Grading and Levelling: Key Differences and When Your Land Needs Each

Grading and leveling are two essential land preparation processes that homeowners and builders often confuse. While these terms sound similar, they serve different purposes in construction projects and landscaping tasks. Land grading creates controlled slopes to direct water flow and prevent pooling, while land leveling produces a uniform surface for specific uses like lawns or building pads.

Understanding these key differences helps you choose the right approach for your property needs. Whether you're dealing with drainage issues, preparing for construction projects, or improving your outdoor spaces, knowing when to use each process saves time and money while protecting your investment.

What is Land Grading?

Construction vehicle prepares site by moving soil piles for precise grading and leveling across terrain

Land grading reshapes your property's surface to create specific slopes that control water movement and prepare sites for construction. By following natural contours or cutting and filling uneven ground, crews achieve the desired slope essential for efficient drainage and successful land development. Costs often break down by square foot, so knowing the elevation change per square foot helps estimate material shifts and equipment time accurately.

Creating Purposeful Slopes

Grading shapes your land to establish a gentle slope that moves water away from structures and toward appropriate drainage areas. Around homes, experts recommend a desired slope of about 5% - dropping six inches over the first ten feet from your foundation. This controlled grading prevents water from pooling against your house, which could cause serious foundation damage.

Landscape grading involves cutting high areas and filling low spots to create smooth transitions across your property. Professional contractors use surveying tools to ensure slopes meet engineering specifications while maintaining attractive contours that blend naturally with surrounding terrain.

Drainage and Erosion Control

Proper grading forms the backbone of effective drainage systems. By shaping your land's surface, grading channels rainwater along predetermined paths instead of letting it collect in problematic areas. This controlled water flow prevents soil erosion and protects both your landscaping and structural elements.

Erosion control works hand-in-hand with grading projects. After reshaping terrain, contractors often install erosion control measures like silt fences, seed disturbed areas, and create swales that naturally manage stormwater. These techniques prevent soil runoff while maintaining the intended grade.

Site Preparation for Construction

Construction projects require proper land leveling and grading to create stable building platforms. Preparation involves rough grading to establish general elevations, followed by fine grading to achieve exact specifications. This process ensures structures rest on solid, properly drained ground.

Commercial construction and residential projects both depend on skilled grading to meet building codes. Local regulations typically require specific drainage patterns around structures, making professional grading essential for permit approval and long-term performance.

Tools and Equipment

Grading services use heavy machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and motor graders to move earth efficiently. Skid steer loaders handle smaller areas or tight spaces where larger equipment cannot operate effectively. Modern specialized equipment includes laser leveling systems that provide precise grade control.

The grading process typically starts with rough grading using powerful dozers to establish basic contours. Fine grading follows, using more precise tools to achieve exact slopes and smooth surfaces. Careful planning ensures each phase builds toward the final grade specifications.

What is Land Leveling?

Land leveling creates flat surfaces by eliminating elevation variations across specific areas. Crews grade inch by inch, calculating costs per square foot to achieve the desired uniform height over every square foot of soil. While the goal is flatness, precisely leveled ground can still improve drainage in garden beds, patios, and sports fields by preventing low spots that collect water.

Achieving Uniform Surfaces

Illustrated grader pushes soil to create a uniform surface during grading and leveling land preparation

Land leveling aims to produce a completely flat surface or one with minimal, consistent grade across the entire area. This uniformity ensures efficient water distribution for irrigation systems and creates stable platforms for various uses. Land leveling eliminates bumps, depressions, and other irregularities that could interfere with intended functions.

Agricultural applications benefit greatly from precision leveling. Laser leveling systems guide equipment to achieve millimeter-accurate flatness, ensuring efficient irrigation and maximizing crop growth potential. This technology has revolutionized farming by reducing water waste and improving yields.

Landscaping Applications

Yard leveling transforms bumpy lawns into smooth, attractive surfaces that are easier to maintain and safer to use. Lawn leveling eliminates water pooling areas where mosquitoes breed and creates consistent growing conditions for grass. A level surface also provides better foundations for patios, sheds, and play equipment.

Landscaping companies often combine leveling with other services to create comprehensive outdoor improvements. After achieving a proper surface, they may install irrigation systems, plant new lawns, or prepare areas for hardscaping features.

