When you’re building a new home or embarking on a landscaping project, there’s a good chance that the land will need to be graded, or leveled, before the rest of the work can begin. It is rare for land to naturally be at the perfect angle for a structure, so land grading is necessary to create the proper surface for a successful project. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, use the following guide to learn more.

The Process of Land Grading 

Land grading is performed to accomplish two purposes. It is either needed to make the land level prior to new construction or create a slope to encourage water drainage and prevent flooding or other water damage. Poor drainage can be disastrous to any home or structure, but a proper grade creates a slope that allows water to flow away from the building instead of toward it. Land grading can be accomplished in several ways.

Moving Dirt

Contractors will use machinery to move earth from one part of the plot to another. This evens the surface by filling in low lying areas and eliminating hills and higher elevations. Sometimes, this process only involves adding topsoil to smooth the ground’s surface and make it flat.

Excavation

Excavation is also a form of grading. Sometimes it is necessary to create holes in the ground to create a level surface. Building a foundation or a road involves excavation. During this process, a low-lying and level surface is dug out with a specific structure in mind. Excavation does not always change the layout of the surrounding area. 

The Benefits of Land Grading 

Land grading protects your property and your neighbors’. For example, without proper drainage, water will pool around the foundation when it rains. This can lead to basement floods, foundation and structural cracks, and landscape damage. Improper drainage can also cause flooding on your neighbor’s property—and you could be liable for it. 

Eliminating low-lying spots on your property also prevents pooling water that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This situation is not only irritating but potentially hazardous to your health. Leveling the ground can also simplify yard care, making it easier to mow the lawn and provide healthy soil for plants.

Start your building or landscaping project off on the right foot with professional grading from LaSalle Sand & Gravel in Kalispell, MT. They have more than 15 years of experience in private road building, excavation, and land clearing. They can also provide sand, gravel, and washed stone to complete your project. To get a quote on land grading and schedule an appointment, call (406) 756-9070.