Every Landscaping Project Starts With What Is Underneath -- The Dirt
$1,500 to $8,000 for residential grading and dirt work. Lot leveling, fill dirt, land clearing, and site prep for patios, pools, sheds, and new construction. We reshape your terrain so water drains where it should and everything built on top stays level.
Bad Grade Is the Root Cause of 80% of Yard Problems in Pinellas County
Standing water, soggy grass, foundation cracks, shifting pavers, and erosion all trace back to the same root cause: the ground is not shaped correctly. Pinellas County's flat terrain means water has no natural direction to flow. If your lot was not graded properly during construction -- or if settling has changed the grade over time -- water goes wherever gravity takes it. Usually that means toward your house.
Dirt work is not glamorous. Nobody calls us excited about moving soil. But it is the foundation of every successful landscape project. A paver patio on poorly graded soil settles unevenly. New sod on a negatively graded lot drowns in low spots and browns on high spots. A drainage system without proper grade cannot move water anywhere.
We use laser levels, GPS grading equipment, and compaction testing to reshape your terrain with engineering precision. The result is a lot where water flows where it should, structures have stable foundations, and every landscape element installed on top performs as designed.
Dirt Work Services for St. Petersburg Properties
Yard Regrading
Reshaping your existing terrain to create positive drainage away from structures. We establish proper slope using laser levels and move soil to create the grade that water needs to flow in the right direction. $1,500-$3,500 for most residential yards. Often combined with drainage solutions for complete water management.
Site Preparation
Preparing ground for patios, pools, sheds, driveways, and other structures. Includes clearing, excavation to required depth, compaction of subgrade, and fine grading to tolerances needed for the structure going on top. Every hardscape project we build starts with proper site prep. $2,000-$5,000 depending on scope.
Fill Dirt and Soil Import
Bringing in clean fill to raise low areas, build up grade around foundations, or create level building pads. We source clean fill from permitted suppliers and compact in 6-inch lifts to prevent future settling. Volume pricing available for large projects. $30-$50 per cubic yard delivered and placed.
Land Clearing
Removing brush, small trees, stumps, and debris to prepare sites for landscaping or construction. We handle disposal and leave a clean, graded surface ready for the next phase. Selective clearing preserves desired trees while removing everything else. $1,500-$4,000 depending on density and lot size.
Swale Construction
Building shallow vegetated channels that direct water across your property to drainage collection points. Swales work with your natural terrain to move water using gravity. Critical in flat Pinellas County neighborhoods where surface drainage infrastructure is limited. $1,000-$3,000 per swale.
Finish Grading
Precision grading for sod installation, landscape bed prep, and final site contours. We rake and roll the surface to create a smooth, even plane with no low spots or high spots that would cause problems after sod or planting. $500-$1,500 as standalone service.
Good Landscaping Starts With Good Dirt Work
Regrading, site prep, fill, and clearing for residential properties across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Free on-site estimates.
Request a Free EstimateDirt Work Questions
$1,500-$8,000 for most residential projects. Regrading: $1,500-$3,500. Site prep: $2,000-$5,000. Full clearing and grading: $4,000-$8,000. Depends on area, volume, and access.
Reshaping terrain so water flows away from structures. Minimum 1-inch drop per foot for the first 6 feet from foundation. Without proper grade, water pools and causes foundation damage.
Regrading: 1-2 days. Full site prep: 2-5 days. Large fill operations: up to a week. Weather dependent -- we schedule dry windows for excavation.
Most residential regrading does not need a permit. Large-scale clearing or fill near wetlands may require permits. We verify requirements for every project.
Build on a Solid Foundation
Drainage Solutions
Grading creates slope. Drainage collects and moves the water. Most projects need both working together.
Learn More →
Sod Installation
New sod needs a properly graded, smooth surface to root evenly and drain correctly.
Learn More →
Hardscaping
Every patio, walkway, and wall starts with excavation and grade work. Proper site prep prevents settling.
Learn More →