Why is grading land important in landscaping?

Grading land is essential in landscaping primarily to ensure that water drains correctly away from structures. Proper grading helps to direct water flow away from foundations and other key areas, thereby preventing potential water damage, erosion, and flooding. If the land is not graded appropriately, water can pool around structures, leading to structural issues and affecting soil stability.

While creating flat surfaces for building is part of grading, it does not encompass the full breadth of the practice's primary purpose, which closely relates to drainage. Increasing soil nutrient content and building decorative landscapes are outcomes of landscaping processes but not direct reasons for grading, making them less relevant in this context. Proper grading facilitates a healthier landscape design by managing water flow, which supports plant health and overall land usability.