A residential landscaping project may involve the services of an excavator. If images of heavy machinery and mountains of muddy soil are causing you anxiety, here’s what to expect from excavation in Hollis, NH.
Related: 6 WAYS THAT EXCAVATING CONTRACTORS CAN MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO PROPERTIES IN BEDFORD, NH
Preparing your property for a new hardscape and/or softscape is the biggest and messiest part of the installation process. It’s also vitally important that this work be performed to the highest standards, since earth movement is the #1 cause of project failure. Shifting soil can crack hardscapes and cause runoff, so taking care during the excavation phase will ensure a solid foundation for your project.
During the design phase of any landscape renovation, your designer will work closely with your landscape contractor to determine the extent of the earth moving that needs to occur to manage slopes, address drainage issues, and prepare the land for its new look.
Since every landscape and every project is unique, be prepared for a bit of temporary upheaval in your landscape while excavators work to ensure a solid foundation for your hardscape and site preparation for plantings. This can include demolition of unwanted structures, trees or stumps, and existing surfaces; removal of dirt, debris, and rock; cutting and filling (moving earth from a high area to fill in a lower area to create more usable space); excavation for in-ground pools or spas; digging trenches for utilities; installation of trenches for an irrigation system; proper compaction of the soil; cutting back a hillside to accommodate an outdoor living area; grading for driveways and hardscapes; moving landscape features such as boulders; hauling away any unwanted materials from the job site; and other earth-moving services depending on your unique needs.
While all of these services include heavy equipment, your excavator will take care in using the appropriate equipment for the size of the landscape and the job that needs to be done.
All of these services require a delicate touch. It’s not just the “muscle” of the heavy equipment, but also how this equipment will perform its job while preserving the desirable features of your landscape, home, and personal property.
One of the most critical aspects of excavation is working around existing utilities and preparing the site for new utilities, whether above-ground or buried. A reputable excavator will work closely with other experts, including your landscape designer, engineer, utility companies, land surveyors, and local regulatory agencies to ensure that your property is not only safe, but will meet local building regulations.
How long the excavation process takes will depend on the project. Factors to consider include the size and accessibility of the land to be excavated. Working in close proximity to the home or the desired landscape features will require more manual labor and smaller equipment. The terrain and soil play a huge role as well. Relatively flat land with loose soil and few trees will be easier to excavate than sloped land with clay soils, rocks and boulders, and mature trees. The season will also affect the duration of the excavation process. Weather delays such as heavy rains will add time to an excavation. However, excavation work is still possible during the winter months to give the landscape construction team an earlier start in building hardscapes and installing plantings.
Having a conversation with your landscape designer and builder will give you an idea of the scope of the excavation needed and how long you can expect it to take. Never compromise on this critical aspect of a landscape renovation! Trust the pros at Northern Lights and have fun watching us work, knowing that our services will prepare your site for a beautiful new landscape you and your family will enjoy for many years!