Construction Applications

Both land leveling and grading play crucial roles in construction projects. While grading establishes overall drainage patterns, leveling creates precise platforms for structures. Building pads must be level to ensure proper foundation performance and prevent structural issues.

Construction site preparation frequently requires both processes in sequence. Contractors first grade the property to establish drainage, then level specific areas where structures will be built. This combination approach ensures both proper drainage and stable foundations.

Precision and Technology

Modern land leveling employs advanced technology for exceptional accuracy. Laser leveling systems use rotating lasers to maintain consistent reference heights, while GPS-guided equipment follows digital terrain models. These innovations ensure precise results while reducing labor costs and project timelines.

Heavy equipment used for leveling includes specialized scrapers, land planes, and grading attachments. The choice depends on project size and precision requirements. Small residential projects might use compact equipment, while large agricultural fields require powerful tractors with laser-guided implements.

Key Differences Between Land Grading and Land Leveling

Understanding the differences between land grading and land leveling helps you choose the appropriate service for your specific needs. These two processes serve distinct purposes and produce different results.

Primary Objectives

Machinery removes sod and grass, prepping ground for grading and leveling before construction begins

Land grading aims to create controlled slopes that direct water flow and prevent drainage problems. The primary objective is shaping terrain to achieve specific grades and contours. Land leveling focuses on creating flat surfaces that eliminate elevation variations within defined areas.

These different goals require different approaches and equipment. Grading projects consider existing topography and water drainage patterns, while leveling prioritizes achieving consistent elevation across the work area.

Water Management Approaches

Grading and leveling handle water differently. Grading controls water flow by creating slopes that channel runoff away from structures and toward appropriate outlets. This approach prevents and reduces erosion risks.

Leveling ensures efficient water distribution by eliminating high and low spots that could cause uneven irrigation coverage. While leveled areas still need slight grades for drainage, the focus is on uniformity rather than directing flow.

Applications and Use Cases

Land grading is essential for construction projects, land development, and drainage planning. It addresses grave slopes, creates buildable sites, and solves drainage issues. Landscape grading also enhances property aesthetics by creating attractive contours.

Land leveling serves agricultural needs, landscaping projects, and specific construction requirements. It prepares fields for irrigation, creates smooth lawns, and provides level building pads. Cubic yard calculations help contractors determine material needs for each application.

Terrain Outcomes

After grading, your property will have intentional slopes, berms, and drainage features designed to manage water effectively. The land topography reflects planned contours that serve specific functions while maintaining attractive appearances.

Leveling produces level surfaces with minimal elevation variation. While not perfectly flat (slight drainage slopes remain necessary), leveled areas provide consistent platforms for their intended uses.

Equipment and Precision Requirements

Both land leveling and grading use similar heavy equipment, but precision requirements differ. Grading tolerances typically allow for slight variations as long as overall slopes meet specifications. Leveling demands greater accuracy, especially for applications like sports fields or precision agriculture.

Specialized equipment for leveling includes laser-guided scrapers and GPS-controlled blades. These tools achieve the uniformity required for optimal performance in their intended applications.

When Your Land Needs Each Process

Determining whether you need grading services, leveling, or both depends on your specific property conditions and project goals. Common scenarios help illustrate when each process is most appropriate.

Drainage Problems

Drainage problems around structures typically require grading land to create proper slopes. If water pools against your home's foundation or flows toward buildings, regrading establishes slopes that direct water flow away from problem areas.

Water pooling in yard areas might need leveling to eliminate low spots, combined with slight grading to ensure runoff reaches appropriate outlets. Professional assessment helps determine which approach best solves your specific drainage challenges.

Construction and Development

Illustration shows grading and leveling used to prepare land for construction and proper site layout

Construction projects almost always require both processes. Land development begins with grading to establish overall site drainage and buildable areas. Specific construction zones then receive leveling to create precise platforms for foundations and structures.

Preparation for homes, driveways, and other improvements follows this pattern. Contractors grade the property to manage water, then level areas where structures will be built. This combination ensures both proper drainage and stable foundations.

Landscape Improvements

Landscaping projects benefit from both processes depending on goals. Land leveling creates smooth lawns and eliminates trip hazards, while landscape grading establishes attractive contours and drainage patterns.

Outdoor spaces like patios and play areas typically need level foundations, while surrounding areas require grading to direct water away from these features. Landscaping businesses coordinate both processes to create comprehensive improvements.

