Planning a Backyard Landscaping Project this Spring? Here’s What You Need To Know

At last, spring has sprung! As the warmer weather begins to creep in, you may be well positioned to finally make a start on that backyard landscaping project you’ve been dreaming of all winter. Depending on what your project entails, you may have to engage a levelling or excavating service at some point during the project. If you’ve never done anything like this before, don’t worry! Here’s everything you need to know:

 

Levelling 101: What is backyard levelling?

Unfortunately, gardens and lawns don’t always stay nice and even. An uneven backyard can be caused by a variety of reasons; there may be problems with the root structure, or there may be moles or grubs hiding beneath the surface. Your garden may also just have a natural slope. Whatever the reason may be, lumps, bumps, and dips in a backyard can be a nuisance. Not only do they pose a danger and increase the risk of trips and falls, they can also make landscaping work very difficult. If you’re planning on installing new paving, concrete, or decking, laying new turf, or installing a new structure such as a shed, patio, or playground, it usually helps to start off with a flat surface.

So, what exactly is backyard levelling? Backyard levelling involves examining the area which needs to be levelled, removing excess soil, and using this excess soil to create a nice, even surface that’s smooth, bump-free, and ready for the next stage of the project.

If you feel confident in your skills and abilities, you can absolutely level your garden by yourself. However, depending on how big the job is, it may be easier to hire a mini digger and a professional operator. Hiring a professional for the job means that you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging your property or hitting any underground services. You also won’t have to deal with waste disposal, which is always a win in our books. What’s even better is that some professional companies, like Jim’s Diggers, can even lay down new turf for you or deliver and spread new soil or sand. These little things can make a big difference to how quickly a project is completed, so oftentimes our clients find that the time saved is well worth the money spent.

 

What type of machinery is used to level a backyard?

On smaller sites, large excavators often aren’t necessary. Mini diggers are usually more than sufficient for most backyard projects. From digging out trenches and holes to levelling the ground and breaking up concrete, mini diggers are highly efficient tools that can help you complete your landscaping project quickly and effectively. 

Like their name suggests, mini diggers have the added advantage of being much smaller than their larger counterparts, which means that they’re easier to maneuver and easier to transport. They’re also quieter, which means that you’re less likely to receive complaints from neighbours. 

With that being said, whenever there’s machinery involved in any home renovation or landscaping project, it’s always a good idea to consult your neighbours well in advance and to be mindful of the noise you’re making. Residential noise laws vary state by state, so always check your local regulations before commencing any project. There’s nothing worse than a neighbourhood quarrel, so taking the time to consult your neighbours will go a long way in keeping the peace and maintaining goodwill.

 

Is using an excavator hard? What are my DIY options?

We love a good DIY project here in Australia, however, some jobs are best left to the experts. For those who feel confident in their abilities to drive and operate an excavator, it’s definitely possible to rent a mini digger on your own. In most Australian states and territories, you don’t need a license to hire and operate a mini digger. 

Hiring a digger outright is often referred to as a ‘dry hire’. It’s a good option for those who are confident in their abilities and have experience in digging, excavating, and operating this kind of machinery. On average, the dry hire of a mini digger for a full day costs somewhere between $300 and $500. 

‘Wet hire’, on the other hand, refers to the hire of a digger as well as an operator. Since wet hire includes a skilled operator as well as machinery, this type of hire is more expensive. Wet hire of a mini digger will usually cost you around $400 to $600 for half a day. 

Using an excavator is pretty straightforward. It’s knowing what’s beneath the surface that’s a little bit more complicated. One of the main disadvantages of dry hire is that there’s a much higher chance of digging into underground services. Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) plans can be very inaccurate, and accidentally digging up any underground service will come at a significant cost. Here at Jim’s Diggers, we offer Service Location solutions which will help you avoid these nasty situations. We’ll locate and mark out all services underneath your property, including telecommunications cables, gas, water pipes, electricity, sewers and storm-water drains. 

Get your landscaping project done in time for summer with the help of Jim’s Diggers. We provide fully trained and fully licensed experts for every job. We’ll come with all the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise, so you won’t need to worry about a single thing. Our team of experienced operators can even dispose of waste on your behalf, so you can save yourself the hassle of making a trip to the rubbish tip. We’re highly experienced in creating level areas in preparation for new lawns, gardens, paving, decking, concreting, and sheds, so get in touch today to receive an obligation-free quote. Call us on 131 456 or contact us online to learn more.

 

Related Jim’s Group News

– 8 Tips for Beautifying the Front of Your Home.
– How Can I Make My Garden Look Better During Winter?
– Our Essential Summer Gardening Tips.
– Your Ultimate Indoor Plant Survival Guide.