Whether you’re working on solar farms, windmill installations, or installing utility poles, the right materials will help you stay within the budget and meet your project goals.

Ground Cover Material Matters More Than You Think

Here’s are 4 reasons why choosing the right material matters:

Prevent Costly Weed Growth

Encroaching vegetation poses a major risk to power lines, railways, and other types of infrastructure. Weeds can crack concrete, displace soil, and weaken structural integrity. Not to mention the extra challenge they pose for maintenance crews, who have to trudge through bristly weeds to do repairs. Dry weeds and vegetation around utility poles or electrical equipment also pose a fire risk.

Effective weed management is so important that it is one of the largest preventative maintenance expenses for utility companies in the United States. Larger utility companies report spending roughly $100 million per year in weed control. Choosing the right weed barrier can cut these ongoing costs significantly.

Stop Erosion Before It Starts

Erosion is a natural process where underlying soil begins to wear away. It can lead to structural instability and increased maintenance costs. Choosing the best material for erosion control will help your company’s structures last longer.

Maintain Safety Standards

Weeds and erosion can turn the area around your infrastructure into dangerous, slippery slopes. The right ground cover material should stabilize soil and help prevent weeds. It can also create buffer zones around utility poles and electrical equipment to decrease fire hazards. Essentially, this seemingly small detail keeps your installations safer for the company and your crew.

Enhance Appearance

While aesthetics might not be your top priority, poorly maintained sites don’t give off the best impression. Most companies want their facilities to look polished and professional. Using the right ground cover material helps achieve that goal.

Common Ground Cover Materials for Utility and Infrastructure Work

For commercial applications, there are three categories of commonly used ground cover material.

Stone: The Reliable Workhorse

Stone consistently ranks as our top recommendation for most utility and infrastructure projects. Stone and gravel are incredibly durable, making them very cost-effective over time. Once installed, stone requires minimal maintenance, giving an additional budgetary advantage to large scale projects and long-term operations.

Plus, stone provides excellent drainage, preventing water from pooling around equipment foundations. It is also great for weed suppression.

Best Infrastructure Applications for Stone:

• Around utility poles
• Solar farm foundations where drainage is critical
• Windmill bases that need long-term stability
• High-traffic maintenance areas around equipment

Mulch: The Aesthetic Option with Limitations

Although we highly recommend mulch for landscaping, flower beds, and even playgrounds, it’s not always the best fit for infrastructure.

Mulch Benefits and Drawbacks:

Mulch enhances aesthetics and blends naturally with the environment. It’s also great for enriching soil and enhancing plant health while creating an effective weed barrier. However, mulch requires annual replenishment. This adds ongoing labor and material costs to the budget. For most utility projects, these recurring expenses make mulch less practical than stone or gravel.

Best Infrastructure Applications for Mulch:

• Around utility poles where appearance matters
• Public-facing areas where natural aesthetics are important
• Temporary installations where long-term maintenance isn’t a concern

Grass: The Eco-Friendly Solution

If environmental sustainability is more important than a durable material, grass could be a good option for infrastructure projects.

Grass Benefits and Drawbacks:

Grass is affordable and fast growing, especially with hydroseeding methods. It is an eco-friendly option for weed and erosion control. Grass also helps absorb carbon dioxide and heat. The downside of grass is that it requires regular mowing and irrigation. For utility projects, orchard grass performs best because of its low-growing characteristics, which slightly reduces ongoing maintenance needs.

Best Applications for Grass:

• Around solar panels where carbon sequestration matters
• Large open areas between equipment
• Projects with specific environmental compliance requirements

Groundcover for Solar Farm Development

With the rapid growth of the solar energy industry, it’s important to note that solar farms have their own unique ground cover challenges and needs.

Stone vs. Grass: Making the Right Choice

Both stone and grass provide soil stabilization and effective weed suppression. The decision between the two often comes down to balancing upfront costs with long-term landscape maintenance requirements.

The Pros and Cons of Stone for Solar Farms

Stone provides great drainage. The increased water flow prevents pooling around panel foundations, which can cause structural problems. Stone is also great at keeping weeds from growing around the panels. Once installed, stone lasts for decades with little upkeep. Its low maintenance qualities make stone ideal for large-scale installations where ongoing upkeep costs add up quickly.

However stone doesn’t enrich the soil or support plants in any way. Its key role is drainage and durability.

The Pros and Cons of Grass for Solar Farms

Grass is more visually appealing than stone. It is also a simple, eco-friendly way to prevent erosion and weed growth. Grass is often able to absorb heavy rain faster than stone or rocks. Another one of the key features of grass is its ability to absorb carbon and heat, keeping the air around the solar farm cooler. These environmental benefits of grass are often attractive for solar farm operators.

On the other hand, grass requires regular upkeep, like irrigation and mowing. Ultimately, the choice comes down to the project goals. If environmental benefits and aesthetics matter more, grass might be worth the extra maintenance requirements.

Ground Cover for Wind Farms

Wind farms in the Midwest and similar regions benefit from combining ground cover materials. Wind farm developers often use grass and stone together, placing each material where it performs best.

Grass in Open Areas:

Planting grass in wide, open spaces between turbines enhances the visual appeal while supporting local ecosystems. Grass also manages water absorption effectively in these lower-traffic zones.

Stone in High-Traffic Areas:

Turbine bases require stone to prevent water pooling at the foundation. Gravel pathways and maintenance zones allow for easier access than grass. Heavy equipment traffic quickly damages grass while stone is able to withstand the pressure.

This strategic combination maximizes each material’s strengths for optimal wind farm performance with lower maintenance costs. 

Ground Cover for Utility Companies

For utility companies, choosing the best ground cover depends largely on the equipment type and site access requirements.

Stone & Gravel Solutions

For most utility companies, stone and gravel deliver the best overall performance at the lowest cost.