Agricultural Applications

Farming operations need better irrigation and water drainage, making land leveling essential for crop production. Level fields ensure uniform water distribution and prevent waste. Crop growth improves significantly when irrigation reaches all areas equally.

Land grading depends on field conditions and farming methods. Sloped fields might need terracing or contouring to prevent erosion, while level areas focus on achieving uniform elevation for optimal irrigation efficiency.

Erosion and Slope Management

Severe slopes require land grading to create manageable grades and prevent soil erosion. Retaining walls often work with land grading to create level areas on sloped properties. This combination makes unusable steep terrain functional while controlling erosion.

Erosion control strategies integrate with land grading projects to stabilize newly shaped terrain. Careful planning ensures graded slopes remain stable and support vegetation establishment.

The Professional Process

Professional land grading and land leveling projects follow systematic approaches that ensure quality results. Understanding this process helps you work effectively with contractors and achieve desired outcomes.

Planning and Assessment

Land preparation begins with thorough site evaluation. Contractors assess existing topography, soil conditions, and drainage patterns to develop appropriate solutions. This assessment determines whether projects need land grading, land leveling, or both processes.

Sewage planning identifies where water should flow and establishes grade requirements. Professional surveyors often provide elevation data that guides equipment operators in achieving specified slopes and elevations.

Equipment Selection

Heavy machinery selection depends on project size and precision requirements. Large land grading projects use bulldozers and excavators, while precision leveling might require land leveling systems and GPS-guided equipment.

Skid steer loaders handle smaller areas or provide access where larger equipment cannot operate. Equipment choice affects both project cost and timeline, making proper selection important for efficiency.

Execution and Quality Control

The grading process typically involves multiple passes with different equipment. Rough grading establishes basic contours, while fine grading achieves exact specifications. Laser leveling systems provide continuous feedback to ensure accuracy.

Quality control measures verify that finished work meets specifications. Achieve the desired results through careful monitoring and adjustment during construction. Professional contractors guarantee their work meets agreed-upon standards.

Finishing and Stabilization

Erosion control methods protect newly graded or leveled areas from weather damage. Seeding, mulching, and temporary barriers prevent soil runoff while vegetation establishes. These measures ensure long-term stability of shaped terrain.

Landscaping tasks like seeding and planting complete the process. Proper land leveling provides ideal conditions for establishing healthy lawns and landscaping features that enhance property value and function.

Modern Technology and Best Practices

Heavy excavators remove brush and trees, performing early stages of grading and leveling in forested area

Current land grading procedures benefit from advanced technology that improves accuracy and efficiency. Leveling systems and GPS guidance have revolutionized earthmoving operations, delivering precision results while reducing costs.

Specialized equipment with automated controls achieves consistent results faster than traditional methods. These advances benefit property owners through improved quality and reduced project timelines.

Environmental considerations also influence modern practices. Erosion control protects water quality and comply with regulations. Sustainable approaches minimize environmental impact while achieving project goals.

Transform Your Property with Professional Grading and Leveling

Grading and leveling separate slope control from a flat surface. Land grading shapes specific slopes for water flow, prevent soil erosion, and fit drainage systems, while land leveling creates a flat surface for construction work, lawn leveling, and efficient irrigation. Land leveling always follows land grading to eliminate standing water.

Professional land grading contractors use precise leveling systems for shaping land projects. Land grading systems handle grading, drainage planning and retaining walls, ensuring drainage systems and a foundation. Regular land grading prevents pooling and runoff. Schedule land grading to support projects, improve land grading results, keep land grading maintenance aligned with regulations, and guarantee land grading.

Ultimate Guide: How Do You Level a Dirt Road Efficiently

How do you level a dirt road efficiently? The way might appear to be a simple one: how do we change this bumpy, uneven path into the safe and smooth roadway it is meant to be? It's like driving down a rural road, feeling everything shake and rattle. It is one of the most unpleasant feelings imaginable. But therein lies the art of leveling a dirt road, an art as intriguing as it is crucial.

Comfort is not the only issue when leveling off a dirt road. There are also safety, durability and accessibility aspects to consider. From narrow back lanes to wide farm roads, correct leveling can greatly increase the life of a road while making it smoother to travel. This process is essential to understanding whether you're a landowner, an ordinary member of the community or just someone curious about road maintenance. This guide will take you into the nitty-gritty of how to level a dirt road.

