Backyard and lot grading in Paradise Hills
On the West Mesa, Paradise Hills yards are sand that shifts with every windstorm and monsoon. We level and slope them so they drain and stay put.
Leveling sand that won't sit still
The soil in Paradise Hills is mostly sand. It moves easily but won't hold a shape unless it's compacted, and wind across the mesa scours bare high spots and dumps the sand against walls.
We grade in compacted layers, slope the surface away from the house, and finish it ready for what goes on top, so the yard doesn't drift into a new shape by spring.
Check your side of the zoning line before adding a structure
Paradise Hills is split. The unincorporated part falls under the Paradise Hills Special Zoning District, which has its own zoning commission rather than Bernalillo County's. Other addresses nearby are inside Albuquerque city limits, where city rules apply.
According to the county, new construction in the district needs a plot survey approved by the commission before you apply to the county for a building permit. If your grading is prep for an addition or another new structure, start that conversation early.
Typical Paradise Hills grading jobs
A backyard that tips toward the house
Older yards settle over the years. We take the grade down near the slab and build it up farther out so water flows away.
Weed cleanup, then leveling
After clearing a yard that drew a neighbor complaint, owners often want it leveled so it's easier to keep tidy. We can handle both on the same job.
A flat spot for a patio or shed
We level and compact an area to the size you need, with the ground around it sloping away.
Sand banked against the back wall
We pull it back, regrade, and leave the surface ready for gravel so the next wind has less to work with.
Paradise Hills grading questions
Does the special zoning commission need to sign off on a backyard regrade?
We can't answer for the commission. What the county does say is that new construction in the district needs a commission-approved plot survey before a county building permit. If your regrade is prep for a new structure, ask the commission early.
Will grading stop sand from drifting into my yard?
Grading alone won't stop the wind, but a compacted, sloped surface finished with gravel or another cover blows less than loose bare sand.
Can you grade a backyard that only has a side gate?
Often, yes. We bring compact equipment sized to the opening. Measure the gate width before you call and we'll know what fits.
Before your grading day on the West Mesa
- Mark sprinkler lines or drip tubing you want saved
- Move vehicles, trailers and furniture out of the work area
- Confirm whether your address is in the special zoning district or city limits
- Give neighbors a heads-up if equipment will use a shared access
- Decide whether extra sand should be spread elsewhere on the lot or hauled off
Request a Paradise Hills grading estimate
Tell us what the yard is doing and how wide the gate is. We'll come out and put the scope in writing.
Prefer to talk it through? Call (505) 578-0369.
More services in Paradise Hills
Grading & leveling nearby
Let's walk your property. The estimate is free.
We come out, look at the lot with you, and hand you a written quote. No pressure, no obligation.