Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prepare a gravel driveway for heavy rain?
Proper base preparation is essential to prevent washouts and standing water during heavy rainfall. At Campbell Earthworks Services, we ensure the base is correctly graded and compacted to handle South Louisiana's frequent downpours and maintain long-term durability.How does land clearing affect drainage on rural property?
Land clearing should account for existing drainage patterns to preserve soil stability and prevent runoff problems. Removing trees and brush without proper planning can redirect water flow and cause erosion, especially on acreage throughout Arnaudville and surrounding parishes.When should you schedule site preparation before building?
Site preparation should be completed before construction begins to allow proper grading, leveling, and drainage installation. Early scheduling reduces settling, foundation issues, and delays, particularly important for Louisiana's clay-heavy soils and moisture conditions.Why is soil testing important in South Louisiana?
Soil testing identifies stability and moisture concerns in clay-heavy South Louisiana soils before construction starts. It helps prevent settling, drainage failures, and foundation problems by informing better grading and site preparation decisions.What causes gravel driveways to wash out?
Gravel driveways wash out when the base isn't properly prepared or graded to manage water flow. Without correct compaction and drainage planning, heavy rainfall and regular vehicle traffic erode the surface, especially on parish roads and farm properties.How does grading help prevent water pooling?
Grading shapes land to create proper drainage flow and eliminate low spots where water collects. This is especially critical in high-rainfall Acadiana areas where standing water can damage driveways, building pads, and cleared land over time.Can you rebuild an existing driveway without starting over?
Yes, existing driveways can often be reworked to improve access and durability without full replacement. At Campbell Earthworks Services, we assess the base condition and make targeted repairs to extend the life of rural and residential driveways.What's the difference between excavation and site preparation?
Excavation involves digging for foundations, utilities, and trenching, while site preparation includes grading, leveling, and pad creation before construction. Both services often work together and are adapted for local soil behavior and depth requirements in Arnaudville.How do you control erosion during land clearing?
Erosion control during land clearing involves careful grading and preserving natural drainage patterns to protect soil stability. This is critical in South Louisiana where rain patterns can quickly damage cleared land if proper shaping isn't performed.What should you do before installing a culvert?
Before installing a culvert, assess water flow patterns and drainage needs to ensure proper sizing and placement. At Campbell Earthworks Services, we design culvert installations to handle Acadiana's heavy rainfall and protect properties from flooding and runoff damage.Do gravel driveways need regular maintenance?
Gravel driveways built with proper base preparation require minimal maintenance over time. Occasional regrading or adding material may be needed after heavy use or extreme weather, but a well-constructed base significantly reduces long-term upkeep.What's the biggest mistake people make with site prep?
The biggest mistake is skipping proper grading and drainage planning before construction begins. This leads to settling, water pooling, and foundation issues, especially in Louisiana's clay soils and high-moisture conditions that require tailored earthwork solutions.