Many landscaping projects require excavation. Excavation is a phase of any project that requires an incredibly thorough amount of planning, which must take place long before the dig can actually happen. Here’s how excavating contractors protect yards from damage during an excavation in Hollis and Peterborough, NH.
Related: HOW EXCAVATION CONTRACTORS ENSURE EVERY EXCAVATION GOES TO PLAN IN AMHERST NH
Safety Planning
All excavations begin with calls to utility companies and visits to the local municipality to obtain permits. Without permits, the municipalities can shut down any project as it’s deemed unsafe. Likewise, utility companies may have gas, water, or electricity lines - both underground and above ground - that may be at risk from damage by heavy equipment. Damaging one of those lines could cause serious harm to the landscape, home, or people.
Thorough Site Preparation
The site of the excavation needs to be cleared of any obstructions including rocks, unwanted trees and structures, and debris - not only to prepare the land for its intended purpose but to allow access for heavy equipment. In some cases, smaller equipment will have to be used to prevent damage to desired landscape features.
Fallen trees and large rocks can prove to be significant obstacles that may take time to remove. In some cases, a large rock may be too large to move, so it’s necessary to bring in a rock blasting crew. Blasting done in a controlled manner so that the debris field is minimized and the rock simply falls apart.
Once the site is clear of obstacles, it will help the excavation crews minimize damage to the site as well as affording easier access for their equipment. Any landscape features that can be moved will be relocated and safely stored during this process.
Safety During the Dig
Excavation crews will go above and beyond to minimize damage to your landscape. Of course, excavation is an inherently damaging process and certain problems cannot be avoided. Some types of heavy machinery can sometimes cause damage to lawns as they move across to and from the dig site. Excavation crews and their landscaping partners will do their best to repair any damage that occurs.
Setting Up Proper Drainage
Erosion is the biggest problem that comes from excavation and it’s absolutely essential to make sure water goes where it is intended. Unmitigated erosion can destroy the surface of a landscape and have long-lasting consequences that will be costly. Properly grading a landscape will be done by the excavation professionals. Setting up french drains, culverts, and other drainage solutions will help maintain the integrity of your landscape and protect your home.
After the Dig
After excavation, there is still necessary work that needs to be done to prepare the site for renovations and to restore surrounding areas to their former state. Exposed soil will be quickly washed away during the first rain, which will continue to erode and expose more soil below.
While your landscaping professionals may already be planning on covering the area with permanent solutions like lawn turf or xeriscaping, it’s important to take heed of temporary solutions as well. This may include creating a berm uphill from the excavation site so that water flow is diverted. It should also include using tarps to cover the exposed soil so that unwanted pools of water and mud can hamper any further landscaping efforts and prolong the finishing of your landscaping projects.