Understanding the Basics of Dirt Road Leveling

Before we get stuck into the how-to, let's lay some groundwork. Dirt road leveling is like learning the ABCs before writing a novel. It's the foundation upon which everything else stands. Let's take a look at what exactly dirt road leveling is and why it should be so important to anyone concerned with these paths.

What is Dirt Road Leveling?

Dirt road leveling is something like cutting a wild mop of hair. It is the process of cutting out high spots and filling in low ones on a dirt road to make it smooth and even. This usually comprises scraping, grading and sometimes compaction of the road's surface. It's a delicate balance between removing enough material to level the road and maintaining enough to ensure a durable surface. As a haircut enhances the look of a person, proper leveling can improve not only how well but also how long the road will perform.

Leveling Your Dirt Road: Why?

What need is there to level a dirt road? Well, the reasons are as clear as day:

Safety: A level road is a safer road. Many accidents can be traced back to uneven surfaces, so those bumps and dips must be smoothed out.

Comfort: Frankly speaking, no one likes driving on a bumpy road. This results in a smoother ride, saving you and your car from the throes of an unbearable jolting.

Maintenance: In fact, frequent leveling can reduce the need for more intensive treatment later on. It is an active road care strategy.

Accessibility: Good roads improve access, which is important for remote areas where these roads are often means of life.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Level a Dirt Road?

Now, let's tackle the main question: How do you level a dirt road?

Initial Assessment and Planning

The journey to a properly graded dirt road begins with this sharp eye and firm plan. So, have a good look at the road. Focus on the places that are above or below average. Any drainage problems, or places that are always a headache? This first assessment is like reading a road's history. It indicates what needs repairing. Next, plan your approach. Figure out when and how you'll approach the project. Weather conditions and tools are all factors to be considered. Good planning's half the battle won, remember. You equip yourself with a sharp appreciation of the condition of that bumpy path, and then go forth purposefully on your smooth route.

Selecting the Right Tools and Equipment

Getting the right tools and equipment is important. Here's a rundown of what you'll need:

Grader: A grader, the star of the show, is indispensable for scraping and leveling.

Roller: Once graded, a roller compacts the surface to make it more durable.

Shovel and Rake: Finer adjustments, spreading materials.

Water Truck (optional): If dust is a problem, water trucks can help keep it in check.

Each tool has its own special function. The grader does the hard work, scraping off high spots and moving dirt around. The roller packs the loose dirt so that there is a firm, enduring road surface. Meanwhile, shovels and rakes are good for finishing touches-handling the smaller details. If dust does become an issue, a water truck can moisten the road and reduce airborne particles. When put together, these tools comprise an effective arsenal for taking on anything the road may throw at you.

Executing the Leveling Process

Now equipped with your plan and the proper tools, it is now time to put on work gloves and get down to business leveling. At this stage, the magic takes place: a crude, uneven road becomes even. Here's how to do it:

Start with Grading: First, use the grader to remove the high spots (bald peaks) and fill in the low ones. Proceed at a walking pace, covering the whole road evenly. You can think of it as smoothing the road, shaping it to your satisfaction.

Check for Consistency: Check your progress periodically along the way. Search for any unfinished spots or places that need more attention. It is like proofing an essay. You don't want to miss any errors along the way.

Compact the Surface: When you're happy with the grading, have in the roller. Proper compaction makes your work hard and the road strong, reducing wear. It's like putting the finishing touch on all your hard work.

Finishing Touches: Make any final adjustments with your shovel and rake. This is the time for fine-tuning with every inch of the road just right.

Assess and Repeat if Necessary: Look one last time along the road. If you see anything that's not quite right, don't be afraid to go over it again. Patience is the key. Quality work does not come overnight.

Helpful Tips: How Do You Smooth Out a Dirt Road

Ever tackled the challenge, "How do you smooth out a dirt road?" It's not just about using heavy equipment and working really hard. This isn't just about big things. It's also about little things, even tiny ones, that add up in the end.

Regular Maintenance Practices

Think of your dirt road as your favorite pair of jeans. You have to maintain them regularly to make them look good. Here's your go-to maintenance :

Grade Regularly: Think of grading as giving your road a gentle massage, smoothing out those lumps and bumps.

