Slope, Soil, and Rock: Assessing a Yard Before Starting Any Install
Slope, Soil, and Rock: Assessing a Yard Before Starting Any Install
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Before We Build Anything, We Read the Land
Every great landscape install starts with an accurate, boots-on-the-ground assessment of the site. If your soil is bad, your slope drains wrong, or there’s buried rock waiting to surprise you — you’ll run into major problems mid-project. This post explains how we evaluate slope, soil, and subgrade before we quote or design anything.
1. Slope: The First Thing We Check
1. Slope: The First Thing We Check
Slope determines how water flows, what kind of grading is needed, and what’s possible with patios, turf, or retaining walls.
Key slope signs we look for:
Water streaks or erosion
Low spots where puddling occurs
Downspouts discharging against the house
Slope direction relative to the house and neighboring lots
We aim for at least a 2% fall away from structures. On steeper lots, we design terraces or step-down installations.
2. Soil Type: Not All Dirt Is Created Equal
2. Soil Type: Not All Dirt Is Created Equal
Colorado soils are usually heavy clay—slow-draining and compacted. But fill dirt, construction debris, or sandy pockets can also exist, especially on new builds.
We assess:
Soil structure (clay, loam, sand, or mix)
Drainage capability
Root penetration potential
Whether amending or replacement is needed
Good installs require soil that supports base compaction, plant growth, and stable water flow.
3. Subsurface Rock and Fill Layers
3. Subsurface Rock and Fill Layers
Some lots—especially in foothill areas—sit on shallow bedrock or buried boulders. Others have unpredictable fill from construction.
We probe and dig test holes to check for:
Rock within 6–12 inches of the surface
Large roots or debris
Compacted construction fill or concrete chunks
Drainage routes blocked by hardpan
If we find these early, we can design around them—or bring in the right equipment.
4. Drainage Patterns and Flow Risks
4. Drainage Patterns and Flow Risks
Before digging, we also evaluate:
Gutter and downspout layout
Neighbor runoff direction
Crawlspace or foundation proximity
Where we can send water safely
We don’t just install a French drain—we plan the exit strategy first.
5. Why This Matters for Cost and Design
5. Why This Matters for Cost and Design
A flat-looking yard may need tons of soil moved.
A short wall may need a deeper base if clay sits above rock.
A simple turf install may fail in heavy shade and hardpan.
The better the site assessment, the fewer surprises—and the stronger the result.
Related Services:
Related Services:
We Don’t Guess — We Measure, Dig, and Build Based on Reality
We Don’t Guess — We Measure, Dig, and Build Based on Reality
If you want a landscape that lasts, it starts with reading the land before shaping it.
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