When your site is graded right from the start, water flows exactly where it should. Your basement stays dry during spring thaw and heavy rains. Your foundation contractor works on schedule without delays from drainage problems.
Your landscaping thrives instead of drowning in standing water. Your driveway doesn’t crack from poor drainage or turn into a lake every storm. Five years from now, you’ll see the difference professional grading makes in your property value and peace of mind.
The difference between amateur and professional grading shows up long after construction ends. You get lasting results that protect your investment, not just something that looks good on day one.
Emerson Excavating and Trucking has been handling grading projects throughout Argyle and Washington County since 1997. We understand how the clay behaves after spring thaw and where water wants to go during heavy rains.
Josh is present on almost every job, ensuring quality control that only comes from a family business that cares about long-term relationships. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in this area’s unique soil conditions.
You’re not getting a crew that learned about Argyle yesterday. You’re getting contractors who’ve been moving dirt in Washington County long enough to do it right the first time.
We start by walking your property together. You show us exactly what needs to happen, and we identify any underground utilities, discuss drainage patterns, and plan access routes that won’t damage areas you want to preserve.
Next comes site evaluation and rough grading. We establish the basic drainage patterns and elevations your project needs, moving larger amounts of soil to create proper slopes away from your foundation area.
Finish grading happens later in your construction timeline. We fine-tune the surface to final specifications, typically within an inch of target elevation. This prepares your site for landscaping, concrete work, or other final improvements while ensuring water continues flowing where it should.
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Our grading services cover everything from initial site evaluation through final preparation. You get rough grading to establish proper elevations and drainage patterns, plus finish grading to create smooth, stable surfaces ready for your next construction phase.
We handle drainage solutions designed specifically for Argyle’s soil conditions. This includes creating swales, establishing proper slopes (minimum 2% away from structures), and ensuring water flows toward appropriate outlets instead of pooling near your foundation.
In areas with Argyle’s heavy clay soil, we sometimes recommend more aggressive grading to prevent water from pooling during extended wet periods. We also coordinate any necessary excavation work, whether you need material removed, added, or redistributed to achieve the final grade your project requires.
Most residential grading projects in Argyle take 2-4 days depending on site conditions and house size. Simple lots with good access and minimal drainage issues can often be completed in two days.
The biggest variables are soil conditions and how much material needs to be moved. Properties with heavy clay or challenging drainage may take longer to ensure proper water management. We’ll give you a realistic timeline after walking your property and seeing exactly what we’re dealing with.
Weather also affects timing – we won’t grade in conditions that could compromise the final result or create bigger problems down the road.
Permit requirements depend on how much soil you’re moving and whether you’re changing natural drainage patterns. Most residential grading for new construction requires permits, especially if you’re within certain distances of wetlands or if the work affects stormwater runoff.
We’re familiar with local permit requirements in Argyle and can help you understand what’s needed for your specific project. We can assist with the permit process and provide the technical information needed for applications, including site plans and drainage details.
It’s always better to check with the building department before starting work rather than dealing with compliance issues later. Part of working in Washington County is knowing what’s required and getting it done right.
Poor drainage soil is common in this area, and we have several solutions depending on the severity of the problem. Sometimes we can improve drainage by adjusting the grade and adding drainage tile or French drains to move water away from problem areas.
In cases with very heavy clay or hardpan soil, we might need to remove some existing soil and replace it with better-draining material. We can also create drainage swales or berms that redirect water flow around areas with poor soil conditions.
The key is working with your property’s natural characteristics instead of fighting them. We evaluate how water currently moves across your land and design solutions that use those patterns to your advantage.
Rough grading establishes the basic shape and drainage patterns for your site. This happens early in construction and focuses on moving larger amounts of soil to create proper elevations around foundations, driveways, and major landscape features.
Finish grading comes later and involves fine-tuning the surface to final specifications, typically within an inch of the target elevation. Finish grading prepares the surface for landscaping, concrete work, or other final improvements.
Both steps are important – rough grading handles the big picture drainage and site preparation, while finish grading creates the final appearance and functionality your project needs.
We encounter rock, old foundations, buried debris, and other obstacles regularly in this area. When we hit something significant, we stop work and discuss options with you before proceeding.
Sometimes rock can be broken up and removed with our equipment, other times it requires specialized tools or techniques. We always give you a clear picture of what we’ve found and what it will take to handle it before adding any costs to your project.
In Argyle, you often run into old stone walls, buried debris, or ledge that needs addressing. We handle these situations as they come up, keeping your project moving forward instead of stopping to figure out solutions.
You need at least 6 inches of fall in the first 10 feet away from your foundation walls. This creates enough slope to move water away from the structure without being too steep for landscaping or maintenance.
In areas with heavy clay soil like parts of Argyle, we sometimes recommend slightly more aggressive grading to ensure water doesn’t pool during extended wet periods. The key is creating consistent slope that doesn’t have low spots where water can collect.
Generally, we establish a minimum 2% slope away from buildings, but the specific grade depends on your property’s characteristics and local drainage patterns. We evaluate your property’s natural slope and soil type to determine the optimal drainage solution.
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