Have you recently bought or inherited a house with an overgrown yard? Or maybe you've owned your home for years but simply never got around to getting your property into shape. Unfortunately, revitalizing a severely neglected yard is rarely a simple matter of tearing out weeds and planting grass. Fixing a property in rough shape often requires getting down into the dirt and regrading. If you're ready to hire someone to tackle this potentially substantial project, it's worthwhile to take a step back and consider the process necessary to turn your overgrown yard into smooth turf. While every regrading project will have its own unique considerations, these three steps are often necessary for regrading and revitalizing any sizable lawn.
1. Site Evaluation
You'll always want to have an experienced contractor inspect your property and evaluate your specific needs. While your goal may be to produce flat and even turf, numerous potential obstacles can make this task challenging. For example, existing landscaping or large trees can impact your grading project. In some cases, it may be necessary to install retaining walls to keep these features in place. Your contractor will also need to consider your existing grade and any existing drainage issues. If your lawn has many hills and valleys, smoothing the terrain out may not be possible. Instead, your contractor will need to excavate and fill these areas using heavier equipment. You'll also need to consider how you want water to drain since simply moving it away from your foundation isn't always enough.
2. Land Clearing
Regrading your lawn almost always involves scraping off the upper layer of vegetation and soil. This process can be painful for well-manicured properties, but it's a boon when revitalizing neglected land. Grading contractors can often grind up the existing vegetation, allowing them to smooth the debris into the landscape as they work. You'll also need to clear any significant obstacles during this process. You'll need to remove garden beds, trees, bushes, and other landscaping features that don't fit into the new grading plan. Alternatively, you can work with your contractor to ensure that these features can remain and that they don't impede water drainage or collapse due to erosion.
3. Leveling and Topsoil Placement
Once the land is clear, your contractor will use topsoil (either sourced on-site or transported) to fill out any valleys and create a smooth surface. This final step ensures that your yard looks good and that the water drains safely away from your foundation and other vulnerable areas. Instead of an uneven and overgrown yard, you'll have a blank canvas ready for grass seeding and fresh landscaping.
For more information, contact a land grading contractor in your area.