Grading Contractor in Coastal Georgia
Get the water moving and the ground level.
What Grading Involves
Grading is shaping the ground so water goes where you want it and the surface sits level. Most of the yard problems we get called about are grading problems, not drainage pipe problems.
Coastal Georgia is flat and the soil holds water in spots. A quarter inch of fall per foot makes the difference between a dry yard and a wet one.
When You Need Grading
- Water stands in the yard for days after a rain.
- Runoff is heading toward the house or the crawl space instead of away.
- A new yard needs to be leveled before sod or seed.
- The driveway has ruts, washouts, or low spots holding water.
- A lot needs rough grade before construction starts.
Common Grading Projects
- Yard regrading to stop standing water
- Finish grade before sod and seeding
- Swale cutting to carry runoff to the ditch
- Driveway regrading and crown restoration
- Rough grade on new construction lots
- Positive drainage around foundations
How We Handle the Job
- 1
Watch the water
We look at where water enters, where it sits, and where it has to end up.
- 2
Set the targets
High point, low point, and the fall between them get shot with a level.
- 3
Cut and fill
High spots come down, low spots come up, and we work with what is already on site when we can.
- 4
Shape and smooth
The skid steer and rake pass over it until the surface is even and clean.
- 5
Check it wet
Where we can, we run water on it or come back after a rain to confirm it drains.
Equipment We Use
- Skid steer with grading bucket and box blade
- Laser level and transit for elevation control
- Landscape rake for finish work before sod
- Compact excavator for swales and tie ins
Why Experience Matters Here
Anyone can make dirt look flat. Making it look flat while still carrying water is the trick. A yard that is truly dead level is a yard that puddles.
We have fixed a lot of yards where somebody hauled in dirt and left it higher against the house than the yard. That is how you end up with water in a crawl space.
Grading Questions We Get Asked
Can grading fix standing water without installing drains?
Most of the time, yes. If there is somewhere for the water to go, reshaping the surface is cheaper and lasts longer than pipe. If the lot is truly landlocked, then we look at a drain.
How much slope does a yard need?
A good rule is about a quarter inch of fall per foot for the first ten feet away from the house, then a gentler slope across the yard toward the ditch or the low side.
Do you grade before sod?
Yes, and finish grade before sod is different from rough grade. We rake it smooth, pull the rocks and roots out, and leave a clean surface the sod crew can lay right on.
Will I need extra dirt brought in?
Sometimes. If we can balance the cut and fill on site we will, because that is cheaper for you. If the low areas are deep, we bring in fill and price the loads up front.
Where We Do Grading Work
We cover all of Coastal Georgia for grading, including Midway, Hinesville, Richmond Hill, Savannah, Pooler, Ludowici, and Pembroke, plus Liberty, Bryan, Chatham, and McIntosh County.
Need Grading in Coastal Georgia?
Call or send us the details and we will get you a straight estimate.