Category: Excavation

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!

An evacuation or grading project in Memphis, Tennessee requires planning and navigation of a large range of local, state, and federal regulations. You have to consider utility safety, environmental protection, timeline considerations, various contractor schedules, and much more. At Southern Dirt & Land, our projects, both large and small, ensure that your construction is to code and this is crucial for safety and legality, as well as a timely, stress-free project. Southern Dirt & Land is well-versed in regulations on excavation and grading in Memphis, Tennessee. After decades in the industry, we have seen it all, and we know the importance of code and regulation compliance. When you partner with us for your grading and excavating needs, you can rely that you’re working with a team that knows exactly what we’re doing. We ensure that every mandated aspect of the project exceeds codes and regulations so that you can simply move on with the remainder of your project. Let’s dig into the ins and outs of excavating and grading code regulations in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mandated Excavation and Grading Codes in Memphis, TN

Excavation projects in Memphis, Tennessee are subject to the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. This mandates that the excavator notifies Tennessee One-Call about 10 days before digging. This will start the process of marking utility lines to prevent property damage and injuries. This also works through safety measures, maintaining safe clearances, operating near utilities, and other such code enforcements. Excavation and dirt work in Memphis, TN must also pay attention to the NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (TDEC). This is pertinent for any project that affects more than 1 acre of land. Similarly, even with smaller areas that are part of a larger development, it’s important to get a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System construction permit. This ensures there is a storm prevention plan to reduce runoff and to support erosion control on the job site. Maintaining the required guidelines when excavating and grading is vital to the success of your project. Lastly, it’s important to have proper permitting to conduct excavation and grading work in Memphis, Tennessee. You must be licensed and you must have permits before beginning. Applications can be completed up to 20 business days prior, making it easy to plan ahead. Doing so makes all the difference when you are ready to take action. 

Memphis, TN Excavating and Grading Company

In Memphis, Tennessee, your trusted partner for excavation grading is Southern Dirt & Land. We have the experience and local expertise to ensure that your project timeline progresses smoothly. We are well-versed in local, state, and federal codes and regulations that must be adhered to in order for your project to be approved when the time comes.We understand that we are laying the foundation for your project’s success and as such, we take our job very seriously. Besides a high level of quality workmanship in excavation and grading, our experience and in-depth knowledge provides valuable oversight – laying the proper foundation for your project. Contact Southern Dirt & Land for our dirt work & grading expertise in Memphis, TN today!