When Is Excavation Necessary in Peterborough, NH?

Excavation may be an important part of a landscape renovation. Manual labor often isn’t enough to move the quantities of earth needed for a successful project. Aside from digging foundations for homes and holes for in-ground pools, when is excavation necessary in Peterborough, NH? There are quite a few applications that require heavy machinery.

Drainage

Excavation is used to mitigate standing water, or water that flows toward structures or outdoor living spaces. Excavators grade or reshaping the earth so that water naturally flows in a more desirable direction to prevent water damage, and fill in low spots where water pools and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Retaining Walls

A retaining wall holds back a hillside and turns steep slopes into inviting and functional living space—that is, if you pay attention to the basics, which includes proper excavation. Retaining walls are carefully engineered systems that must stand up to an ongoing battle with gravity and the immense weight of soil (which is often water-saturated). Just how heavy is soil? A 4-foot high x 15-foot wide wall could be holding back nearly 20 tons of soil. A well-built retaining wall requires a solid foundation trench, and the area behind it must often be excavated to expand the final finished space and allow for proper backfilling.

Utilities

Any time you add on to an outdoor living space, you’re likely to need utilities in that area. Some systems can be dug by hand, of course. However, in rocky areas such as New Hampshire, this can be a very time-consuming and difficult process that’s made much easier with excavation equipment.

Foundations

Any permanent structure such as a paver patio needs a solid foundation to rest upon. Before any installation begins, the landscape must be prepped. Land must be graded and a foundation excavated that will be filled with gravel and sand to support the load of the pavers.

Demolition

The same machinery used to move earth does a thorough job of demolishing unwanted structures. In many landscape renovations, demolition of existing structures is often part of an excavator’s job. It takes skill to take down a structure without causing damage to the landscape or any other nearby structures, including power lines and buried utilities.

Driveways

New Hampshire winters wreak havoc on poorly installed driveways. The secret to a driveway that will withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles is in the excavation so that the driveway is properly graded to encourage water to flow away from it, and so that there is adequate road base to support the weight of the driveway.

Landscaping

Excavators can transform a landscape into a more desirable shape. For example, if you have an amazing view that’s only visible from the upstairs bedrooms, shaping the land can open up the view from the living room and outdoor living spaces. This approach can significantly increase your enjoyment of your property. This process is called “cut and fill,” where earth is cut from one area and then that dirt is used to fill in small depressions or valleys to create a more pleasing and usable landscape.

Stump Removal

An excavator makes short work of the messy job of stump removal. Tree stumps are unattractive, get in the way of hardscapes, and will eventually rot, which can be hazardous.

Clean-Up

Excavators also move away dirt, debris, rocks, stumps, demolished structures, and demolished driveway surfaces.

Excavators work closely with landscape architects and contractors. While they only move the earth, they need to know where hardscape and softscape features will go. At Northern Lights, we are committed to successful excavation projects and your satisfaction!