Key Benefits of Stone:

• Excellent drainage
• Durable and low maintenance
• Good for weed control, reducing long-term vegetation management costs
• Reduces fire hazard risk

Mulch & Grass Applications

Both mulch and orchard grass work well when public visibility is important.

Key Benefits of Mulch and Grass:

• Control erosion effectively in sloped areas
• Retain soil moisture where needed
• Suppress weed growth
• Provide a professional, polished appearance

The downside is the upkeep. Mulch will need to be replenished yearly while grass needs to be watered and mowed.

Making the Right Choice for Your Infrastructure Project

Stone, grass, and mulch all help with weed control erosion prevention. The best choice depends on your specific project goals and situation. However, investing in quality ground cover material upfront will save money and headaches later on.

To choose the best material for your infrastructure or utility project, consider:

• Budget constraints: Both the initial cost and ongoing maintenance costs
• Project goals: Balance environmental needs, aesthetic appeal, and maintenance requirements
• Safety needs: Fire prevention and equipment accessibility
• Timeline: How quickly you need results vs. long-term performance

How Superior Groundcover Makes Infrastructure and Utility Work Easier

At Superior Groundcover, we know how important proper material placement is for your project’s long-term success. That’s why we’ve invested in advanced equipment and developed proven processes to make material placement faster, easier, and more effective.

Fast, Efficient Material Placement

Whether you need orchard grass hydroseeded around your wind farm, stone or gravel placed around your utility poles or mulch to add visual appeal, our specialized fleet of blower trucks, slinger trucks, and hydroseed equipment can place the materials faster and more accurately than manual methods.

From large scale projects that need to be done quickly or smaller projects that require precision and expertise, our crew of highly trained operators will place your materials without any stress, mess, or heavy lifting for you and your crew.

Simpler Pole Placement

For utility and telephone companies, Superior Groundcover also makes pole placement much simpler. You dig the hole and place the pole while we use our slinger trucks to fill in around the pole to hold it into place with stone. No more heavy loads. Just fast, efficient, and accurate material placement to help you and your crew get the project done faster.

Material Placement That Exceeds Expectations

When you choose Superior Groundcover, you’re investing in more than just material placement. You’re partnering with experts committed to delivering outstanding results. Contractors and utility companies trust us because of our:

• Unmatched Efficiency: With the largest fleet of blower and slinger trucks in the U.S. we complete projects faster and more efficiently than anyone else.
• Expertise: With more than 20 years of experience, we’re equipped to handle complex demands and large scale projects all while exceeding your expectations.
• Predictable Outcomes: Our streamlined process helps you avoid the material placement backlog so you can get work done on time and on budget.

If you want to choose the right ground cover material for your project contact Superior Groundcover today for a material placement estimate. We will save you time, reduce labor costs, and help you choose the best material for long-lasting results.

FAQ for placing materials around solar farms, windmills, and other utility infrastructure

The post The Best Ground Cover Material for Utility and Infrastructure Work appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

What Are Slinger Trucks?

Slinger trucks, sometimes called stone slingers, are specialized vehicles equipped with a large box, a mechanical arm and a high-speed conveyor belt. This setup allows slinger trucks to transport and precisely “sling” aggregate materials like stone, compost, or sand with remarkable accuracy. 

Slinger trucks can even efficiently place materials in hard to reach areas. With a slinger truck, your construction project or landscaping endeavor could have efficient material placement in a fraction of the time.

How Do Slinger Trucks Work?

The heart of a slinger truck’s functionality is its high-speed conveyor belt system. The mechanical arm, controlled by one of our experienced and highly trained operators, adjusts angles and speed to place materials up to 70 feet away from the back of the truck with pinpoint accuracy.

Our precise placement means less material spillage and less waste. This enhanced efficiency greatly reduces the need for manual material handling. (Your team will appreciate less time spent moving aggregate materials with backhoes and shovels.)

Using a stone slinger for material placement greatly increases customer satisfaction, because you can stay on or ahead of schedule, can increase cost savings and add time back into your schedule. 

What Are Slinger Trucks Used For?

Slinger trucks can be used for a variety of applications in both construction and landscaping.

• Construction: A slinger truck is ideal for filling foundations, crawlspaces, and driveways with materials like pea-stone and crushed concrete. Slinger trucks can also be used for pool and seawall backfills or even creating foundation drainage for new property development. 
• Landscaping: Slinger trucks are perfect for distributing topsoil, compost, and mulch across large areas. We often use blower trucks as well for this type of material placement.
• Municipalities: A stone slinger can also provide a cost effective way to prepare a playground or park. We can use slinger trucks to fill a sand volleyball court, add playground sand, or even place mulch.

What Is a Slinger Truck’s Capacity?

Our slinger trucks can handle various materials up to two-and-a-half inches in size. On average, one slinger truck can hold between 15-18 yards of material, making them the perfect equipment for large-scale projects.

3 Ways Slinger Trucks Enhance Efficiency

1. Shorter Project Timelines: Your landscaping and construction projects can get done in a fraction of the time. We can deliver and place your materials faster than a team could by hand. That means we can make your construction process shorter and your clients happier.
2. Precise Material Placement: Nothing is more frustrating than finishing a big material placement job and then having to clean up the stray bits of material. With our team’s precision, the stone slinger can place your gravel, crushed concrete, or other aggregate material exactly where it is supposed to go. That means you’ll have minimal material waste, less mess and no cleanup time (because we do that part too).
3. Less Manual Labor: When our stone slingers are taking care of the time-consuming material placement, you are able to use your team for more profitable tasks. No more overtime wasted on sand and stone placement. With our slinger trucks, your project timeline will be more predictable and more cost effective.

Who Has Slinger Trucks in the Midwest?

