Winter can honestly be an excellent time to start on your next big construction project. While excavation may be simpler with dry, sunny days, winter can actually be a good time to tackle an excavation and grading project. Excavating in the colder months requires a strategic approach and yet professional contractors around the world can still deliver a successful winter excavation and grading project. In Tennessee, the cold temperatures may prove challenging, however, a skilled and well-equipped professional excavation and grading team can manage these challenges effectively. How can they accomplish this, you ask? Southern Dirt & Land is here to share the ins and outs of how to succeed at excavation and grading in the Tennessee winter.
Tips for Winter Excavation Construction Projects
How to work with frozen soil: Perhaps one of the most significant challenges can be frozen soil. While this may not happen every evening in Tennessee, excavation professionals in Memphis and the surrounding areas have ground-thawing blankets, heaters, or pressurized hot water to soften the top layers of the ground making it available to excavate. Tennessee often only sees the upper levels of soil frozen, so it is easy to thaw and excavate at any time of the year.
Specialized winter excavation equipment: Standard equipment may not do the task of taking on frozen soil. With that, experienced excavators from Southern Dirt & Land have access to specialized attachments such as frost rippers that break through frozen earth more efficiently. This makes the first few layers of frozen soil obsolete.
Safety: Another factor to consider in Winter excavating in Memphis Tennessee is safety concerns. This includes slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and the risk of hypothermia for the crew. However this is very rare for Memphis, and at Southern Dirt & Land, our professional standards include strict safety protocols to protect our team and your property.
Strategic scheduling: Most importantly, winter excavation requires carefully planned work schedules. Working in the warmest parts of the day with a flexible schedule and a close eye on the weather forecast enables our team to keep your project on track and avoid unnecessary delays.
Is Winter Excavation a Good Idea in Memphis, Tennessee?
While winter requires a skilled and experienced excavation and grading team, it also brings several unique advantages. Many homeowners and contractors choose to excavate and grade during the summer or spring so there is less competition for your scheduling if you choose to work throughout the winter. Cold weather can also firm up the ground making it easier to access in certain areas. Using techniques to thaw the few top layers (which may be frozen), Southern Dirt & Land can use the winter weather to our advantage, making for a shorter timeline in many cases. Similarly, having your excavation and grading completed during winter allows you to continue on your construction project as soon as the weather warms up. This means your overall project timeline is shorter in duration. With the right team and the right plan, winter can be an excellent time to break ground.
Best Excavation and Grading Company Memphis, TN
Don’t assume that winter means you have to halt your construction plans! Winter may prove to be the perfect time for your excavation activity, especially if you are planning with the right company like Southern Dirt & Land, proper equipment, and an experienced team. In actuality, winter excavation can prepare your property for spring and help you stay ahead of busy seasonal construction periods in Memphis, TN.
Don’t let the cold stop your project. Contact Southern Dirt & Land today for a free estimate and let’s get your project started!

