Page 307 - Moving the Earth_ The Workbook of Excavation

Source: MOVING THE EARTH

CHAPTER 7

LANDSCAPING AND
AGRICULTURAL GRADING

LANDSCAPING

Landscaping may include the processes of cutting, filling, or grading to change ground contours;
retaining or placing adequate topsoil; preserving, moving, or adding vegetation; and planning and
installing walls, drives, and game courts.
An important purpose is to produce a pleasing appearance. This may be an end in itself but is
usually secondary to the use of the land.
Landscaping is often the final step in jobs which involve earthmoving. It is required in con-
nection with highways, particularly of the parkway or thruway type; to improve the appearance of
home or business buildings not surrounded closely by other buildings and paved areas; to beautify
parks; and to provide them with suitable recreation areas.
Plans should take into account proper drainage, which may include subdrainage.
Landscaping is often done under the personal direction of the landowner or a representative,
but may be finished to grade stakes or left largely to the contractor’s judgment.
A large part of the annual landscaping bill is for work around homes and other buildings. Much
of this is done during building construction or immediately after its completion, in connection with
backfilling around the foundation, disposing of dirt dug for the basement or footings, and restoring
surface drainage.
Such landscaping may include construction of terraces, retaining walls, and driveways; moving
or planting of trees and shrubs; and making lawns.
The excavating contractor may perform the entire job or only the heavier parts.

CHOOSING THE SITE

Building Elevation. The type of grading close to the building is determined by its elevation relative
to the land. The door sills or trim should be at least 4 inches above the finished grade of the top-
soil. In general, exposure of more than a foot or two of foundation causes a building to look too
high for current styles. The ground should slope down away from the building enough to prevent
surface water from standing against the wall.
A building may be set high enough that dirt from the basement excavation can be used entirely
in backfilling and grading up to it. If the floor level is determined in reference to the original grade,
the bulk of the piles must be “lost” on the grounds, or trucked away.

7.1