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>

Get matched with top rototilling pros in Underwood, ND

Q: How long does a perc test take?

• <div><p>A perc test takes an average of around two hours, but it can range from one hour up to around six hours. Perc tests that require wider or deeper holes and those that require multiple holes dug throughout your property will take longer because there&rsquo;s more excavation involved. The actual filling of the hole and monitoring to gauge the rate of percolation should take under an hour per hole.</p></div>

Q: How do I prepare for hardscaping?

• <div><p>Hardscaping often requires preparation of the ground in the area where the feature is being installed. This can include digging, compacting, and leveling the soil, ensuring adequate drainage, and removing any existing plants. The extent of preparation needed will depend on the type and size of the hardscaping feature being installed.</p></div>

Q: What signs suggest I need professional grading or re-sloping?

• <div><p>Water pooling, uneven surfaces, or basement leaks are indicators.</p></div>

Q: Why is grading a yard important?

• <div><p>Yard grading is a key component of proper drainage because runoff naturally moves with respect to gravity. If you have low spots in your yard, rain and snowmelt will settle there and oversaturate the soil, promoting root rot and fungal growth. If the low spots are near your home&rsquo;s foundation, you could even end up with foundation leaks or structural damage due to poor yard grading.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your rototilling project in Underwood, ND?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Rototilling pros in Underwood

No results for Rototilling pro in

Try adjusting your search criteria.

Rototilling questions, answered by experts

A perc test takes an average of around two hours, but it can range from one hour up to around six hours. Perc tests that require wider or deeper holes and those that require multiple holes dug throughout your property will take longer because there’s more excavation involved. The actual filling of the hole and monitoring to gauge the rate of percolation should take under an hour per hole.

Hardscaping often requires preparation of the ground in the area where the feature is being installed. This can include digging, compacting, and leveling the soil, ensuring adequate drainage, and removing any existing plants. The extent of preparation needed will depend on the type and size of the hardscaping feature being installed.

Water pooling, uneven surfaces, or basement leaks are indicators.

Yard grading is a key component of proper drainage because runoff naturally moves with respect to gravity. If you have low spots in your yard, rain and snowmelt will settle there and oversaturate the soil, promoting root rot and fungal growth. If the low spots are near your home’s foundation, you could even end up with foundation leaks or structural damage due to poor yard grading.

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).

The homeowners guide to home care is here

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Elisa Greenberg
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How Much Does Lawn Care Cost? [2025 Data]
Your total lawn care cost depends on several factors, including the type of service and lawn size. Our guide will cover what you can expect to pay for lawn care.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Oct 17, 2025Oct 17, 2025
How Much Does Lawn Renovation Cost? [2025 Data]
The cost to renovate your lawn depends on the extent of the damage. Our guide will show you how much lawn renovation costs.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost to Install? [2025 Data]
Artificial grass is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf. Learn how much artificial grass installation costs and what affects your price.
Melissa Graham
•
Feb 3, 2025Feb 3, 2025
What Should I Do With Grass Clippings? 5 Ideas to Try
Don’t let your grass clippings go to waste. Instead, turn them into mulch or add them to your compost pile. These tips and more are included in our helpful guide.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Feb 19, 2025Feb 19, 2025
7 Best Grasses for Sandy Soil
A sandy soil composition brings a unique set of challenges to your lawn. Choose a grass for sandy soil that's ready to adapt to your area's climate no matter the weather.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Nov 21, 2025Nov 21, 2025
How to Kill Weeds in Grass: 5 Methods for a Weed-Free Lawn
Curious how to kill weeds in your grass and keep them from popping up every season? Here are five weed-fighting methods to beautify your lawn.