Watch the Water: Just like an umbrella keeps you dry during the rain, good drainage helps to keep the roads dry after rain. It will keep our house from getting damp and moldy.

Dust Control: Should your road release more dust as a cowboy at the rodeo, then perhaps it's required to water it down or control dust from it.

Quick Fixes: Fixing the rough spots and potholes promptly is similar to repairing a leaky roof. It eliminates a lot of stress in the future.

Advanced Techniques for Smoother Roads

Stabilizers and Binders: These are the things that make the road more resilient and equipped to handle any circumstance.

Right Material for the Top Layer: This is just like selecting the ideal flavor for a burger. Material choice plays an important role in end product quality. Fine gravel or other suitable materials can make all the difference.

Specialized Equipment: Having the right tools and resources is really important when it comes to getting things done. Specialized gear can be a game-changer for those tricky spots.

Ask the Pros: When unable to figure out a solution on your own, turn to the experts for their assistance. An expert's guidance can greatly simplify one's life which makes it very helpful.

How Do You Grade Land Properly

When you ask, "How do you grade land properly?" you're opening a chapter in a story where precision meets the earth. Land grading is way more than just digging and shifting soil; it requires an artful blend of working in harmony with nature and meeting specific requirements.

You should start by comprehending the terrain and its natural drainage flows. It's like having a best friend – what makes it tick, where it slopes, and where water likes to gather. Then, plan your grading. This project should focus on improving the natural flow of water, rather than attempting to stop it. Use equipment like graders and excavators, but treat them like paintbrushes, subtly shaping the land. The task is to design a slope that allows water to flow away from buildings without causing any damage to the ecosystem. If done correctly, the grading process can create a peaceful and refreshing landscape that is both productive and harmonious.

Paving the Path to Success: Your Dirt Road Mastered

After finishing our project, we learned "How do you level a dirt road," and how to make it safer for people to travel. Every stage, from the evaluation to the assessment of the tools, is crucial in the creation of a road that is reliable and durable.

Now it's your turn to try these techniques and witness the changes. A smooth and level road makes every journey more pleasant for riders. If you need an expert hand, you can trust Shilling Excavation. Our skills and commitment can transform your tough obstacles into an easy journey. Take each step carefully and make sure that the road is even and safe.

Mastering the Basics: How Do You Grade Land Properly for Success

Ever wondered, "How do you grade land properly?" Well, it's not just about moving dirt around! Land grading is an art, a science that plays a pivotal role in construction and landscaping. Picture this: you're building a dream house or creating a lush garden. The ground beneath, uneven and unpredictable, needs a bit of taming. That's where land grading steps in. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a solid, stable foundation for your projects. So, let's dive in and unravel the essentials of land grading, an unsung hero in development and design.

Understanding Land Grading: A Primer

What is Land Grading?

Simply put, land grading is a cosmetic surgery for the earthly body. This process entails shaving away sections of land till they form the desired shape or slope. Why do we do it? Yes, it is imperative when constructing houses and keeping your garden waterlogging-free. Consider it as a way of preparing for the principal act–construction, farming, or gardening. If you fail to grade well, you are inviting problems of bad drainage and, worse cases, even damage to your house structure. Yes, it is a big thing!

Key Benefits of Proper Land Grading

Now, let's talk perks. Land grading is more than just another process in construction; it's revolutionary. Here's why:

Improved Drainage: Bye-bye, water ponding at your foundation. Check if grading is done properly on each part where it should flow away.
Solid Foundation: This type of land is known as well-graded land and provides a strong foundation for the construction of buildings. This is similar to making sure that you provide a strong pair of boots for your house.
Erosion Control: Grading is one of those measures taken into consideration to combat soil erosion, especially in hilly terrain. Consider it as a shield that prevents soil from losing away.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Finally, it appears cleaner too. Grading makes land neat and tidy to create a good atmosphere for landscaping or construction.

Each of these benefits plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and safety of your projects. It's not just about leveling ground; it's about laying the groundwork for success.

Land Grading vs Excavation: Clearing the Confusion

What is the Difference Between Land Grading and Excavation?

So, what's the scoop? Often, people get muddled when it comes to understanding 'What is the Difference Between Land Grading and Excavation.' Here's the lowdown: Excavation is like the heavy lifter. It involves digging up and removing soil or rock from a site – think of it as creating a blank canvas for a project. The land grading process, on the other hand, is the fine artist. It's about smoothing and shaping the existing surface. For example, excavation comes into play when creating a new basement, while grading ensures your lawn slopes away from your house for proper drainage. Two different roles are both vital for the perfect project execution.

