Landscape grading is an excellent way to fix a property with an undesirable slope or uneven surface. This project may be necessary for properties with drainage issues. Puddles of stagnant water on the land or water in the basement can indicate that water isn’t draining correctly. Leveling a landscape may also be necessary to repair aesthetic concerns, such as animal holes or unsightly lumps. Homeowners may also need to level the ground before installing a pool or other yard feature.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
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What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $0.97 | $1.24 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $486 | $621 | |||
Estimate: $553 | |||||
Basic Labor for Landscape Grading | 5 hours | $330 | $400 | ||
Standard labor cost to grade landscaping, from a full site assessment to preparation, grading and cleanup. Location will be staked, then soil will be sifted, with all rocks removed for a fine soil grade optimal for landscaping usage. Dirt removal available for an additional fee. | |||||
Equipment Allowance for Landscape Grading | 1 job | $155 | $220 | ||
Equipment allowance for skid loader with excavation, demolition, and loading attachments; and other specialty tools. This is assessed as a daily rental fee, while consumable materials will incur separate charges. |
cost to grade landscaping | |
National Avg. Cost (labor) for 500 square foot | $574.27 |
National Cost Range (labor) for 500 square foot | $504.15 - $644.39 |
To level a landscape, topsoil is removed from the areas that need to be sloped. To create a level surface, the subsoil is then added or transferred to other sections of the property, as necessary. The ground is covered with topsoil and then raked into place. Once the land has been leveled, grass seed can be spread on the soil. Alternately, sod can be placed on the newly leveled yard.
Many factors will influence the cost of leveling a property. The size of the yard is a major factor, with larger yards requiring more soil. The condition of the land is another consideration. A heavily sloped or very uneven landscape will be more difficult to repair than land with minor issues. In some cases, metal edging or braces may need to be installed for erosion control, which also increases the cost of the project.
Grading a landscape is a labor-intensive project. Homeowners typically don't have access to bulldozers and other specialized tools that can speed up the process. An expert can grade the yard precisely, lessening the likelihood of soil erosion. To grade a landscape, it’s also important to be aware of the location of underground utility lines. For best results, homeowners who are interested in leveling their yards are advised to consult with a professional.