In the Midwest, Superior Groundcover has one of the largest fleets of slinger and blower trucks. We offer services in Michigan, Indiana, and across the midwest. Our slinger trucks can be used to install a large range of materials, including:

• Pea-stone
• Crushed concrete
• Topsoil
• Compost
• Fill sand
• Beach sand

Here at Superior Groundcover, our extensive fleet of blower and slinger trucks coupled with our experienced team make us a preferred partner for more efficient construction and landscaping material placement.

If you are tired of wasting time, money, and manpower with manual material placement, get an estimate from Superior Groundcover today to make your next landscape or construction project more predictable and profitable.

The post How Slinger Trucks Enhance Efficiency for Construction and Landscaping Companies appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Learn the advantages of ordering a slinger truck to complete your installation, and find out if one is available for crushed stone delivery near you.

What Is a Stone Slinger Truck?

A slinger truck has a large bed that it uses to transport aggregate materials such as stone, compost, or sand, and a long mechanical arm used to “sling” the material where it needs to go. The arm uses a high-speed conveyor belt to safely and effectively place the material precisely within a specific area.

This significantly cuts back on the time and manual labor required to place the stone. It also allows the truck to send the material to places that would otherwise be hard to reach, such as crawlspaces, and it ensures a professional, even placement of the material. 

Slinger Trucks vs. Blower Trucks: What’s the Difference?

While slinger trucks use a fast-moving conveyor belt to send materials to their destination, blower trucks use pneumatic equipment to send air and materials through a large plastic tube to distribute it. Blower trucks are used to install mulch, green roofs, sand, and other materials.

How Far Can a Stone Slinger Reach?

A stone slinger truck can place materials up to 90 feet from the back of a truck. Control over the different angles of the conveyor belt and the speed at which it moves allow for accurate placement of the materials.

Why Use a Stone Slinger Truck?

Speed

Slinger trucks can finish stone delivery and installation much faster than using a dump truck and wheelbarrow or front-end loader. By providing fast installation, you can ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding area and allow normal activities to resume in just a few hours.

Versatility

Whether you need to fill a pool, crawlspace, or driveway, a slinger truck will place the materials exactly where they need to go. Direct placement of the materials also minimizes the impact on the environment and prevents damage to the lawn that could be caused by using other vehicles.

Efficiency

Using a slinger truck for stone delivery and other services helps prevent the loss of materials by ensuring everything goes where it needs to go. This cuts needless waste and makes cleanup much easier. 

Our Landscape Stone Delivery & Installation Services

Superior Groundcover has one of the largest fleets in the Midwest, which allows us to take on major commercial and civic projects. The teams that work our slinger trucks are also highly dedicated, experienced, and professional. They will prep the area before applying the materials and complete a thorough cleanup before they are done.

Materials Our Slinger Trucks Install

Our fleet of slinger trucks can install materials up to two-and-a-half inches in size, including:

• Pea-stone
• Foundation drainage pea-stone
• Crushed concrete
• Topsoil
• Compost
• Fill sand
• Beach sand

Is Crushed Stone Delivery Available Near Me?

Superior Groundcover offers stone delivery and installation in Michigan and northern Indiana. To find out if we offer stone delivery near you, check out the available service areas on our website.

Order Stone Delivery & Installation Today

Looking to order a slinger truck for a fast and professional stone delivery and installation? Let us know, and we’d be happy to give you a quote on our services.

The post The Advantages of Slinger Trucks for Stone Delivery & Installation appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

How to Backfill a Fiberglass Pool

While the pool will be fun once it is complete, backfilling a fiberglass pool can be hard work. You’ll need to fill in just the right amount of material to support the pool without putting in too much (or the wrong kind) since that could damage the pool over time. 

One of the best ways to backfill a fiberglass pool is to use a professional installer. Instead of using wheelbarrows and shovels, a professional material placement team can use blower and slinger trucks to quickly and efficiently place the exact right amount of material exactly where it needs to go.

Sand vs. Gravel: What Do You Backfill a Pool With?

When backfilling a fiberglass pool, you have two main options: sand and gravel. Dirt is not a good choice to backfill a fiberglass pool because it can take weeks or even months to fully settle. It also doesn’t pack well, and it can shift and form gaps in the soil, which can harm the structure of the pool. On the other hand, dirt can be a good choice for backfilling the area after the pool has been removed.

Gravel is a popular choice for backfilling fiberglass pools because it is a stable material that is unlikely to shift over time like dirt. It also does not retain and react to water in the same way as sand. However, and it will depend on the job, gravel can be a more expensive material.

Sand is the other common choice because it does not leave any open space in the same way as gravel. If installed correctly, sand can compact quickly, and a mixture of concrete will also prevent it from settling over time. With sand, there can be the possibility that it will retain water and push into the pool walls, which can cause them to bulge.

Our Pool Backfill Services

While backfilling a fiberglass pool can be a DIY project, it isn’t recommended if you don’t have experience. It can be complex, time-consuming, and particularly costly if something goes wrong. Problems with drainage and settling are hard to detect at first, but they can lead to major headaches further down the line.

Superior Groundcover has a fleet of slinger and blower trucks that can backfill a fiberglass pool in just a few hours. Our professional team has extensive experience in material placement for pools and can place the right amount of material to secure and protect your pool for years to come.

How Much Does it Cost to Backfill a Pool?

The cost to backfill a pool will depend on several factors, including the material used and the size of the area that needs to be filled. It will also vary depending on if the delivery will also include the placement of the material. The staff at Superior Groundcover would be happy to give you a quote based on the needs of your project.

Pool Removal Backfilling Services

If maintaining your pool has become more trouble than it’s worth, or you want to clear out your yard for something else, you’ll need to refill the area. Superior Groundcover can also help with backfilling a fiberglass pool area after it has been removed. We can fill the space with dirt and then hydroseed the area to promote the growth of healthy new grass within just a few weeks.

