Shaping land to hold water and build soil
Earthworks are the backbone of many land projects. Done well, shaping the ground sets up everything else: water goes where you want it, soil stays put, and plants and animals have what they need. Soil Solutions handles everything from gentle land shaping to full-scale earthmoving.
Our approach is to work with the natural contours of the land rather than against them. Swales, berms, terraces, and ponds are placed and built to slow water, hold it in the landscape, and build soil over time.
What we build
Common projects include contour swales and berms, terraces on sloping ground, ponds and catchments, keyline ripping, access roads and pads laid out with drainage in mind, and site preparation for new farms, gardens, and orchards. We also do the dirt work needed when setting up a new organic operation, so layout and construction come from the same plan.
Soil is protected throughout. We think about where topsoil goes, how to avoid unnecessary compaction, and how to get disturbed ground covered and growing again quickly.
Planning first
Good earthworks start with design. We look at slope, soil, rainfall, and how the site will be used before anything is moved. Some work, such as larger ponds, grading near waterways, or work on steep slopes, may require county or state permits, and we will talk through what may apply. Pair earthworks with erosion control and water harvesting for a full system. Contact us to talk about your site.
Getting started
Every project begins with a conversation. Tell us about your land, what you are growing or raising, and what you want to change. From there we usually recommend a site visit and, in most cases, soil testing, so the plan for earthworks is built on what is actually happening on your ground. You will get clear recommendations and an honest sense of what to do first, what can wait, and how our other services might fit in.
Where we offer earthworks
We serve Northern California and Northern Nevada, including Reno & Washoe County, NV, Carson City, Douglas & Lyon Counties, NV, Fallon, Churchill County & Elko, NV, Sacramento Valley, CA, Sierra Foothills, CA, Far Northern California, and the North Coast: Sonoma & Mendocino, CA.