Hull Lawn Leveling Services

Our Lawn Leveling Process

Contact Hull’s Department of Public Works for Soil Disposal & Grading Material Coordination

Proper soil disposal and grading material management in Hull require coordination with the Hull Department of Public Works
9 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-0900
Official Website: Hull Department of Public Works
. Excess soil from grading projects must be brought to the Transfer Station/Recycling Center during posted hours, with permits and fees required for loads typically exceeding 50–100 cubic yards. Imported soil must meet specifications: clean fill or screened loam with pH 6.0–7.0 (to address Hull’s naturally acidic soils), 3–5% organic matter, and no clay clumps. Material categories include Clean Fill (grading-ready), Contaminated Soil (coordinate with the Hull Health Department & Board of Health
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-2224
Official Website: Hull Health Department & Board of Health
or MassDEP), Screened Topsoil (4–6 inches final depth), and Amendments (compost, lime, sand). All activities must comply with MA organic waste rules, and no dumping is allowed in streets or drains per NPDES regulations.

Hull Building Department Requirements for Grading Permits & Site Plan Approvals

Grading projects in Hull often require permits from the Hull Building Department
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-1330
Official Website: Hull Building Department
when moving more than 50–100 cubic yards of soil or altering grades beyond set thresholds. Site plan submissions must show existing and proposed contours, drainage calculations, and may require engineering review for complex work. Zoning compliance is essential, including maintaining setbacks, adhering to a maximum slope of 33% (3:1 ratio), and observing lot coverage limits. Inspections include as-built surveys, compaction testing, and drainage verification before a certificate of completion is issued. Coordination with the Hull Planning Board
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-2110
Official Website: Hull Planning Board
may be required for larger developments.

Professional Site Assessment & Drainage Engineering for Hull’s Glacial Till & Rocky Upland Soils

Site assessment in Hull begins with mandatory soil testing, often through the UMass Soil & Plant Nutrient Testing Lab (https://ag.umass.edu/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory), to determine pH (typically 5.5–6.5), nutrient levels, organic matter, and compaction. Lime (preferably dolomitic) is recommended to raise pH to the target 6.0–7.0. The USDA Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/) identifies local soils as glacial till, rocky, or marine clay, each with unique drainage challenges. Topographic surveys using laser levels, drainage pattern analysis, and Dig Safe (https://www.digsafe.com/) notification (72 hours recommended, 48 hours minimum) are required. Drainage engineering should ensure a 1–2% minimum slope away from structures, with subsurface solutions (French drains, tile) for poorly drained sites, and all work must consider the local frost line of 36–48 inches.

Hull Conservation Commission Requirements for Grading Near Protected Areas

Grading near wetlands, streams, or coastal resources in Hull falls under the jurisdiction of the Hull Conservation Commission
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-8102
Official Website: Hull Conservation Commission
and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (https://www.mass.gov/wetlands-protection). Work within 25–100 ft buffer zones requires a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) or Notice of Intent (NOI). Erosion controls such as silt fences and straw bales must be installed before work begins. Seasonal restrictions may apply, especially during bird nesting season (March 15–August 31) in sensitive areas. Immediate stabilization of disturbed soil is required within 24–48 hours per MassDEP, with permanent stabilization within 7–14 days. Coordination with the MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife) is necessary for rare species or habitat protection, and all grading must comply with MS4 stormwater requirements.

Professional Grading Standards, Equipment Requirements & Safety Protocols

Professional grading in Hull should be overseen by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for complex drainage, or a MA Certified Landscape Professional for standard projects. Equipment must include GPS-guided grading, laser leveling, and vibratory compaction to achieve 85–90% relative density (avoiding over-compaction in root zones). Installation standards require compaction in 2–3 inch lifts, a 1–2% minimum slope from buildings, and a final topsoil layer of 4–6 inches screened loam. Safety protocols include use of PPE (hard hats, steel-toed boots, high-visibility clothing), first aid certification, and a minimum $1 million general liability insurance policy. All operators must be certified, and equipment must be maintained per manufacturer and municipal standards.

