Land Clearing, Driveway Grading & Drainage Solutions in Lake City, MI

At True North Grading LLC, we help homeowners get their property ready before, during, and after a build. We are based in Lake City, and we take pride in serving our local communities with honest work, clear communication, and grading solutions that make your land more usable, safer, and easier to maintain.

If you are building a new home, dealing with standing water, planning a new driveway, or need land cleared before construction starts, we are the crew you call to handle the ground work the right way. We focus on residential grading services that solve real problems and keep your project moving.

What We Do

We specialize in practical site work for homeowners who want a smooth project from start to finish. Our services include:

• Land clearing for future home sites and building areas
• Driveway site prep and new driveway installation
• Yard grading and final grade work after construction
• Backfilling around foundations and structures
• Drainage solutions to help move water away from your home
• Demolition and other property improvement work

Our goal is simple: make your property more functional. Good grading is not just about moving dirt. It is about creating proper slope, improving drainage, preparing solid surfaces, and helping protect your investment.

Why Homeowners Choose Us

We know homeowners want more than a machine operator. They want a contractor who shows up, communicates well, and respects their time and property. That is how we run our business.

• Locally owned and based in Lake City
• Focused on residential projects, especially new home builds
• Friendly, high-touch estimate process with reminder texts
• Courtesy text before arrival, often with an offer to bring a drink
• On-site walk-through to understand your goals
• Fast bid turnaround, with an official estimate emailed that night
• Flexible scope options when possible to help fit your budget

We believe small details matter. Clear communication, showing up when we say we will, and treating people right goes a long way. That is one reason many local homeowners feel comfortable working with us.

Our Estimate Process

We keep the quoting process straightforward and personal. When you call, we talk through your project and schedule an on-site estimate. The day before your appointment, we send a reminder text. Then about 15 to 60 minutes before arrival, we send a courtesy message so you know we are on the way.

Once we arrive, we walk the property with you, take measurements, and talk through the full scope of the job. Whether you need tree removal for land clearing, materials for a new driveway, or grading to fix drainage issues, we build the estimate based on your actual site conditions and goals.

In most cases, we calculate the bid on site in about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the job. We go over it with you in person, then send the official estimate by email that night. You can approve or decline it easily. If the price is more than expected, we ask that you call us before declining so we can see if adjusting the scope is possible.

To get on our schedule, we require a 10% deposit.

Built Around New Home Projects

A lot of our work is centered around new home construction. Homeowners often need help with everything that happens before and after the house goes up. We can clear the land, prep the site, install the driveway, handle backfilling, and shape the yard for proper drainage and finish grading.

That means fewer headaches, less back-and-forth, and a contractor who understands how each phase connects to the next. When the site work is done right, everything that follows gets easier.

Local Service You Can Feel Good About

We are proud to be part of the Lake City area, and we believe in keeping money local when possible. We enjoy serving homeowners in Lake City, McBain, Cadillac, Leroy, Manton, Fife Lake, Kingsley, Kalkaska, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Prudenville, Merritt, and nearby communities.

We also stay involved in the community in simple, meaningful ways. From free ice cream socials to picking up coffee shop tabs and handing out gift bags, we like finding ways to give back and stay connected to the people we serve.

Important Things to Know

We are always upfront with customers. Because grading, drainage, and driveway work are affected by site conditions and weather, we do not offer a warranty, and we cannot guarantee against weather-related damage such as heavy rain washouts. What we do promise is honest advice, quality workmanship, and a practical approach based on real experience.

Let’s Talk About Your Project

If you need land clearing, driveway grading, a new driveway install, drainage help, backfilling, or site prep for a new home, we would be glad to take a look. Call True North Grading LLC at (231) 878-6056 to schedule your estimate. We are here to help you build a property that works better for the way you live.