From Ground Prep to Drainage: How We're Installing a Swale in Newark
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
Maximizing Efficiency in Newark Excavations
STRATEGIC PLANNING ENSURES PROJECT SUCCESS
Early mornings in Newark mean getting things done before the weather turns.
That's exactly where we found ourselves today, with a full drainage project ahead of us and rain in the forecast.
When you're in the excavation business, you learn pretty quick that proper planning makes all the difference between staying on schedule and falling behind.
Today's project isn't just about moving dirt - we're installing a swale that'll help manage water flow and prevent drainage issues down the road.
With another big project (a 500-foot driveway installation) starting tomorrow, we needed to hit the ground running and work smart.
That's the thing about drainage work: do it right the first time, and you save everyone headaches later.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Planning and Equipment Coordination
This kind of job takes more than just showing up with a machine and getting to work. While most folks were just starting their day, Easton had already dropped off our skid steer and was headed out to grab an excavator. Meanwhile, I picked up a Harley rake - a specific piece of equipment that's going to help us prep the ground properly.
Think of it like a well-choreographed dance. Each piece of equipment needs to be in the right place at the right time. The skid steer gets us started, the Harley rake helps us prep the surface, and the excavator lets us cut in the swale precisely. With rain coming later today, this kind of coordination isn't just helpful - it's necessary. Every minute counts when you're racing the weather and trying to keep multiple projects on track.
The Harley Rake Phase
Let me tell you about one of our most useful tools - the Harley rake. If you've never seen one in action, think of it as a giant comb for the ground. While it might not look like much, this attachment is a game-changer for site prep work. It breaks up the soil, pulls out rocks and debris, and leaves us with a clean surface to work with.
Using the Harley rake isn't just about making things look nice - it's about creating the right foundation for our drainage work. When you're installing a swale, you need an even, well-prepared surface. Skip this step, and you might end up with uneven drainage or spots where water pools instead of flowing where it should. That's why we take the time to do this prep work right, even when we're working against the weather.
Swale Installation Process
A lot of folks hear "swale" and think it's just a fancy ditch. But there's a lot more to it than that. A properly installed swale is actually an engineered solution that helps manage water flow across your property. It's like creating a natural pathway for water to follow, keeping it away from areas where it could cause problems.
The process starts with our excavator, cutting in the swale at just the right grade. This isn't guesswork - we're following specific slopes and measurements to make sure water will flow exactly where it needs to go. Then comes the stone installation. We use specific types of stone that help filter the water while keeping the soil in place. It's like building a highway for water - you want it to move smoothly without causing erosion or backing up during heavy rains.
Project Management Realities
There's a lot more to excavation work than just running equipment. Take today's project in Newark - we're watching the weather, coordinating equipment moves, and planning for tomorrow's 500-foot driveway job all at the same time. That's just the reality of this business. You've got to think three steps ahead to keep everything moving smoothly.
Weather's always a wild card in Ohio. When you see rain in the forecast, you can either let it slow you down or plan around it. We choose to plan around it. That means sometimes starting earlier, sometimes bringing in extra equipment, and always having a backup plan. Because at the end of the day, our customers are counting on us to get the job done right and on schedule.
The Value of a Properly Installed Swale
A properly installed swale might not be the most exciting thing to look at, but it's one of those improvements that proves its worth every time it rains. For our Newark customer, this means no more water problems and better drainage across their property. And for us, it means we can move on to tomorrow's driveway project knowing we've done this job right.
Wrapping it Up
If you're dealing with standing water, erosion issues, or any kind of drainage problems in Newark or the surrounding areas, don't wait until the next big rain to do something about it.
A well-designed drainage solution like a swale can save you thousands in potential water damage and foundation issues down the road.
We're always happy to take a look at drainage issues and explain your options in plain English.
Because at Double B, we believe in fixing problems at their source, not just putting a band-aid on them.
That's just how we do things.