Seasonal Timing & Weather Coordination for Grading Operations in Hull’s Climate Zone 6b

Grading in Hull’s USDA Zone 6b is best scheduled for spring (April–May) after ground thaw, or fall (September–October) before freeze-up, when soil is workable but not saturated. Summer operations (June–August) require monitoring for heat stress and drought, while winter work is limited by frost penetration of 36–48 inches. Soil moisture should be optimal—not waterlogged or dust-dry—for effective grading. Seeding and establishment should align with minimum 50°F soil temperatures. Weather updates from the National Weather Service Boston/Norton (https://www.weather.gov/box/) or Albany (https://www.weather.gov/aly/) are recommended for planning and to avoid Nor’easter impacts.

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Lawn Leveling Operations in Hull

All grading projects disturbing more than 1,000 sq ft must comply with the MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards (https://www.mass.gov/guides/massachusetts-stormwater-handbook-and-stormwater-standards) and MS4 permit requirements. Best management practices (BMPs) include daily cleanup (sweeping, not hosing), perimeter silt fences, check dams, sediment basins, and secure material containment. Proper grading improves drainage, enhances infiltration, and reduces runoff velocities (maintaining 1–2% minimum, 33% maximum slopes). Compliance monitoring involves daily inspections during construction, weekly checks during establishment, photographic documentation, and immediate repair of any failed controls. All work must adhere to the Clean Water Act (https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act) and EPA NPDES (https://www.epa.gov/npdes) requirements.

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection Requirements for Safe Grading Operations

Before any excavation or grading, Dig Safe (https://www.digsafe.com/) notification is mandatory, with 72 hours recommended and 48 hours the legal minimum for utility marking. Hand-digging is required within 18 inches of marked utilities, including gas, electric, water, sewer, telecom, and irrigation lines. In the event of a utility strike, work must stop immediately, and 911 and the utility company must be contacted, followed by Dig Safe notification. Utility clearance must be verified before excavation, with coordination from the Hull Sewer Department
253 Atlantic Avenue, Hull, MA 02045
Phone: (781) 925-1207
Official Website: Hull Sewer Department
and the Water Department as needed. Final inspection ensures all infrastructure is protected and restored.

Post-Grading Soil Amendment, Seeding & Establishment Protocols

After grading, soil amendments should be applied based on test results: lime for pH adjustment, compost for organic matter, and sand for drainage improvement. The seedbed must be prepared and irrigation coordinated for rapid establishment. Immediate stabilization—seeding, sodding, or hydroseeding—should occur within 24–48 hours (weather permitting), with 2–4 inches of mulch or erosion blankets on slopes. Germination typically occurs in 7–14 days, with irrigation maintained for 2–4 weeks. The first mowing should be at 3–4 inches height, cutting to 2.5–3 inches. Long-term planning includes maintenance irrigation, fertilization per soil tests, and warranties of 1–2 years are common for establishment.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Hull, MA?

Grading and drainage needs vary across Hull’s neighborhoods:

• Nantasket Beach: Coastal marine clay, flood-prone, high water table, strict Conservation Commission oversight, and MS4 compliance.
• Atlantic Hill: Steep slopes, glacial till, rocky soils, challenging drainage, and equipment access issues.
• Kenberma: Urban fill, compacted soils, older infrastructure, high utility density, and historic district requirements.
• Sunset Point: Low-lying, flood-prone, marine clay, proximity to wetlands, and mature tree protection per the Town of Hull Shade Tree Law (PDF).
• Hull Village: Mixed topography, variable soils, Conservation Commission jurisdiction, and HOA guidelines.
• Edgewater: Moderate slopes, glacial till, seasonal access issues, and community-driven maintenance standards. Each area requires careful permit review, environmental compliance, and coordination with municipal departments to meet community expectations and regulatory standards.

Hull Municipal Ordinances for Grading Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Hull’s municipal ordinances regulate grading equipment operation and commercial service standards. Typical operating hours are 7:00 AM–6:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM–5:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions common. All contractors must hold a business license, and a PE is required for complex drainage. Equipment operators must be certified, and insurance minimums are $1 million general liability and $2 million aggregate (bonding for municipal contracts). Safety requirements include right-of-way permits, traffic control, PPE, and regular equipment maintenance. Environmental compliance mandates proper disposal, no street dumping, erosion control, and strict adherence to MS4 and NPDES standards. For more information, contact the Hull Department of Public Works or consult the Hull Community Development & Planning office.