how to level this area (pic)

[leeinmemphis]

If you are taking a job without knowing exactly how to do it then imo you aren't qualified for the job. I sure hope you have good contractors insurance in case something goes wrong. Especially being a playground where kids are going to play. If a retaining wall gives or something like that and you have multiple injuries then you are definitely going to be in a heape of trouble.

 

[FULLPULL]

I would talk to the local building official and make shure you dont disturbe there right aways he also may give you some tips and keep you out of a unforseen problem.

 

[rdln]

geez, what is this MotherByNet? let the guy have have it. his mind is set on this, if something goes wrong he learns a lesson and doesnt make money or worse loses money.

this is like making decoys, take your block of wood and cut away everything that doesn't look like a duck.

 

[CurlyDave]

I guess I would cut as little as possible on the left and fill to the right. If you cover the root sytem of the big tree with even a small amount of dirt it will be dead within a year.


I have had good success with building a small retaining wall around trees to keep the grade in its original condition. With a tree that big I would center it in a circular retaining wall at least 3' in diameter larger than the tree.

...this is a job for a guy building a playground...he said he just wanted it sloped, no walls...

Before I agreed to that, I would get a soils engineer to determine the correct slope. The owner has no idea what he is doing, and if the slopes are too steep they will not be stable.

A lot of questions. Does he want you to just level, or does he want the topsoil removed and then replaced after the job? Is he going to have grass on the playground or some other kind of surface? How is it going to drain?

How is your insurance? If a kid gets hurt on the playground are you going to get sued?

geez, what is this MotherByNet? let the guy have have it. his mind is set on this, if something goes wrong he learns a lesson and doesnt make money or worse loses money.

Well, think about the financial consequences of a kid getting hurt. I agree that the school of hard knocks is valuable, but if the first hard knock is a big lawsuit and financial ruin, the lesson has little value.

 

[bobbyg18]

thanks for the help...

some more info,
i just started my biz last June, my focus was small Bobcat jobs...

so being so cold out last wk, i figured i'd try and drum up some biz...so i went to a local playground store and spoke with the manager, he said they needed someone to prep their sites before the installations...

the manager gave me this address and said to take a ride by and see what you think...he also told me this is one of their bigger jobs...3 playgrounds at this site...

most of their jobs are small backyard jobs i feel i can handle, however for this one i will definately need some help...ive already hooked up w/ a larger excavation company through some networking and he's going to help me with these "bigger jobs" that i need help on...he's also going to give me the smaller Bobcat jobs he doesnt want (win win, he doesnt have a Bobcat anymore just larger equipment)...there is still more details to work out

and i do have full insurance...

 

[ToadHill]

I'm a retired arborist, and you will almost certainly kill the tree if you cover the the roots and trunk with the soil necessary to level this site. The feeder roots are in the top 8 to 12 inches of soil and if you cover them with a large amount of soil they won't be able to perform the function they are designed for.
As far as the trunk goes, a tree has two kinds of wood, the kind that likes to be underground and the kind that likes to be above ground. If you mix up the two, the tree will die.

 

[Kendall69]

i can bet you aren’t getting paid enough for all the headaches you will get yourself into on this one. The liability issues will last for years. Drainage, cut, fill, retaining walls, etc.etc.

Run don’t walk away from this one, live to fight another day.

 

[wushaw]

I'm a retired arborist, and you will almost certainly kill the tree if you cover the the roots and trunk with the soil necessary to level this site. The feeder roots are in the top 8 to 12 inches of soil and if you cover them with a large amount of soil they won't be able to perform the function they are designed for.
As far as the trunk goes, a tree has two kinds of wood, the kind that likes to be underground and the kind that likes to be above ground. If you mix up the two, the tree will die.

This may be true in NY but not with an American Elm in my area I put 4ft of dirt on 5yrs ago, it still lives and thrives.

 

[ducati996]

strongly suggest getting rid of the tree, and dig out the ball - from there there is plenty of things you could do....maybe pictures without the tilt or more from the left side looking down towards the right....

Have fun either way!

 

[cddva]

Take a look at this site. American Excavating Services - The Small Project Specialist!

He has a sample of a playground area they installed on a hillside. Not as complicated as what you have but it may give you some "mental images" of possibilities. I would stay below the tree if at all possible. Also, I would get it in writing that you are a subcontractor to the playground installer i.e. not legally responsible for finished job, so to speak.