Stable Sites Ready for Your Next Project

Land grading and site preparation for residential and commercial properties in Fletcher, North Carolina

When you purchase a lot in Fletcher that slopes toward the road or holds water in low spots, you need grading work that corrects those issues before any building, paving, or landscaping can begin. Tates Grading operates across Fletcher to reshape uneven ground, establish proper drainage, and create surfaces that meet the requirements of engineers and local codes.

Grading uses heavy machinery to remove high points, fill in depressions, and compact soil so the finished surface supports the weight of structures and vehicles without settling over time. The work involves calculating slope angles that move stormwater away from buildings while keeping the grade gentle enough for safe access and stable construction.

If your Fletcher property needs site preparation that addresses drainage or leveling challenges, contact Tates Grading to arrange a site visit and discuss what the work will involve.

What Grading Solves and How It Gets Done

Crews start by clearing brush and stripping topsoil, then use dozers and graders to push earth into place according to the elevations marked on your site plan. In Fletcher, where soil types vary from clay to sandy loam, operators adjust compaction methods and equipment weight to match what the ground requires for long-term stability.

Once grading is finished, you will see a property where rainwater flows consistently away from where you plan to build and the surface remains firm even after wet weather or heavy use. The graded area will be ready for foundation work, utility installation, or any other site development that depends on level, well-drained ground.

Grading does not include tree removal, stump grinding, or installation of underground drainage systems unless those services are arranged separately. The work focuses on establishing the correct surface elevation and slope, leaving the property ready for the next phase of construction or improvement.

Answers to questions that come up during planning

Homeowners and developers in Fletcher typically want to know how long grading will take, what conditions might slow the work, and whether their lot will need additional fill material to reach the desired elevation.

What factors affect how long a grading project takes? The size of the area, the amount of earth that needs moving, and how difficult it is to access your site with heavy equipment all influence the timeline. Most residential lots take one to three days, while larger commercial sites may require a week or more.
How do you determine the correct slope for drainage? Tates Grading follows engineering plans or local codes that specify minimum slope angles for moving water away from buildings. Typically, graded surfaces slope at least two percent to prevent ponding while staying gentle enough for safe vehicle and foot traffic.
Why does some soil need to be hauled off the property? If cutting down high spots produces more earth than is needed to fill low areas, the excess must be removed to avoid creating new problems with drainage or slope. Hauling adds to project costs but prevents future settling or erosion.
What happens if the ground is too wet to grade? Wet soil does not compact properly and equipment can leave deep ruts that damage the site. Crews will delay work until conditions dry out enough to allow proper compaction and prevent long-term stability issues.
When should grading be completed relative to other site work? Grading should happen after land clearing and before any building foundations, driveways, or utilities are installed. This sequence ensures the ground is stable and properly sloped before other trades begin work that depends on a solid, well-drained surface.

For properties in Fletcher that need grading to support new construction or fix existing drainage problems, Tates Grading can evaluate your site and provide a clear estimate based on the terrain, soil conditions, and project requirements.