Why Choose Superior Groundcover?

Superior Groundcover has more than 20 years of experience serving West Michigan and the greater region. We have one of the largest blower truck fleets in the country and have expanded our services to Indiana and Ohio. We provide a wide range of services to both commercial and municipal projects.

The post Tips for Backfilling a Fiberglass Pool appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Superior Groundcover subcontracted on this crawl space encapsulation project with a local cement contractor who was tasked with installing a vapor barrier over the stone that Superior brought to site to infill the crawl space, and then cap it with concrete. There was also a crock and tile installed in case the water rose to an unsafe level.

The site was an older cabin on Rainbow Lake, with mold and dampness present due to the ground water levels. Wood in the cabin had been rotting and drywall was sweating. The guts & bones of the cabin were still in great shape, and the cabin was well worth saving from this water damage and mold growth.

The solution was first to fill the crawl space with pea stone, in addition to installed tile and a sump pump. Next, the local contractor installed the vapor barrier and poured concrete.

Superior Groundcover was in charge of material placement (pea stone, in this case). We filled a space that was 35’ L x 20’ W and approximately 48” thick. We placed 120 yards in one day using 1 blower truck, 2 stone slingers, and 5 workers. We started at 8 AM and had the project completed by 4 PM the same day.

Learn more about our crawl space encapsulation services, what is involved in crawl space encapsulation, or get a project quote today. 

The post Crawl Space Encapsulation Project in Pennington, MI appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Seawalls are not permanent solutions. Over time, they actually make erosion worse due to wave flanking and scouring. In fact, the Michigan Shoreline Partnership, states that the “two most destructive actions” that cause shoreline erosion are removing natural vegetation and building seawalls or  “hardening of the shoreline” in any way (Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, 2019).

Not only do they lead to worsening erosion, seawalls themselves are susceptible to erosive forces and need regular maintenance and repairs. 

We have an article that discusses this and more about shoreline erosion called Shoreline Erosion: A Complete Guide if you are interested in learning about other more effective methods of erosion control.

If you already have a seawall and need backfill in order to repair or stabilize it, this article will walk you through soil stabilization behind seawalls, seawall drainage, seawall backfill materials, and more.

Storms and rainy weather can lead to seawall damage. When the soil around seawalls becomes saturated, it expands. When it dries, it contracts once again. This creates a force called hydrostatic pressure, which can cause the seawall to crack.

Another reason a seawall could crack is construction. Heavy movements nearby can create vibrations that are strong enough to begin to crack the seawall. 

Soil erosion behind a seawall can cause a lot of damage. Soil erosion can happen due to poor drainage, soil acidity issues, loss of soil structure, or a lack of organic materials in the soil. 

Backfill behind seawalls is necessary for installation as well as in many repairs. Superior Groundcover backfills seawalls using our slinger trucks in order to quickly fill and rebuild lost dunes. Our blower and slinger trucks can sling sand up to 80 feet away from the truck, and pump sand up to 400 feet away from the truck. This equipment allows us to reduce the harmful effects on the environment.

Soil stabilization behind seawalls

The soil stabilization method Superior offers is a hydraulically applied mulch, with seed incorporated into the mixture.  This is only a topical application, and does not address stabilization issues below the ground surface.

Do you need drainage behind seawalls & retaining walls?

Proper drainage behind a seawall is highly important. Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure can lead to cracks and damage. Seawalls are not meant to function as dams, but rather to retain dirt. Both rainfall and water from waves will pass in and out of the wall structure, and without proper drainage, can cause the seawall or retaining wall to fail.

There are many types of drainage systems that can be installed in order to prevent cracks from hydrostatic pressure. These systems should be professionally installed and maintained.

Soil & stone delivery and slinging for seawall backfill

Superior Groundcover offers sand and stone delivery and slinging for seawall or retaining wall backfill. Our methods are efficient as well as less environmentally damaging because of the equipment we use.

Best way to fill dirt behind seawall

Superior’s fleet of blower and slinger trucks allow us to backfill behind seawalls extremely efficiently and from a distance.

Using crushed concrete aggregate or stone as backfill

Crushed concrete aggregate is made up of different sizes of crushed concrete. The combination of sizes gives the aggregate certain properties. You can read our article on crushed concrete to learn more about the different types of aggregates.

Crushed concrete is a great sustainable option because it prevents concrete from ending up in landfills. These types of backfill are a good choice because they allow for better drainage than sand or soil. Sand and soil particles are so small and loose that they are easily moved by passing water. They can also absorb the water and cause hydrostatic pressure. Stone conversely allows the water to pass through without movement.

When do you backfill the seawall during construction?

Backfilling is the last step in the seawall installation process. In most seawall installation processes, you will begin by examining the area. Next you will need to remove a pre-existing seawall if there is one there that has failed. After removing the old seawall, you can begin construction of the seawall. After the seawall has been welded to the shore, it’s time to backfill.

The post Backfill for Seawalls & Retaining Walls appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

So what do you do when you want to remove your inground pool? Backfilling a pool is an effective and straightforward process that will give you back your yard!

Backfilling is not just for removing a pool. Did you know that when a new pool is being installed, extra excavation is required to allow the builder room to access and install the plumbing? Once this process is completed, the extra width must be backfilled.

What is backfilling a pool?

Backfill: to refill a previously excavated area with material.

Backfilling a pool is the process of filling the empty space left by the inground pool with gravel, sand, or dirt. Backfilling is just one part of the pool removal process. The concrete floor and walls of the pool must be broken up and/or removed prior to backfilling.

Backfilling costs vary based on the size of the pool and the material used. According to HomeAdvisor, “The average price to remove a swimming pool falls between $3,000 and $10,000. The cost to eliminate an above ground model averages $2,700. An inground unit can be extracted for $9,000 to $19,000 or filled in for about $5,000.” 

