Before you commence any new construction project, you often need to start by clearing and leveling the ground. These tasks are known as land clearing and grading, and they are essential to ensure the ground is sturdy and safe to build on. If you are new to construction excavation, below is an introduction to these duties.

What Do Land Clearing and Grading Involve?

Land clearing involves removing vegetation, roots, stumps, rocks, and other obstructions from a plot of ground to make way for construction. It is often completed through the use of bulldozers, backhoes, and other heavy equipment. Debris, such as fallen lumber, shrubbery, and other vegetation is loaded into trucks and hauled away. 

Once the obstructions have been removed, graders move in to level the ground and create a flat base on which construction can begin. A grader is a large piece of heavy equipment featuring a long blade. The blade is used like a butter knife to smooth out the soil and turn the site into a flat, level surface with the necessary areas of slope for moisture drainage.

Together, land clearing and grading are often referred to as "site preparation."

Why Is Site Preparation Important?

Site preparation removes obstructions, such as boulders, trees, and tree roots, that could get in the way of your construction process. This makes it easier to excavate the foundation and provides full access to the site, which shortens the timeline and reduces overall cost. It enables construction workers to identify the location of underground wires, plumbing, or other utilities to reduce potential damage during construction. This can also transform the land into the shape, including dimensions, slope, and elevation, required for the project and provide necessary drainage to prevent flooding, soil erosion, and environmental damage. 

If you need land clearing or grading, contact Weddle Enterprises Inc., the premier excavation contractors in Somerset, KY. They have served Pulaski County and the surrounding areas for more than 40 years and specialize in site work, earthworks, and demolition services. They are renowned for their quality work; friendly, attentive service; and willingness to work around your schedule. Learn more about them by visiting their website, or call (606) 678-4057 to schedule land clearing or construction grading. Like them on Facebook for more up-to-date news.