What does grading involve in the context of land development?

Grading in the context of land development refers specifically to the process of moving earth around a site to conform to specified plans and designs. This involves reshaping the land to achieve desired contours and elevations, which is essential for various purposes, such as drainage, landscaping, or preparing the site for construction. Proper grading ensures that the site will adequately support structures or vegetation and maintain effective water runoff patterns.

While removing vegetation, compacting soil, and draining excess water are important aspects of land development, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of grading. Grading is fundamentally about modifying the physical terrain while adhering to the set design criteria, making it a critical step in preparing a site for its intended use.