sink in the mud and then spin. Paul says, “You can’t go anywhere.”

Problems with standing water

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The wet conditions are ideal for fungi and mosquitoes. The problem is that the uneven lawn surface is hard to maintain even when it is dry.

“You end up cutting your grass on the high spots, and not cutting it where it’s lower– It’s a disaster!”

A poorly graded yard can not only hold too much water but it can also send water towards the foundation of a home, leading to cracked foundations and flooded basements.

If Paul’s yard sounds familiar, grade your landscape to create a beautiful yard.

Plan your landscape grading project

Grading your landscape will provide a stable foundation. The land should be graded away from your home’s foundation. Grading should direct water away from your home’s foundation and towards existing drainage channels.

Ask your city hall or town hall:

  • What kind of permit is needed for this project?
  • What codes may be applicable to the grading?
  • The town/city will have to inspect the finished project.

Do your research

  • For reviews on local contractors, check out Angie’s List or Yelp.
  • Ask for quotes. To compare costs, get at least three estimates. The contractor must measure your yard and describe the process used to grade it or regrade it.
  • Make sure the contractor gives you all details regarding the project, including whether the permit costs and lawn seeding will be included or not.
  • To verify the current status of your contractor’s license, contact your state’s licensing boards. To ensure the best possible result, use a licensed contractor to do the job.
  • Refer to references of contractors. Ask your contractor for references. Get phone numbers and email addresses of customers you can directly contact.

Sign a contract

After you’ve chosen your contractor, sign a contract which includes:

  • This is a complete description of the work.
  • Material and labor costs
  • The timeline and expected completion dates are included.
  • A schedule of payments.

Enjoy your beautiful yard

Do not live in a yard that isn’t useful. Enjoy the great weather, and take advantage of your newly landscaped yard.

This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top companies for Septic pumping in Redmond Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!

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