Is Grading Needed Before the Installation of Patio Pavers in the Lake Forest, IL Area?

Is Grading Needed Before the Installation of Patio Pavers in the Lake Forest, IL Area?

As you look forward to enjoying a new paver patio in your Lake Forest, IL Area landscape, there are some preparations for a patio installation that might surprise you. For some properties, some grading is necessary before a landscape company can build the patio. Here are some reasons why your terrain could need some rearranging.

Related: Enhance Your Outdoor Space By Adding Patio Pavers In Lake Forest, IL

Why Proper Grading is Essential

One of the key ways to protect your home from water damage can be to have proper grading that diverts the water away from your home’s foundation. The same can be true for a paver patio. You don’t want to invite your friends over for drinks only to find that the patio has puddles in spots because the ground was not graded before the patio installation. 

Having a secure, level base for a paver patio can ensure there are no puddles, dips, or cracks due to poor planning. A landscape professional will bring in the right excavator to dig out the dirt and roots that can interfere with your dream patio.

Excavations can be messy but they are always working toward the goal of a lovely patio space for your outdoor living dreams. You should be prepared that they might need to remove some trees because they are taking up the space where your new patio will be built. 

Excavation removes roots because tree roots can cause the patio pavers to shift. Tree roots naturally grow toward a water source and this can cause problems with the patio foundation. A landscape professional can assess the surrounding trees and remove only what is necessary to build a long-lasting paver patio.

Excavation manipulates slopes that funnel the stormwater toward the patio area. A landscape slope can seem like a terrain characteristic that would prevent installing a lovely patio for your entertaining and relaxation but a landscape professional can grade the patio so that the slope is not a factor. When the water drains off the patio, you won’t have to fret over lingering puddles. 

Excavation ensures a reliable surface for your new patio. Long after the patio is designed and built, a landscape professional wants the surface to drain away the water and remain stable and lovely. 

Benefits of a Well-Designed Patio

A well-designed patio can bring many hours of family enjoyment and entertaining opportunities. When a landscape professional has taken the time to prepare the earth for any hardscape feature, it will stand the test of time. 

When you choose a paver patio, the pavers are color-fast and non-slip to protect the people who walk there. They are also manufactured with a technology that prevents cracking, flaking, and crumbling so the patio surface remains attractive for years. 

Since a reputable landscape contractor has taken the time to ensure the base is level and the water runs to the proper area away from the patio center, you can plan any activity on the patio with confidence that it will be a beautiful outdoor living space in any season. 

While grading is often necessary for many hardscape features you might add to your landscape, the end result will be worth the preparation. From the grading to the final patio paver is secured, a paver patio can be a valuable addition to your landscape. 

Related: What To Look For In Patio Pavers For Lake Forest And Buffalo Grove, IL, Outdoor Living Spaces

About the Author

Yep. We’re those guys – the guys who’ve always been handy, the guys who love to work with their hands, the guys family, friends, and neighbors have called on for help since, well, since we can remember. Which is why we’re now the guys who turned those talents and passion into a living by starting a family-owned contracting business. Serving the North Shore area and beyond, we specialize in beautifying and caring for residential properties, from installing fine gardens and preparing landscapes for big changes to ensuring the ongoing health of lawns and trees.