There are different types of materials that can be used for backfilling a pool such as dirt, sand and gravel. We will describe each type of fill material in the process section of this article. We will also walk you through how to fill in an inground pool and how to DIY backfill a pool.

Why do pools need backfill?

During pool construction, the builder needs to excavate more than just the pool area. This allows space for the plumbing work to be done. Afterwards, the extra space around the pool needs to be backfilled.

Additionally, when removing a pool, backfill is required. Backfilling a swimming pool allows the excavated area where the pool was to be returned to a normal yard.

What is the process of backfilling a pool?

The process of removing a pool will differ based on the type of pool, the goals of the project, the budget, and other factors. There are two main goals that can be accomplished by backfilling: pool installation and pool removal.

Pool Installation Backfill Process

When installing a new pool, builders must dig extra space around the pool area to allow plumbing to be installed. After this is done, the extra space needs to be filled again. This is when backfilling for pool installation occurs. This is a smooth part of the installation process and will be carried out by the builder and/or a trusted vendor like Superior Groundcover.

Pool Removal Backfill Processes

Backfilling an inground pool is more cost-effective than removing the pool entirely. Pool removal is often overseen by a licensed engineer. Using a licensed engineer provides a few benefits to home-owners. If an engineer oversees the process, the area is considered suitable for new structures and the previous pool does not need to be disclosed to potential buyers. However, if an engineer is not involved, homeowners cannot build new structures in the area and must disclose the pool’s existence to new buyers. If the pool is not fully removed, in some cases, it must also be disclosed. Check your local regulations before making any decisions.

How to fill in an inground swimming pool:

1. Power off the pool by disconnecting the breaker box
2. Drain the pool
3. Drill holes at the bottom of the pool to prevent water collection.
4. Demolish side walls. The top of the side walls should be demolished, while the bottom portions can remain. This allows the top of the filled in area to be flat.
5. Backfill and compact. After backfilling, compaction is required to prevent the area from becoming a sinkhole.
6. Finish with soil & sod.

As an alternative to backfill, you can remove the pool completely. This is much more expensive, but allows the pool materials to be hauled off versus remaining buried.

What is the best backfill material?

Backfilling can be  done with sand, dirt, or gravel. Consider the goals of the project and the budget when choosing a fill material.

The backfill materials we normally use at Superior Groundcover are class 2 fill sand and pea stone. Pea stone is the best fill material because it’s self-compacting. Other fill materials require more labor for proper compaction which adds to the labor cost. Even if sand or dirt is properly compacted, it continues to settle over time, which can result in future damage. The movement can create a void under the cement pad. The same occurs when a lawn is installed on top of this material.

Sand

Sand can be used for backfilling the area around a pool during installation. Sand can be mixed with concrete to prevent settling. Occasionally, sand can retain water and push against the pool walls, causing them to bulge.

Dirt

Dirt should not be used to backfill during pool installation. While it’s affordable, it takes a long time to settle — from weeks to even months to fully compact. This causes a gap to form under the surface. Dirt is granular, meaning that it can shift and won’t pack well. This makes for an unstable foundation. Saving on installation by using dirt will only cost you in the long run.

Dirt is a suitable material for pool removal backfilling, however. Dirt backfill is really a mixture of dirt, tailings, and topsoil. The ratio of this mixture should be 80% dirt and tailings, and 20% topsoil for use on the surface.

Gravel

Gravel is very different from sand or dirt because it’s made of stone. Stone provides benefits like instant compaction and more efficient drainage. 

Gravel settles immediately when poured. It’s still important to use a compactor to level the surface of the gravel and fill in any remaining gaps. Gravel allows for efficient drainage because it doesn’t absorb water. Instead, the water is able to drain through the stone. This drainage helps ensure that the pool walls will not bulge.

Can I DIY backfill?

If you are a DIY-pro, familiar with operating an excavator, and have some extra time, DIY backfill is an option. Remember, if an engineer is not involved, you will not be able to build any new structures on the filled area. Also, you will need to disclose that a pool used to be there, which could negatively impact your home value.

How to DIY backfill a swimming pool:

If you decide you want to DIY backfill your pool, start by renting the proper equipment. You will need an excavator with rubber tracks. This is key because an excavator with metal tracks will destroy your lawn. Try to find an affordable machine with a quarter — half yard bucket as well as a blade (to help when grading). Typically, a pool backfill requires a machine between five and ten tons. A skilled person will be able to finish the project within a few days. 

Once you pick out your machine, have the material delivered prior to renting/picking up the excavator. Occasionally, material deliveries can be delayed. If this happens, you’ll rack up charges per day on the rental. 

In order to order the right amount of backfill material, you’ll need to do some calculations. Measure the pool volume in cubic yards by measuring the length, width, and depth in feet. Next, multiply these numbers and divide the result by 27 (the number of cubic feet in one yard). 

Now that you’ve determined the pool’s volume, you can order your backfill material. This will be costly. Research which material will work best for your area and fits into your budget. When your material is delivered, ask for it to be dumped near the pool to reduce the amount of moving you will have to do. 

Next, it’s time to break up the walls and floor of the pool. It’s important to break up (or drill holes) into the bottom of your pool to allow drainage. Depending on the material of the pool, you can break it up using your excavator. If your pool is made of gunite, you will need to rent additional equipment (like a hydraulic breaker) in order to break it up. Next, tear down at least the tops of the pool walls. It’s best to remove these materials and avoid burying them. 

CAUTION: be very careful around the pool while using the excavator. If you fall into the pool while in the machine, you could be seriously or fatally injured.

After breaking up the sides and bottom of the pool, you’re ready to backfill. Use the blade on the excavator to help push dirt into the hole. You can use the tracks to start to compact the dirt once you are able to use the excavator in the hole. Try to compact the fill as much as possible.

