Proper land grading is the foundation of every successful outdoor project. Without correct grade, water pools against foundations, lawns turn into swamps, and hardscape installations fail prematurely. Webber Landscaping provides professional grading and site preparation for properties throughout the Winston-Salem area and Piedmont Triad.
The Piedmont region's heavy red clay soil presents unique grading challenges. Clay soil is nearly impermeable when compacted, meaning water does not absorb into the ground the way it does in sandy or loamy soils. Instead, surface water follows the grade, and if that grade directs water toward your home instead of away from it, you get basement flooding, foundation erosion, and landscape damage.
Correcting grade issues now prevents thousands of dollars in water damage later. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends a minimum slope of 6 inches over the first 10 feet from any foundation wall. We verify and establish this grade on every project.
Residential & Commercial Grading
We handle grading projects from single-yard regrading to multi-lot commercial site preparation. The scale changes, but the precision does not.
Residential Grading
Most residential grading projects address one of three needs: correcting drainage problems around existing homes, preparing lots for new construction, or leveling areas for landscape and hardscape installations.
Common residential projects include yard regrading to direct water away from foundations, filling and leveling low spots that collect standing water, creating level pads for patios and sheds, preparing areas for sod installation, and sculpting gentle slopes for proper drainage throughout the property.
We work with both existing homeowners and builders on new construction sites. For existing properties, we protect mature trees, irrigation systems, and existing landscaping during the grading process.
Commercial Grading
Commercial grading requires adherence to site plans, stormwater management regulations, and often coordination with other trades. We handle parking lot grading, building pad preparation, retention area grading, and commercial landscape rough and finish grading.
Forsyth County and the City of Winston-Salem have specific stormwater ordinances that affect commercial grading projects. Properties disturbing more than one acre require erosion and sediment control plans. We work within these regulatory frameworks and coordinate with engineers when plans require professional stamps.
Drainage Solutions & Water Management
Winston-Salem receives an average of 45 inches of rainfall annually. On clay soil, every inch of that rain becomes surface runoff that must be managed through proper grading and drainage infrastructure.
French drains intercept subsurface water and redirect it to appropriate discharge points. We install these along foundation walls, at the base of retaining walls, and across hillsides where groundwater seeps to the surface.
Surface grading is the first and most effective drainage tool. Establishing the correct fall across your property moves the majority of rainwater away from structures without any underground piping. We achieve precise grade using laser-guided equipment.
Channel drains and catch basins handle concentrated flows at the base of driveways, along patios, and at low points in paved areas. These systems capture surface water and pipe it to safe discharge locations away from foundations and living spaces.
Dry creek beds combine drainage function with visual appeal. They channel stormwater through natural-looking stone channels that become landscape features when dry and functional waterways during rain events.
Excavation & Foundation Prep
Excavation and foundation preparation require precision, the right equipment, and an understanding of soil behavior. In the Piedmont Triad, the subsurface conditions vary significantly even within a single property, from solid clay to decomposed rock to fill material from previous construction.
New Construction Prep
Clearing, rough grading, and finish grading for new home sites and commercial building pads. We establish proper drainage slopes and compact fill material to prevent future settling. All work coordinates with the builder's site plan specifications.
Pool & Patio Excavation
Precise excavation for in-ground pool installations, patio foundations, and outdoor living areas. Clay soil excavation requires specific techniques to avoid undermining adjacent structures and to ensure stable walls in the cut area.
Driveway & Utility Prep
Excavation and grading for new driveways, utility trenching, and access roads. We locate existing underground utilities before excavation through NC811 and supplement with ground-penetrating radar when available for critical areas.
When Is Land Grading Needed?
Grading addresses a wide range of property challenges. Here are the most common situations where professional grading makes a measurable difference.
| Situation | Signs You Need Grading | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage Problems | Standing water after rain, wet basement, soggy yard areas | Regrade to establish proper slope away from structures; install drainage as needed |
| New Construction | Raw lot needs building pad and site prep | Clear, rough grade, establish pad elevation, finish grade for landscaping |
| Erosion | Soil washing away on slopes, exposed roots, gullies forming | Regrade slope, install erosion control measures, stabilize with vegetation or rock |
| Pool Installation | Uneven yard, slope where pool will go | Excavate and level pool pad area with proper drainage around perimeter |
| Driveway Installation | New driveway needed or existing one settling | Grade and compact subbase to prevent future settling and ensure proper water runoff |
| Lawn Renovation | Bumpy, uneven lawn with puddles and bare spots | Strip existing turf, regrade to smooth and level surface, prepare for sod or seed |
| Hardscape Preparation | Patio, walkway, or retaining wall project planned | Establish correct grade and compaction for hardscape base installation |
Piedmont-Specific Grading Considerations
Grading in the Piedmont Triad is fundamentally different from grading in the Coastal Plain or Mountain regions. The local soil conditions and regulations require specific knowledge and techniques.
Piedmont Red Clay
The Piedmont's characteristic red clay soil (Cecil series) has extremely low permeability when compacted. During grading, we carefully manage how clay is handled: it compacts differently at different moisture levels, and overworking wet clay creates an impermeable surface layer that causes chronic drainage problems. We schedule grading during appropriate soil moisture conditions whenever possible.
Erosion and Sediment Control
North Carolina requires erosion and sediment control measures on disturbed land. Even residential projects benefit from silt fencing, inlet protection, and stabilization seeding on exposed soil. We install temporary erosion controls during the grading process and stabilize all disturbed areas before the project is complete.
Permits and Regulations
Forsyth County requires grading permits for projects disturbing more than 12,000 square feet. Winston-Salem has additional stormwater ordinances within city limits. We handle permit applications and ensure all work complies with local regulations, saving you the complexity of navigating the permitting process yourself.
Land Grading FAQ
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