After they did the foundation, and then graded out all the dirt around it away from the slab, they had a lot left over. They asked where we wanted it, we asked if they hauled it off? Nope, we paid for it, it's ours...
As the building foreman said, "congratulations, you have some dirt!"
We just had them put it into a pile, or as 2nd Man said, a pile or a possible volcano?
Not sure what we'll do it with it right away, if the house was almost finished, it would be great to fill in low spots, make some little planting areas, mix with compost and soil for some raised beds, etc. But we still have months of them driving trucks around and just making general construction messes. We asked "J" if she needed any dirt and she was excited and said yes, she would take some to fill in some low spots. We told her she could come on up anytime and grab some buckets or a wheelbarrow and have at it.
As if this isn't enough, we were reminded that when the do the septic...we're going to have even more dirt!
Mount Seda Bolsa!
As you guys will find out as things go along, you can never have enough piles of dirt for little projects. Since you have some acreage, probably time to start thinking about a small tractor, such as a John Deere 1023e or 1025. We have one on our 4 acres and couldn't live without it any more. It is amazing how much you can do with one of these small tractors. Wish I had spent a little more and got the 1025 though. It is a little more powerful, and will lift a little more weight in the bucket. Ours has the scraper on the back, didn't get the backhoe attachment, nice to have, but don't have much use for it. Something to think about, though.
ReplyDeleteThere are always low spots that could use some leveling out.
ReplyDeleteJust save the dirt until all work is done. You might have low places or ruts in the yard from trucks coming in. If you still have some place an ad in the local paper free dirt, you might be surprised how many people need it to fill in low spots or add to their garden spot.
ReplyDeleteRaised beds for veggies is a great idea. If I had all that land, and if you don't already have them, plant two lemon or lime trees about 20 ft apart. Apple trees are perfect for your area too.
ReplyDeleteLook into a Cyclone Rake that attaches to the back of a riding mower (we have an ancient John Deere that has tumbled into the creek once with DH on it - ouch!). It sucks up the grass/weed clippings as you mow and when you're finished or the Cyclone Rake canvas container is full, it tips up so you can dump - using a little rake - the stuff where you want it. The pile eventually makes your own compost!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
After filling in low spots, ruts, and other damaged areas when the builder is finished, save the rest of the dirt. Move it to an out of the way area and deposit it there. There are always future uses for dirt. Raised beds that are two to three feet high with metal or wood sides will be very much appreciated as you get older. They are usually filled using the Hugelkultur method of cardboard, logs, branches, leaves, and topped off with compost. You could add this dirt as a layer on top of the logs and branches.
ReplyDeleteIf your land is flat you may want to think about flower garden areas that have gentle hills for focal points.
ReplyDeleteYou can never have too much dirt. I need some!
ReplyDeleteUse some of the dirt and start a compost pile. Great way in getting rid of them table scraps. With a septic system you won't have no garbage disposable. Good way to dispose of your potato, carrot, onion, etc. peelings.
ReplyDeleteGet yourself a heavy duty waterproof tarp, so the extra dirt will not become muddy following rainfall. Once it becomes hardened, the soil will be difficult to move from one location to another.
Keep the tarp in place by weighing it down with large boulders or small concrete blocks. Weighing down the tarp helps to keep the water intake at a minimum. Place a boulder or concrete block at each corner of the tarp. Also, place one in the middle of the cover as well. This gives you some additional time for you to decide on what you want to do with all the extra soil.
What others have suggested; using it to fill in them low areas. Mix with some good compost and use for beds, planters, etc.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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