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Site Preparation

Excavation & Grading for Utah Landscaping Projects

Every successful landscape project starts below the surface. Proper grading determines whether water flows away from your foundation or pools against it. Correct soil depth determines whether plants root properly or struggle. Clean trenching determines whether irrigation lines run true and drain fully each winter.

Lundberg Landscape handles small-scale excavation, grading, trenching, and soil removal across Salt Lake County — as a standalone service for clients preparing a site for other contractors, or as the foundation phase of a full landscape installation.

We use compact excavation equipment sized for residential lots — large enough to work efficiently, small enough to access side yards and gates without damaging existing surfaces.

Excavation Services

  • 🚜 Site grading for proper drainage
  • 🚜 Topsoil and subsoil removal
  • 🚜 Irrigation trench excavation and backfill
  • 🚜 Raised planting bed construction
  • 🚜 Retaining wall foundation excavation
  • 🚜 Footings for structures (sheds, pergolas)
  • 🚜 Drainage swale construction
  • 🚜 Rock and debris removal from soil

Why Grading Matters in Salt Lake County

Utah's clay soil makes grading more critical — and more consequential when done wrong — than in most markets. Here's what improper grading causes and how we prevent it:

Foundation Water Intrusion

The minimum code requirement in most Utah municipalities is 6 inches of drop over the first 10 feet away from the foundation — but many older properties don't meet this standard, and DIY landscape projects frequently disturb the grade and create drainage toward the house. We measure existing grade, design to appropriate drainage slopes, and verify after installation.

Standing Water in Rock Beds

Homeowners who install rock or gravel without proper grading often discover that their new landscape holds water after heavy rain. Rock doesn't absorb water — it passes it through quickly. If the subgrade isn't sloped correctly, that water collects at low points in the rock bed. Proper grading eliminates this problem before the material goes in.

Irrigation Trench Drainage

Irrigation trenches must slope slightly toward drain points so water in the lines empties out of the system each time it runs — preventing standing water from freezing in lines over Utah winters. We trench with consistent slope and install appropriate drain valves at low points.

Soil Compaction Management

Heavy equipment compacts soil, which inhibits plant root growth and water infiltration. We use the lightest equipment that can accomplish the job efficiently, avoid over-excavating areas where planting is planned, and aerate or amend compacted areas before cover goes in.

Get a Free Excavation & Grading Quote

Most quotes returned within 24 hours. Serving Sandy and all of Salt Lake County.

✅ Licensed & Insured ⭐ 5-Star Google Rated 💧 Utah Water Savers Approved 📍 Based in Sandy, UT 📞 801.450.0198