Tips for excavating your Yard
Excavating a yard is a major undertaking and perhaps not something that you should just do on a whim. Before you begin any excavation work, consider all aspects of the task. Here are a few things that you might want to consider.
Check For Underground Utilities
Before you begin any major excavation work on your yard, you need to make sure that you are aware of any underground utilities. In fact, you are legally obligated to speak to any gas companies serving your area to find out if there are any gas installations on your property.
A great web based resource that assists in locating services such as electricity, gas, water and telecommunications is Dial Before You Dig. This should be your first step before any works take place, especially if you are working in your front yard.
Excavate When The Weather Is Good
You don’t want to be out working in the rain, nor do you want to be trying to drive an excavator over wet and sodden earth. Even if you choose a lightweight compact excavator, waterlogged terrain can cause a variety of issues including unnecessary damage to ground surfaces such as grass, water pooling in excavated areas and even wall collapses of excavated areas. Working in good weather is much more conducive to achieving a good result and it is a lot easier to clean the machine once the job is complete.
Clear The Excavation Zone
Once you have marked out any utilities beneath your property, your next task is to clear away any obstructions that will hinder the movement or operation of your equipment. This could include, shrubs or trees, ornaments and even garden irrigation systems. Also check the travel path in and out of the excavation zone.
Prepare For Disposal
As you excavate your yard, you will inevitably find yourself with a large pile of earth that you need to dispose of. If you don’t make plans for the disposal of soil and other waste before you begin your work, you could find yourself with a real problem on your hands later. A Hi Tip Dumper or portable conveyor can both make it much easier to get rid of soil and other debris when you are finished.
Excavating your yard can be a major undertaking, especially if you have allowed the space to become wild and overgrown. Before you set about excavating your yard, check for existing utilities. You also need to plan out your work beforehand so you can make sure you have the right equipment for the job. As long as you don’t rush into the work before you’re ready, excavating your yard can be a successful adventure.