When the hole is almost full, use the machine to compact the soil. Next, use three to six inches of topsoil. This should be sufficient to establish a new lawn. Use the blade to grade the surface prior to spreading the topsoil. 

After laying the topsoil, you can begin planting your yard. If you want to learn more about grass seed and sod for establishing a new lawn, you can read an article of ours on this topic.

If this process seems a bit complicated, dangerous, or time-consuming, you should consider hiring professionals. If this process is done incorrectly, it could cause serious problems with drainage, settling, etc.

Superior Groundcover uses stone slinger trucks in order to efficiently backfill without damaging lawns.

Questions? Please send us a message.

The post Pool Fill & Backfill for In-Ground Pools appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Superior Groundcover provides a wide range of stone slinger services to commercial and residential businesses. Reach out to our staff to talk about your project and how our crew can provide professional and affordable material placement solutions.

What Is a Stone Slinger?

A stone slinger is a construction truck used to “sling” or place stone, sand, mulch, soil, dirt, and other aggregates. With a stone slinger, you can place materials in precise positions and reach hard-to-access areas.

Why Use a Stone Slinger?

Stone slingers are versatile trucks that allow our crews to apply materials without having to drive the truck onto your lawn. Depending on the material, a slinger has an effective range of up to 100 feet. They’re great for safely applying sand at beach areas that are experiencing erosion or filling in an old pool from a distance. The arm of a slinger truck can also deliver stone and other materials in confined areas, such as crawlspaces.

Slingers are much faster and more efficient than using manual labor, which minimizes the disruption to your home, school, or business. The time you save by using a slinger truck also makes them a cost-effective option. Plus, using a dump truck and wheelbarrow often results in wasted material that gets lost in transit and application.

Superior Groundcover’s Stone Slinger Services

• Installing mulch on a playground
• Backfilling your new in-ground pool or infilling an old one
• Developing a new gravel driveway
• Preparing for landscaping services
• Beach nourishment and erosion control
• Encapsulating crawlspaces
• Building seawalls
• Creating foundation drainage for property development
• And more

Is a Stone Slinger Truck Available Near Me?

Wondering if there’s a stone slinger service near you? Superior has one of the largest fleets of slinger and blower trucks in the United States. We offer stone slinger services to every metropolitan and municipality in Michigan and northern Indiana, including South Bend and Elkhart. Reach out to our team to find out when we can have a slinger truck install materials at your home or business.

Why Choose Superior Groundcover?

Superior Groundcover, Inc. has been providing high-quality material placement services since 2000. We’ve built a strong reputation with excellent customer service, unique product offerings, and affordable rates. Our employees are highly experienced, knowledgeable, and professional. Check out our reviews to see how our services have helped our clients across the Midwest.

Reviews

“The team at Superior has taken great care of us and our clients. We operate a mid-sized lawn and landscape firm in West Michigan and have enjoyed using Superior to help with our mulch and soil installation on many of our sites. Their entire team has been polite and professional with our clients.”—Luke B.

“Used them for mulch installation and they also topdressed a softball field for us with stone dust. Very pleased with the service.”—Brock B.

“Superior Groundcover Inc. was a great solution for getting the sand that we needed!  They are very easy to work with and we were very happy with the end result.”—Julie S.

“Due to a devastating storm, we lost all of the trees in front of our house. That left us with [an] area of our deck that had no support underneath at all. As a matter of fact, some of the deck was just “dangling” over the edge… Superior gave me the date and the time when they would come. They were here on the date and at the time they said. It took four days to complete the sanding process, and they were here everyday and on time. They even cleaned up after the work was done. I am so pleased with their work and their professionalism.”—Shirley M.

Get a Free Quote

Looking for a high-quality stone slinger service for your home or business? Tell us about your project, and we’d be happy to provide you with a free quote.

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Crushed concrete is a sustainable, reliable, and affordable material that is often used for a variety of residential and commercial projects from driveways to landscaping, to entire parking lots and roads. Want to learn more about how crushed concrete is made, how it can be used, and its benefits? We have all the resources you need to become a crushed concrete expert.

Luckily, crushed concrete is fairly easy to install. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to installing crushed concrete for your next project.

What kind of project are you attempting?

Crushed concrete can be used in a variety of applications. On top of that, there are several types and sizes of crushed concrete, which are better suited to different applications.

Crushed Concrete for Landscaping

Crushed concrete can be reused to create elegant walkways throughout your landscaping. For this type of project, you will want to use small, uniform pieces of crushed concrete in order to create a beautiful path that also has good drainage.

Crushed concrete can also be used to create raised garden beds, which improves drainage and warms soil allowing for faster growth.

You can pretty easily create retaining walls by layering crushed concrete. Crushed concrete retaining walls help to control erosion on slopes or hills in your yard. For this type of project, you can use different sizes of crushed concrete. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete will create a stable base. Layers of larger crushed concrete packed with dirt will then establish a functional, even, and appealing retaining wall.

Lastly, crushed concrete is excellent for improving drainage in your landscaping. Make sure to use small crushed concrete as an alternative to gravel.

Crushed Concrete Driveways

Crushed concrete is an ideal solution for driveways here in Michigan, as well as in places with similarly changing temperatures. Changing temperatures cause regular concrete slabs to crack and deteriorate over time. Crushed concrete stands up to extreme weather and lasts forever with the proper (minimal) maintenance. Depending on the size of your driveway and natural environment, there are several types of crushed concrete that could work for you.

Crushed Concrete Parking Lots or Roads

You can save a great deal of money on larger projects such as parking lots and roads by using crushed concrete. There are larger variations of crushed concrete available for these types of projects that help finish the job efficiently. There are also variations that provide better drainage, or a smoother driving surface.

As you can see, there are many ways to use crushed concrete, and many types to choose from in order to accomplish your projects. It can be overwhelming to choose the best kind of crushed concrete for your project.

