Grading in landscaping refers to the process of altering the slope or levels of an outdoor space to create a desired topography and drainage. Proper grading ensures that water flows away from a home or structure and does not pool in undesirable areas. Grading shapes the layout and functionality of landscapes by creating flat spaces for lawns, gardens, patios, and other features while directing runoff. It is a fundamental part of landscape design and construction.
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Why is grading important in landscaping?
Grading is critical in landscaping for several reasons:
- Drainage – Grading controls drainage patterns to divert water away from structures and prevent ponding or flooding.
- Usability – Well-graded areas provide functional spaces for lawns, gardens, decks, and other uses. A flat, even surface is easier to walk on and make use of.
- Aesthetics – The topography of a landscape significantly impacts its visual appeal. Grading creates attractive contours and elevation changes.
- Safety – Effective grading keeps water from pooling near foundations, preventing moisture damage and mold growth. Proper drainage also reduces slick surfaces or erosion.
- Accessibility – Grading creates accessible routes throughout landscapes for wheelchairs, strollers, or other access needs.
- View corridors – Subtle berms or grade changes can frame views, screen unwanted sights, and create private spaces.
In short, grading allows full utilization and functionality of outdoor living spaces while providing drainage, visual interest, and safety.
The grading process
Grading happens early in the landscaping process, typically following site clearing and before installing hardscaping or plantings. The grading process involves:
Site analysis
The landscaper studies the site’s existing drainage patterns, identifies high and low points, charts runoff flows, locates utilities, and determines any grade restrictions.
Creating a grading plan
This plan illustrates the finished elevation contours across the site and shows which areas will be raised or lowered. Drainage patterns are indicated with slope arrows.
Calculating cut and fill
The team determines how much soil needs to be excavated (cut) and how much needs to be brought in (fill) to achieve the planned grades.
Setting grade stakes
Grade stakes with marker ribbons are placed across the site to mark finished elevations. They act as guides during grading.
Moving soil
Heavy equipment removes high areas and redistributes soil to low spots. Trucks haul off excess soil or deliver additional fill as needed.
Fine grading
Workers use hand tools for detailing, smoothing grades between stakes, and sculpting drainage swales.
Design considerations for grading
Several important factors go into planning appropriate grades:
Drainage
The primary consideration is directing water flow away from buildings. Typical grade minimums are 5% for grass, 1% for pavement, and 0.5% for pool decks. Swales and berms can help control drainage.
Site usage
Grading should facilitate the site’s functions, such as flat play areas, raised gardens for access, or parking pads. Consider both current and future uses.
Steepness of slopes
Gentler slopes are easier to landscape and maintain. Steeper areas can erode or endanger people slipping. Optimal lawn slopes are 5-10%, up to 33% for groundcover plantings.
Soil and geology
The soil type and compaction capacity influence grade potential. Bedrock depth is also a factor. Grading plans must follow local geological restrictions.
Permits and codes
Most jurisdictions require permits for substantial regrading and have codes for slope ratios, retaining walls, and other aspects. Grading must adhere to the local regulations.
Accessibility
Grading should allow accessible routes between areas per ADA standards. Grades along walks and patios should not exceed 1:20 (5%) cross-slope or 1:12 (8%) running slope.
Views
Subtle berms can frame or enhance desirable views. Grade down areas to screen out unwanted sights.
Transitions
Natural, gradual grade transitions between areas are more attractive than abrupt changes of slope.
Common grading techniques
Landscapers have several grading methods to achieve needed topography and drainage:
Cut and fill
This basic technique cuts out high areas and fills in low spots to get to final grade elevations. It is the most common grading method.
Layering
A more refined technique builds up gradual contour undulations using multiple thin layers of fill rather than one thick layer. Produces very natural looking grades.
Berms
Berms are elongated mounds of earth used to divert water or noise, delineate space, or create visual interest.
Swales
Swales are shallow drainage channels with gently sloped sides that help convey stormwater runoff.
Re-contouring
For major grade changes, existing contours are totally re-shaped. More complex to execute.
Hauling
Trucking soil offsite if excess cut material, or bringing in soil if substantial fill needed. Can get costly.
Retaining walls
Used to transition steep grade changes. Must be engineering properly with adequate drainage.
Grading equipment
A variety of equipment is used to move and shape earth in grading:
Bulldozers
Large tracked machines with front blades used for major earth moving and pushing soil long distances. Powerful and fast.
Graders
Have angled blades that scarify, flatten, bank, and distribute soil. Used for smoothing large areas.
Backhoes
Have an arm with bucket attachment to dig, scoop, and load soil. Standard machine for digging trenches too.
Excavators
Hydraulic arm with bucket to dig and carry material short distances. Different sizes for finish work or heavy digging.
Skid steers
Compact loaders with lift arms accepting buckets, blades, augers, and other attachments. Used where space is limited.
Dump trucks
Large trucks with open backs to haul soil and aggregates. Essential for moving material offsite or bringing fill in.
Compactors
Rollers of various types pack and compress soil. Critical for establishing a stable base before construction.
Laser levels
Use a rotating laser beam and receiver to accurately check grades. Help operators maintain correct slopes.
Typical grading costs
Grading costs can vary tremendously based on the size of the project and amount of earth being moved. Some typical price ranges:
| Project Type | Average Grading Cost (8,000 sq ft yard) |
| Minor regrade for drainage | $800 – $1,500 |
| Medium grading for pool or structure | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Full property grading | $4,000 – $8,000 |
In addition, grading labor rates range from $45 – $75 per hour for operators. Bulldozer rental runs $300 – $500 per day.
Hauling trucking fees average $100/hour plus $50 – $100 per load. Disposal fees at landfills add $25 – $50 per ton.
So for major cut and fill projects, the costs for transporting and disposing of soil can exceed the actual grading work.
Choosing a land grading contractor
Property owners should hire qualified grading pros with these traits:
- Experienced with large grading operations including cut and fill construction
- Properly licensed for the work in your state and locality
- Carries general liability insurance and workers compensation
- Owns equipment needed or has ready access for rental
- Reputable history with good customer reviews
- Provides a detailed written grading plan and contract
Friends or specialists at the local home builders association can help find reputable contractors. Checking sources like the Better Business Bureau helps avoid fly-by-night operators. HomeAdvisor.com also lets you compare multiple local companies.
DIY grading tips
Minor land grading like smoothing a lawn area or backfilling against a wall can potentially be a DIY project. Here are some tips:
- Use slope stakes and mason’s string to layout grade changes
- Skid steers or mini excavators can be rented at reasonable rates for homeowners
- Add or remove no more than about 6 inches of soil at a time
- Spread fill soil in thin layers and compact each one fully
- Feather out grade changes for smooth, natural looking transitions
- Loosen subsoil before adding fill to allow bonding
- Retaining walls require engineering input to be safe
- Always call 811 before digging to mark utilities!
However, any major regrading, moving hundreds of yards of earth, is best left to the pros with specialized equipment.
Conclusion
Grading is a fundamental part of transforming a landscape into aesthetically pleasing, functional spaces. Proper grading techniques help manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, and provide accessible, usable outdoor living areas. A qualified contractor can assess a site’s needs and execute the earthmoving required to achieve the desired grading results. With careful design and the capabilities to efficiently move and shape the terrain, a bare landscape can be sculpted into an enjoyable environment for homeowners.