Is Grading the Same as Excavation? A Comparative Analysis

Now, let's dissect this further: 'Is grading the same as excavation?' In a nutshell, nope. While excavation is about removal, grading is about refinement and precision. Imagine excavation as the process of carving out a swimming pool pit. Once that's done, grading takes the stage to shape and prepare the surrounding land for landscaping. There are moments when both these processes dance together in a project. For instance, when building a road, excavation makes way for the roadbed, and then grading steps in to ensure the surface is perfectly leveled for paving. It's like a tag team, where each process complements the other to create a harmonious outcome.

The Art of Land Grading: How Do You Grade Land Properly

Essential Steps in Land Grading

Getting down to details, "How do you grade land properly?". It's more than moving earth – it involves careful consideration of every tiny aspect.

Planning and Design: First, one should conduct an inspection of the surrounding area. Understand the relief, choose the slope direction, and install the appropriate drainage system.

Surveying the Site: Bring out the tools! Survey equipment should be used in the grading of those areas.

Clearing the Area: Make sure to remove any branch, rock or thing that would obstruct the view. It's as much like priming a blank canvas for painting, as much as it is.

Excavating or Filling: It all depends on the purpose of excavating or filling with soil to meet your target level.

Fine Grading: This involves precision. Planned slot and leveling grade for the smoothness of the area. So to speak, it's the icing on the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Land Grading

Now, let's talk pitfalls. The other key final consideration in planning is implementation, as without this, the most well-thought-out plan will also fall apart. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Ignoring Natural Drainage: Failure to consider what water will be passing via and around the drainage structure could bring some big problems like erosion or flooding.

Inaccurate Sloping: Many troubles can be encountered while getting the proper slope because water could accumulate or flow to structures; no doubt, it is not appropriate at all.

Over-Compaction of Soil: Compactness of soils also makes a negative contribution to the drainage system and impairs root development.

How Do You Know if Soil is Poorly Graded?

Ever wondered if your soil is throwing a tantrum? Poorly graded soil is like a mischievous kid – it gives you signs. Here's how to spot them:

Water Pooling: After a rain, notice any puddles hanging around? That's a red flag. Water should drain away, not throw a pool party.
Erosion Tells: Notice lines or gullies in your soil after a downpour? That's erosion chatting with you, saying the slope's not right.
Uneven Plant Growth: Plants are like nature's tattle tales. Patchy growth can indicate poor grading and uneven water distribution.

For a quick soil check, try the 'soak and watch' test. Water an area and observe. If the water lingers like an awkward guest, you've got grading issues. Remember, the goal is harmony – water and soil in sync, not in a struggle.

Practical Tips and Techniques for Effective Land Grading

DIY Land Grading: Tools and Techniques

Ready to play in the dirt? DIY land grading is doable with the right tools and techniques. Start with the basics: a good, sturdy shovel, a landscaper's rake for smoothing, and a level or laser level for accuracy. Safety first, though! To protect yourself, put on gloves and strong boots. Now, for the best practices: always start from the high point and work your way down, checking the level as you go. Smooth out the soil in layers, not all at once. It's like sculpting – a little patience goes a long way.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, it's best to pass the baton. When the project is too big, like preparing a large plot for construction, or if the terrain is tricky (think steep slopes), call in the pros. They bring in heavy equipment and expertise that's beyond the average DIY scope. So, how do you pick the right expert? Look for experience, and good reviews, and ask for a detailed plan and quote. It's like choosing a pilot for your flight; you want skill and reliability. Remember, the goal is getting it right, not just getting it done.

Embrace the Grade: Your Path to Land Perfection

Finally, in our journey, let’s go back to basics on ‘How do you grade land properly.’ This article covered the differences between grading and excavations, the steps for successful grading, and knowing when to contact a professional. With either of these perspectives, be it with a simple do-it-yourself project or a more complex task requiring professional skills, these observations constitute your arsenal of success. Put these tips into practice, steer clear of common pitfalls and just call on us if you have bigger or more complex projects to do with Shilling Excavation. Are you ready to level your land for grading? Turning that grade into a bedrock for achievement.