Whether you’re planning on building something, laying a new lawn or just want proper drainage on your property, getting to grips with how to level land is going to be one of your top priorities.
Whether you’re talking about small backyard makeovers or a big site prep job, the leveling process is essentially the same, but the tools and techniques you use are going to depend on just how big your project is.
Why Land Leveling Matters
First things first, before you start thinking about how to level land, let’s take a moment to understand why this is such an important job.
Getting this right means that you get to avoid all sorts of problems down the line – like water pooling, structural issues and big repair bills.
Land that’s been properly leveled will give you:
- Better water drainage
- A solid base for building or laying concrete
- Much better looking landscaping
- Safer and easier to maintain properties
Skip this step and you could end up with uneven surfaces, structural problems and pricey fixes later on.
Comprehensive Guide – How To Level Land
1. Clear the Area
First things first, get rid of any rocks, debris, weeds and other obstacles. For bigger areas, you’re going to need some heavy machinery to get the job done.
2. Measure and Mark the Land
Use stakes, string lines or a laser level to put your finger on the high and low spots. This will help you work out just how much soil you need to move.
3. Cut and Fill
Now it’s time to get down to business and start moving soil from the high spots to the low ones. This is the core of how to level land and it’s going to be hard work.
4. Grade the Surface
Once you’ve evened things out a bit, it’s time to smooth out the surface so that water runs off properly. Remember, a slight slope is usually better than a completely flat surface.
5. Compact the Soil
Use a dirt compactor or roller to settle the soil down and prevent any future settling.
Dealing With Large Areas, Low Spots & Drainage Issues
When you need to level the ground across a large area, having the right tools makes a huge difference. A riding mower with a tow-behind leveler might work pretty good for maintaining a level surface on existing grass, but larger projects often require equipment like a box blade or compact tractor to properly level land.
On properties with rolling terrain, drainage can become a major issue if the land is not graded correctly. One essential step is identifying the highest point and lowest point of the property before you begin. Using a bubble level, measuring tape, string line or laser level can help you spot low spots, high spots and low areas that may cause water damage later on. Once you know where the problem areas are, you can start moving top soil from the high areas into the lower sections to create a more even ground level.
For small area projects, hand tools may get the job done, but for a specific area with major grading problems, renting equipment is often the easiest way to save time and avoid unnecessary hard work.
The Right Equipment for the Job
If you’re serious about learning how to level land, you’re going to need the right gear to do the job properly.
Skid Steers
Skid steers are great for moving dirt around, grading and handling all sorts of attachments.
Mini Excavators
Mini excavators for digging, trenching and handling big changes in elevation.
Land Levelers & Box Blades
These attachments are ideal for smoothing out the surface once you’ve done the rough grading.
Plate Compactors & Rollers
Use compactors to compact the soil and get it stable.
The best bit is, for most projects it’s way more practical to rent equipment rather than buying it outright – especially if you only need it for a short time.
Renting vs Doing It By Hand
While small projects might be something you can handle with a shovel and a rake, bigger jobs need a bit more power and precision – especially if you’re trying to clear tree roots and large rocks that a garden rake just can’t handle.
Renting equipment lets you:
- Get the job done a lot faster
- Do a lot more with a lot less effort
- Avoid the long term costs of owning the equipment
- Use the right tool for the job
If you’re working locally, you can find equipment rentals in Blackfoot, Chubbuck, Rexburg, Idaho Falls and elsewhere to get the job done efficiently.
Tips For a Better Land Leveling Strategy
- Don’t aim for perfectly flat, level ground – plan for drainage patterns
- Work in sections for better control
- Use the right equipment for your project size
- Always compact the soil after leveling
- Double check your measurements before finishing up
Finding Equipment Rentals Near You
No matter where your project is located, having access to the right tools is key when learning how to level land.
Mountain West Rentals have a wide range of equipment to help with everything from site prep to final grading. If you’re working in East Idaho, renting equipment from us ensures your project gets done right the first time.
Pro Tip: Start With The Right Plan
The biggest mistake people make when trying to figure out how to level land is underestimating the scope of the project. Even small areas can require a lot of time and effort to get right without the right tools.
Starting with a clear plan – and a good understanding of the right equipment to use – can save you hours of work and get you much better results.
Renting Equipment from Mountain West Rentals
If you’re planning on a big land leveling project, Mountain West Rentals has the rental equipment you need to get the job done right. We provide rental equipment all throughout East Idaho, including: