How to Grade Soil

Insert a stake at the highest point in your soil, away from where you want it to grade or slope. Measure 8 feet from the stake in the direction of the desired slope or grade and drive a second stake into the soil. Make sure the stakes are in a straight line.

Tie string to the top of the first stake and extend it to the second stake. Tie it loosely to the top of the second stake. Using a level, check that the string runs straight between the two stakes before tightening it around the top of the second stake. Cut excess string off with scissors.

Measure the string and attach a length of tape at every 1 foot interval along it. Ensure each length of tape is long enough to dangle downward toward the soil. After you mark the string every 12 inches, measure the space between the soil and string. Note the measurements in inches on paper.

Read the noted measurements on paper. Ideally, the soil should slope or grade 3/4 inch per foot from your home or fixture. For instance, if the distance between the soil and first tape mark equals 6 inches, the distance between the soil and second tape mark should equal 5 1/4 inches. Calculate the ideal measurements from the first stake to the second and note these next to the actual measurements so you can easily compare the difference in each.

Remove or add soil in sections to achieve the ideal grade. Use a shovel to dig out excess soil, or flatten areas that are slightly higher than required. Conversely, add soil to areas that are very low to achieve the desired measurements. Continually measure the space between the soil and tape to ensure you achieve the required grading.

Tamp the soil between the two stakes after you correct the soil's grade. Remove the first stake and insert it into the soil, 8 feet apart from the second stake. Repeat the process of extending string between the two stakes and marking along it every 12 inches so that you fix the grade accordingly.

Rake the soil from the top of the graded soil to the bottom using a grading rake. Collect and discard debris and rocks that surface.