Need help choosing the best material for your specific project? Contact the expert team at Superior.

Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider before beginning your project. Once you’ve established the correct materials to use and considered proper drainage, you still have to determine how to make your investment last as long as possible.

Choosing the right material can get you a long way towards establishing a long-term crushed concrete solution, however there are still potential threats to your project such as washout and erosion.

How to prevent water runoff from washing out crushed concrete:

The very best way to prevent water runoff from washing the crushed concrete away from your project is to make sure you have a proper drainage system in place. Typically this means installing a french drain. We have an in-depth article on how to do this here.

Another way to keep your crushed concrete in the right place is to make sure you’re using the right material and to create a slope in projects like driveways, roads, and walkways.

How to prevent erosion:

If your project is on a slope, you may want to consider installing a stabilizing grid system on top of your base. These systems typically come in plastic sheets or panels, which form small cells. You can attach these sheets or panels to your project area prior to installing the materials, and then fill them with crushed concrete. This helps establish a more stable surface, resistant to erosion.

Routine maintenance will also help prevent erosion. Make sure to rake out any weeds or other imposters like leaves or branches, remove any dirt, replace and repair edging, fill any holes with fresh crushed concrete, etc. Keep in mind: crushed concrete will harden and compact over time, creating a smoother surface, but also causing the height to decrease. You can add a layer or two each year to maintain the height.

Make sure you repair any damage to your project as soon as you notice it. Examples of damage that needs to be addressed quickly are: depressions or areas of thinning. To address these, use a rake or shovel to level the crushed concrete, then tamp it down again.

How much crushed concrete do I need?

To determine how much crushed concrete is needed for your project, first consider the size of the area you need to cover. Materials are typically priced by cubic yard or cubic ton. Different applications will require a different amount of material. For example, driveways require at least three layers of material three to four inches thick. Retaining walls require different sizes of concrete and will vary in height based on your specific landscaping.

It can be difficult to estimate how much material to buy when you consider all of the variables involved. Ordering the wrong amount can waste time and money. The two main things to consider before ordering materials are:

1. The dimensions of the area you’re covering.
2. How many layers you will need to place to successfully complete your project.

First, measure the length and width of the project area. Multiply the length and width to come up with the square footage of your project. For example, an 18’ by 10’ area is 360 square feet.

Second, determine how many layers or how deep you will need to cover the area depending on the type of project. Usually you will need at least two inches of material.

Next you will need to determine the size of the material you’re using. Depending on the size of the material, coverage area per one ton changes. After you determine the size of the material you’re using, you can check with the supplier how much coverage one ton offers.

Take the square footage and divide it by the coverage area per one ton of the material you’re using.

Here is the formula:

L x W = Square Footage

Square Footage / Coverage Area per 1 ton = Tons of material required for your project.

Superior Groundcover can help you determine the right materials and the required depth for your project to ensure you’re buying the correct amount of material, saving time, and saving money.

Excavation Requirements

Once again, excavation requirements change based on the project. If you are using crushed concrete to create a drainage system for your home, visit our foundation drainage system article where we break down how to create the drainage system from start to finish, including excavation.

Prepping Job Sites

While installing your own crushed concrete is not the most difficult landscaping task, it does involve some manual labor and a large chunk of time depending on the scale of your project. Crushed concrete driveways can take a full day or more to complete. Make sure you’re ready and able to operate equipment, lift heavy stone, and spend time spreading materials.

Before excavation can occur, you’ll have to mark off the area where you’ll be placing the materials. Whether you’re using crushed concrete for landscaping, walkways, or a driveway, you should take your time deciding how you want your project to look, what the drainage requirements are, and the amount of material you’ll need to complete it.

Once you’ve decided on the layout of your project, you can mark off the area with flags or landscaping paint. Next, it’s time to excavate or clear the area.

For driveways and other large-scale projects, a shovel won’t be enough. You can rent equipment from most hardware stores. Generally, digging to a depth of nine to twelve inches is sufficient. Make sure to dig to an even depth over the entire area.

Next, make sure to remove any leftover debris like branches, leaves, roots, etc. Once the area is clear, tamp down the soil to create a smooth even surface.

Is a retaining wall required for my driveway or walkway project?

Retaining walls are both visually appealing and practical for preserving your work. Using larger crushed concrete to form a border can increase property value and prevent crushed concrete from being displaced.

Retaining walls can also help with crushed concrete in landscaping by preventing the rocks from scattering and ending up in the yard where they can damage your lawnmower.

Superior Groundcover can help you decide if a retaining wall will be beneficial for your project.

What tools and materials do I need for crushed concrete installation?

Required materials will vary by project. In order to install a crushed concrete driveway you will need:

1. Cones and signs for safety
2. Markers such as landscaping paint or flags
3. Gloves
4. Shovel
5. Wheelbarrow
6. Grade laser
7. Rental excavation equipment such as a small loader or tractor, and a compactor
8. Geotextile cloth or landscaping fabric
9. Optional grid system
10. Crushed concrete for the base
11. Crushed concrete for fill
12. Rake
13. Larger crushed concrete for optional retaining wall.

DIY Crushed Concrete Driveway or Road Installation

After you’ve made your plan, purchased materials, marked off, and excavated the area, it’s time to begin installing your crushed concrete driveway.

The first step after the excavation is to apply landscaping fabric.

In order to prevent pesky weeds from infiltrating your driveway, you can lay down geotextile cloth or landscaping fabric.

Geotextiles are permeable mesh fabrics which, when used in the soil as part of a foundation drainage system or crushed concrete project, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. They help to prevent weeds from growing in your driveway.

Weeds not only ruin the look of your driveway but also create stability problems.

Next, pour your base layer.

