Land Grading is one of the most critical steps when working on building or landscaping. It provides a level base, proper drainage and helps prevent expensive long-term problems such as erosion or water damage. Professional Grading Services in Southeast Michigan Thomas Excavation focuses on grading services that set you up for safe, successful development.

What Is Land Grading?

Land grading is the process of contouring the land, including cutting, filling, and sloping soil. The object is to form a smooth, level surface or to create a slightly sloping surface that promotes water drainage. It’s a fundamental step in as much site preparation for residential and commercial projects.

The Significance of Land Grading

Grading effects the way water travels across your property. Without proper grading you will run into issues such as:

• Flooding or pooling water
• Foundation damage
• Soil erosion
• Unstable building surfaces

Good drainage stops these problems and gives value to your property. Whether its constructing a home, adding a driveway or redesigning a yard, grading ensures the project will be built on an appropriate base to withstand the test of time.

Land Grading Techniques: The Most Common

Depending on the requirements of the project, we employ multiple grading techniques at Thomas Excavation:

Cut and Fill

This process consists of removing soil from elevation crests and transporting it to the valleys. It fills on uneven ground and is used on a new construction site.

Sloping for Drainage

We grade surfaces to slope away from structures or paved areas to direct water to adequate drainage areas. This is so it protects their foundations, basements and landscaping.

Soil Removal and a Little Bit of Reuse

On occasions we’ll take off the topsoil layer before grading, particularly if it’s unstable or too moist. We then spread quality topsoil over the graded site to retain moisture for plants or turf installation.

Laser or GPS Grading

For large projects or those requiring precision work, we will use laser or GPS-assisted equipment to get the ground graded to tight tolerances. Because this is a much more accurate and efficient method.

What Is Land Grading and When Do You Need It?

Grading land is necessary in many instances:

• Planning for a new building, shed or garage
• Resolving drainage problems on your property
• Putting in a driveway, patio or sidewalk
• Yard grading to get the yard level for landscaping or sod

Fixing erosion or soil settling issues

Water pooling near your foundation, uneven ground, or bad drainage in your yard — it’s time to call in a professional to have it graded.

Work With the Experts

Thomas Excavation has been trusted in outdoor grading work in Southeast Michigan for years and we have the machinery whose efficiency you can depend on. We customize to your property’s needs so that there is proper slope, stability and protection for the long haul.