Grading
Grading is not about making a yard look neat-it is about controlling water, stabilizing soil, and protecting structures. Most homeowners begin searching for grading services because something is wrong: water is pooling near the house, parts of the yard are sinking, erosion is washing soil away, or outdoor features are failing prematurely.
At Ken Steenstra Landscaping Inc., grading is treated as a problem-solving service, designed to correct existing site issues and prevent future damage. Proper grading reshapes land elevations, establishes controlled slopes, and creates stable subgrades that allow drainage systems, landscapes, and outdoor structures to function as intended.
When Homeowners Need Grading Services
Grading is typically required when a property shows signs of water mismanagement or ground instability. Common situations include:- Standing water after rainfall
- Soil erosion or washouts
- Uneven or sinking lawn areas
- Water flowing toward foundations
- Failed patios, walkways, or planting beds
- Chronic muddy or unusable yard sections
Common Grading Problems We Correct
- Poor Drainage and Pooling Water: Water that does not move away from your home or yard surfaces creates long-term problems. Pooling water can saturate soil, weaken turf and plant roots, and place pressure on foundations. Grading establishes positive drainage by directing water toward controlled exit points instead of allowing it to collect.
- Uneven or Settling Yards: Uneven ground is often the result of loose fill, organic soil breakdown, or inadequate compaction. Over time, soil settles unevenly, creating low spots and trip hazards. Proper grading reshapes the surface and stabilizes the soil beneath it to prevent recurring settlement.
- Erosion and Soil Loss: Slopes without proper grading allow rainwater to move too quickly, carrying soil with it. This leads to exposed roots, washed-out beds, and damage to adjacent structures. Grading moderates slope angles and controls water velocity to protect soil integrity.
- Foundation and Structural Risk: Water directed toward a structure increases hydrostatic pressure and can lead to foundation cracks, basement moisture, or slab movement. Grading redirects surface runoff away from structures, reducing long-term structural risk.
How Proper Grading Solves These Issues
Effective grading is based on controlled slope design and soil stability, not guesswork. Most residential grading requires a minimum slope away from structures to ensure surface water flows outward instead of inward.Key grading principles include:
- Establishing consistent slope percentages
- Creating smooth transitions between elevations
- Eliminating low spots where water collects
- Matching finished grades to drainage systems
Technical Factors That Determine Grading Performance
- Slope Design: Slopes must be steep enough to move water but gentle enough to prevent erosion. Improper slope angles either trap water or allow it to move too aggressively. Grading balances these forces to achieve controlled runoff.
- Soil Type and Movement: Clay soils retain moisture and expand, while sandy soils drain quickly but can shift. Understanding soil behavior is critical. Grading plans must account for how soil reacts to moisture, compaction, and seasonal changes.
- Compaction and Subgrade Stability: Loose soil is the leading cause of post-grading failure. Proper compaction increases soil density, reduces settlement, and creates a stable base for lawns, planting areas, and hardscape installations.
- Integration with Drainage Systems: Grading alone is often not enough. Surface slopes must align with drainage systems so water exits the property efficiently. Grading sets the stage; drainage systems complete the solution.
Grading as a Foundation for Other Projects
Grading is often required before installing patios, walkways, planting beds, sod, or drainage systems. Without proper grading, these features may shift, crack, or fail prematurely.By correcting elevations and stabilizing soil first, grading ensures that all subsequent landscape and construction work performs as expected and lasts longer.
Our Grading Process: From Problem Assessment to Final Grade
Every grading project begins with a site evaluation. We analyze existing elevations, drainage patterns, soil conditions, and problem areas. Based on this assessment, we develop a grading plan that corrects issues while preparing the site for future use.Our process includes:
- Identifying water flow and problem zones
- Excavating or redistributing soil as needed
- Establishing precise slopes and elevations
- Compacting soil to prevent settlement
- Preparing the site for drainage or landscape installation
Experienced Local Grading Professionals
Ken Steenstra Landscaping Inc. provides grading services for residential and commercial properties throughout Midland Park, NJ, and surrounding areas. Our experience allows us to recognize grading problems that are often overlooked and correct them before they cause larger, more expensive issues.We focus on long-term performance-not temporary fixes-so your property remains functional, stable, and protected.
Schedule a Grading Evaluation
If your property is experiencing drainage issues, uneven ground, or erosion, professional grading is often the first and most important step toward a permanent solution.Call 201-857-8700 or use the contact form on this page to schedule a grading consultation. Our team will evaluate your site, explain the issues clearly, and recommend grading solutions that address the root of the problem.