What is the difference between grading and leveling a yard?

• <div><p>Grading refers to the sloping of your yard away from your house’s foundation. It’s a landscaping term you probably know well if you’ve ever had to push your lawn mower up a steep slope.</p><p>Leveling is the solution to grading issues since it involves making your yard flat and smooth (and easy to push a lawn mower through).</p></div>

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Q: How do you landscape a steep slope on a budget?

• <div><p>Many ways to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tips-landscaping-your-lawn-budget.htm">landscape a steep slope on a budget</a> exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones. </p></div>

Q: Can professionals integrate grading with other landscape services?

• <div><p>Yes, such as sod installation and erosion control for comprehensive site improvement.</p></div>

Q: Should I hire an excavation company for land grading or yard leveling?

• <div><p>Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they&rsquo;re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.</p></div>

Q: Should I use sand or dirt to level my pool?

• <div><p>It depends on the model of your pool. You&rsquo;ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it&rsquo;s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn&rsquo;t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-decomposed-granite.htm">decomposed granite</a>. Always check your manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions before you begin.</p></div>

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K&M Exteriors LLC

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K&M Exteriors LLC

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2 years of experience

The company provides various exterior contracting solutions to meet the needs of every customer. We specialize in decks, porches, fences, outside fireplaces, brick lain walkways, septic tanks, residential utility service repair, environmental remediation, hazmat clean up and much more!

Dirt's Lawn and Landscape

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Dirt's Lawn and Landscape

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13 years of experience

Dirt's Lawn and Landscape is a young and ambitious landscaping design/creation/maintenance business. 10 years of experience landscaping in Central Iowa, Dirt's Lawn and Landscape has the knowledge and tools to get the job done right, and the creativity and attention to detail that is required to give your home or business a breathtaking landscape. Honest and upfront pricing, and practical solutions to common problems.

Rototilling questions, answered by experts

Many ways to landscape a steep slope on a budget exist. Avoiding expensive retaining wall construction is the first step. Consider creating a rocky slope with boulders or large stones, or think about planting perennials that return every year with a single investment. Transplanting small trees from elsewhere on your property is also possible and can help to stabilize steep slopes without purchasing new ones.

Yes, such as sod installation and erosion control for comprehensive site improvement.

Grading refers to the sloping of your yard away from your house’s foundation. It’s a landscaping term you probably know well if you’ve ever had to push your lawn mower up a steep slope.

Leveling is the solution to grading issues since it involves making your yard flat and smooth (and easy to push a lawn mower through).

Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they’re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.

It depends on the model of your pool. You’ll always have to level the topsoil, but most vinyl-lined pools require an additional 1- to 2-inch layer of sand to protect the liner. This way, when a foot kicks down to the bottom of your pool, it’s not scraping the liner against the hard ground. If your pool isn’t vinyl-lined, you can skip this step or add a layer of another base material, like decomposed granite. Always check your manufacturer’s instructions before you begin.

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