Breaking ground isn’t just about moving dirt. Smart sequencing—land clearing → rough grading → demolition (when applicable) → drainage & erosion control → final grade—saves time, avoids red-tags, and protects your budget. With 20+ years of professional experience in the Atlanta area, ATL T&G helps homeowners, builders, and developers get sites construction-ready the right way.
What Counts as “Site Prep” (and Why Order Matters)
1) Land Clearing: Remove What Doesn’t Belong
Trees, brush, stumps, and debris are cleared to establish access, protect equipment, and reveal true elevations. Clearing first lets your grading plan reflect the site’s real contours and avoids double work later. ATL T&G provides land clearing as a core service across Metro Atlanta.
2) Grading: Shape the Site for Drainage and Buildability
Once the site is open, grading establishes slopes, pads, and drive paths, directing water away from structures and controlling sediment. Proper grading prevents standing water, slab heave, and premature pavement failure. ATL T&G performs rough and finish grading for residential and light commercial projects.
3) Demolition: Safe, Compliant Removal
If you’re replacing an existing structure, demolition comes after utilities are capped and permits are in place. Mechanical demo with debris separation (concrete, metal, general waste) reduces dump fees and keeps the site clean for the next phase. ATL T&G handles demolition services throughout the region.
4) Erosion Control: Keep Soil in Place, Inspectors Happy
Silt fence, construction entrances, inlet protection, and stabilized staging areas minimize runoff and track-out. Put BMPs in before mass earthwork—doing it backwards is a fast track to failed inspections and fines.
Atlanta-Specific Tips That Prevent Costly Delays
- Plan for red clay. It compacts well, but poor moisture control can create hard pan or slick muck. Your grading schedule should include watering or scarifying to meet compaction specs.
- Mind tree protection zones. Root damage outside the drip line is a common citation; fence it early and keep equipment out.
- Utilities first. Call 811, then verify as-builts against field locates—mismarked lines stall demo and add standby costs.
- Rain-ready staging. Stock silt fence, inlet bags, and stone for entrances on day one; Atlanta pop-up storms can turn a clean site into a mess fast.
When to Call Emergency Crews (and What They Do)
Storm blow-downs, washouts, or failed retaining elements can stop work and endanger neighboring properties. ATL T&G offers emergency services—from tree/debris removal to temporary grading and slope stabilization—to get sites safe and compliant so work can resume.
Our Standard Site-Prep Workflow
- Walk & Measure – Identify removals, protected trees, access, and hazards.
- Plan & Permits – Coordinate demo notices, utility caps, and erosion control submittals.
- Mobilize – Clearing crews open the site; debris is sorted for haul-off.
- Rough Grade – Establish pads, drive lanes, and drainage paths.
- Controls & Clean-Up – Install/adjust BMPs, stabilize disturbed areas, document conditions.
Want to see recent results? Browse the project Gallery to get a feel for our scope and finish quality.
Where We Work
ATL T&G serves Metro Atlanta and surrounding counties. We also field dedicated crews in communities like McDonough/Henry County for tree removal, demolition, and land services.
How to Choose the Right Partner (A Quick Checklist)
- Experience you can verify (years in market, similar project scope).
- Full stack services (clearing, grading, demo, emergency response) so sequencing stays tight.
- Clear communication (daily updates, single point of contact).
- Compliance mindset (permits, inspections, BMPs documented).
- Well-maintained equipment sized for your access constraints.
Ready to Break Ground the Right Way?
Tell us about your timeline and budget, and we’ll map the fastest, code-compliant path to “build-ready.”
Atlanta Trucking & Grading (ATL T&G)
Phone: (404) 666-4000
Services: Land clearing, grading, demolition, emergency services (residential & light commercial)