Use larger crushed concrete to cover the entire area to a depth of three to four inches. Next, tamp down the area to make a smooth, even surface.

Now it’s time to pour the crushed concrete.

Pour the crushed concrete evenly atop the base layer. Make sure the depth is even across the entire surface.

Compact and rake.

After creating your crushed concrete driveway, you’ll have to take measures to ensure it’s safe and stable. Compacting the materials will accomplish this by making sure there are no large depressions or areas where loose materials could shift or be washed out.

The simplest way to do this is by driving over your driveway a few times. You could also use a roller for this process. After you’re satisfied with this step, you should rake the crushed concrete to create a slight peak in the center. This will help with drainage when it rains.

Edge your driveway.

This optional step not only adds property value, but increases the aesthetic appeal, and helps prevent crushed concrete from straying.

You can use larger crushed concrete to create your edging/retaining wall.

Other Considerations

Know the regulations in your area.

There are specific regulations for driveways based on where you live. If you’re in Michigan, you can reference the MDOT Regulations for Parking Lots and Driveway Construction Section 12.08.03.

These regulations specify what material types are allowed, the required thickness, grades and more.

Where do I buy crushed concrete?

Crushed concrete can be purchased at concrete recycling plants, however, you’ll have to make sure that the plant offers the material type you need for your project.

Superior Groundcover not only offers the crushed concrete materials you need, but also offers a fast and easy installation. To ensure your project gets done the right way the first time, rely on Superior’s expert team.

The post Installing Crushed Concrete (DIY) For Your Next Project appeared first on Superior Groundcover.

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) — also called “crushed concrete” — is made up of asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be reused to create driveways, pathways, garden beds and more.

When any concrete structure, road, sidewalk or parking lot is destroyed, that concrete is often deposited in a landfill. Concrete is not biodegradable and unfortunately, will not decompose. Rather, it sits there taking up space and causing environmental problems. At the same time, new concrete is being created to begin the process all over again.

There is a solution to this wasteful, expensive cycle. It’s recycling!

Recycling crushed concrete to be reused helps reduce landfill crowding AND saves more resources from being used to create new concrete. Old concrete can be crushed down to specific sizes, cleaned so that unwanted debris is removed from the mixture, and reused as a solution to a number of construction and landscaping problems.

US History of Using Crushed Concrete for Roadway and Driveway Construction

Since the 1940s, recycling concrete pavements (crushed concrete) has been a fairly common solution. The first instance in the US was following World War II. US Route 66 in Illinois needed to be expanded from two to four lanes. During this reconstruction project, the old concrete was recycled and reused in the new project.

Later, In the 1970s there was a big push to reduce landfill overflow. Crushed concrete became a more and more popular material choice for both roadways and driveway construction. Crushed concrete continued to grow in popularity into the 1980s along with recycling efforts.

What kinds of Concrete can be Recycled into RCA?

Concrete from many different applications such as old concrete structures, sidewalks, building slabs, foundations, curbs, and more can be recycled into RCA.

How is Concrete Recycled?

The first step to recycling old concrete is to use industrial crushing equipment in order to break up the original structure. Next, the broken up concrete is run through a secondary impactor. After being crushed to an even smaller size, the crushed concrete is then screened so that dirt and other foreign objects can be removed. After this step, the concrete is separated out by size.

Another method for recycling concrete is pulverization. Pulverizing the concrete isn’t the best way to recycle concrete, however. It can make the separation of contaminants much more difficult, lowering the quality of the finished RCA.

Repurposing Recycled Concrete Aggregate

When concrete is recycled, it can be broken down into a variety of sizes. Each of these sizes is well-suited to different applications, making the material incredibly versatile.

Large pieces of RCA, for example, can be used to create “rip-rap.” Rip-rap, sometimes referred to as riprap, shot rock, rock armor, or rubble, is larger slabs of recycled concrete used along shorelines to control erosion or form a breakwater. Smaller gravel bits of RCA are often used as a sustainable, affordable subbase for roads. Dry aggregate can even be reconstituted as new concrete.

What kinds of projects can be done with Recycled Concrete?

Base for Asphalt Parking Lots and Roads

Smaller-sized RCA can serve as a stable, reliable base for asphalt parking lots.

Walkways / Pathways

Crushed Concrete can be reused to create walkways in your landscaping. Make sure that you’re using uniform RCA pieces for your walkway. This will help prevent rainwater from causing runoff and drainage issues. Uniform pieces also make the finished walkway more visually appealing.

Raised Garden Beds/Landscaping

Creating a raised garden bed provides a lot of benefits. Some of these include improved drainage and warmer soil, both of which lead to faster growth for your garden when spring comes. To create a raised garden bed, lay crushed concrete in layers. This will form the perfect base.

Retaining Walls/Rip-Rap

Larger pieces of RCA are perfect for creating retaining walls or rip-rap to help control erosion or create a breakwater. Different sizes of crushed concrete can function together to help prevent erosion. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete as a base will contribute to the stability of the wall. Following with layers of larger recycled concrete packed with dirt will create an even, beautiful retaining wall.

Broken Up Concrete for Drainage 

Smaller, more broken up concrete is a great drainage alternative to gravel. We break down how to install a french drain in your landscaping here.

Where Can I Buy RCA near me?

Superior Groundcover provides a variety of RCA sizes, perfect for whatever project you’re looking to complete. Our expert team can help you decide how much material you need, what kind, and even install it for you. Consulting professionals will help you make the right material choice so that you can avoid some of the issues that arise when you pick the wrong size crushed concrete. Some of these issues include erosion and drainage problems.

Another option for purchasing RCA near you is to find a local concrete recycling plant, however we don’t recommend this unless you are a pro yourself and feel confident in the type and amount of the material you will need. You will also need to rent/buy installation equipment depending on the project.

We do have an article to help you out with your DIY crushed concrete installation project here.

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