Finishing Pond Dam Grading and Straw Application Before Rain

Pond Dam Topsoil Grading

• 🥶 The day starts cold with the ground and pond frozen, requiring the Case excavator to warm up.
• 🏗️ Topsoil is spread along the pond dam, covering the area except for a spot designated for the overflow pipe.
• 📏 The goal is to get the dam section on grade, with minor adjustments made by stripping excess soil or adding where needed.
• ✨ The topsoil is described as beautiful and sandy, significantly improving the appearance of the area.

Overflow Pipe Installation

• 🛠️ The Yanmar excavator is used to install the overflow pipe, with assistance for elevation readings.
• 💧 The area around the pipe is backfilled with clay and compacted using a jumping jack to ensure stability.
• ⚠️ A small section was skipped for topsoil to allow for heavy hauling before pipe installation.

Straw Application and Seeding

• 🌾 Robert is tasked with getting wheat straw while the speaker prepares the area with a power rake and skid steer.
• 😥 A setback occurs when the local straw supplier closes unexpectedly, requiring a longer drive for the straw.
• 🚜 Grass seed is applied using a tractor with a grass seeder, with manual seeding for smaller spots.
• 💨 The straw is applied using a blower, with instructions to ensure adequate thickness for stabilization.

Final Touches and Progress

• ✅ The pond area is successfully seeded and strawed before dark, stabilizing it for the upcoming rain.
• 🌧️ The topsoil is noted as being wetter than expected, but expected to settle with rain.
• 📅 Progress is being made towards the next project, with plans to move equipment on Friday.
• 📈 The overall progress is deemed to be going as expected, with a mix of slower and faster tasks.