Wet clay will not compact for much of the year, so pads and trenches here often need imported rock. We haul out what cannot be used and bring in what will hold.
Basement digs, clearing jobs and drainage work around Vancouver produce a lot of soil, stumps and rock that have to go somewhere. We load and haul spoil, broken concrete, asphalt and green waste, and we bring in crushed rock, structural fill, drain rock, sand and topsoil for the next step of the job. Truck trips are planned so the street stays open for neighbors.
Wet clay is poor fill almost anywhere, and much of the native soil in the north county is too wet to compact for most of the year. That is why pads, driveways and trench backfill here often use crushed rock or imported granular fill. Drain rock goes around footing drains and French drains, and topsoil is for lawns and planting beds.
We place fill in thin layers and compact each one, so a filled basement, an old pond or a low corner does not settle after the next rainy season. Good sandy gravel from a Vancouver dig can sometimes be reused on site, which saves hauling and import costs. Where compaction testing is required, we work with the testing lab on schedule.
Hauling & fill dirt in Vancouver: common questions
Can you haul away stumps and brush with the dirt?
Yes. We load and haul soil, stumps, brush and concrete in the same job.
What fill goes under a slab or driveway?
Usually compacted crushed rock to the depth the plans call for, over firm subgrade.
Can native clay be used as backfill?
Sometimes in summer, if it can be compacted. In the wet season, imported rock is usually needed.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.