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Jason Ritter

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http://ritterdirt.com

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Renovated gravel parking lot, Ferndale, WA.

Gravel parking lot repair

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When you need gravel parking lot repair near Bellingham, Ritter Dirt and Asphalt is the company to call.

Columbia Distributing—one of the Northwest’s largest beverage distributors—relies on a gravel parking area in Ferndale for the daily operation of its delivery fleet. With trucks coming and going constantly, the lot takes a beating. Over time, it developed deep muddy potholes that made parking difficult and left vehicles dirtier than necessary.

Ritter was brought in to reset the surface for long-term performance. Crews broke up the existing base, regraded and compacted it, imported new crushed rock, then compacted again for a durable, smooth finish.

One of the biggest challenges was scheduling the work around ongoing truck activity. With careful coordination, the job was completed without disrupting Columbia’s busy schedule.

The result? A clean, stable lot that stands up to heavy use and helps keep vehicles cleaner too.

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Thinking gravel driveway? Ask these 3 key questions before hiring a Whatcom County contractor

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Gravel driveways are popular for their affordability, durability and rustic appeal—but installing one is not a weekend DIY project. If you’re ready to hire a contractor/heavy equipment operator to handle the job, it’s important to start with a few smart questions to guide your decision-making process. Here are three of the most common and important questions Whatcom County homeowners should consider when installing a new gravel driveway, along with helpful tips for choosing the right contractor.

  1. What type of gravel driveway is right for my property?

Before calling contractors, you’ll want to understand what kind of driveway you need:

  • Driveway size and shape: Will it be straight, curved or include parking areas?
  • Gravel type: Do you want fine, compact gravel for a smoother driving surface, or do you need larger stones for rugged, more industrial uses?
  • Drainage: Does your property have proper drainage, or will it require grading or additional materials like landscape fabric?

An experienced driveway installation crew can help guide these choices, but having a rough idea of what you want will make discussions much more productive.

  1. How do I choose the right heavy equipment contractor to install my gravel driveway?

Gravel driveway before and afterHiring a heavy equipment contractor in Whatcom County is key to getting a driveway that lasts. Here’s what to look for:

  • Credentials: Ask if they’re licensed, insured and experienced specifically in gravel driveway installation.
  • Portfolio: Request photos and references from previous jobs.
  • Estimates: Get two detailed estimates that include materials, labor, timeframes and any prep or cleanup work.
  • Contract: Insist on a written contract outlining the full scope of work, payment schedule and what happens if delays occur.

Don’t just go with the cheapest bid—quality matters, especially when it comes to preparation and long-term durability!

  1. What should I expect before and after the installation of my gravel driveway?

A reputable heavy equipment contractor should explain their process clearly, including:

  • Site prep: Excavation, grading and weed barrier installation, if needed.
  • Installation timeline: How long the work will take, weather permitting.
  • Aftercare: Ask about maintenance expectations, such as weed control, raking, regrading or adding fresh gravel over time.

Also, clarify if there are warranties on workmanship or materials. Some contractors offer annual gravel driveway maintenance services or guidance on how to keep your new driveway in great shape for years to come.

Installing a gravel driveway involves more than just spreading rocks—it’s about planning, precision and picking the right products for the job. By asking yourself these three questions and taking the time to choose a licensed, insured and experienced heavy equipment contractor, you’ll set your project up for long-term success.

Skip the DIY headaches and invest in a Whatcom County professional like Ritter Dirt and Asphalt who can deliver the quality and durability you desire.

Gravel driveway renovation, before and after photo

Refreshed gravel driveway

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A rural property in Bellingham needed a refreshed gravel driveway, but the homeowner had a tight budget to work with. Ritter Dirt & Asphalt stepped in to help.

Using our grader and experienced equipment operators, we reshaped the driveway to eliminate potholes and improve drainage. We hauled in locally mined Siper crushed rock, then fine graded and compacted the surface to create a smooth, even finish.

Gravel was the ideal choice for this project—affordable, functional and attractive. The result is a much-improved driveway that fits the client’s needs and budget.

Asphalt installed on a steep slope

Asphalt driveway on sloped property

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Nestled on a steep hillside in Bellingham’s South Hill neighborhood, the installation of an asphalt driveway on sloped property required expert planning and execution from the ground up.

Ritter Dirt & Asphalt was hired early in the build to complete site work, including land clearing, foundation preparation and utility trenching for a custom luxury home. Once the structure was complete, we returned to do the final grading and installed a durable asphalt driveway designed to handle the property’s steep slope.

The result? A smooth, long-lasting surface that offers safe, all-season access for years to come.

A message from the builder, Slusher Luxury Homes: The paving on our 40th St project was the finishing touch we needed! It looked beautiful with the driveway finished! Thank you!

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Plan your hillside asphalt driveway project

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Is now the right time to plan your hillside asphalt driveway project?  If you’re reading this in the spring or summer months, the answer is yes!

Living on a hillside property in Bellingham can offer stunning views—but it can also come with unique construction challenges. If you’re in neighborhoods like South Hill in Fairhaven, Geneva, Sudden Valley, King Mountain, or along Chuckanut Drive, you know that steep slopes, poor drainage and stormwater runoff can complicate home improvement projects, especially when it comes to installing or replacing an asphalt driveway.

At Ritter Dirt & Asphalt, we provide asphalt paving solutions and have years of experience working on steep, uneven ground. Our team knows how to grade driveways for proper stormwater runoff, prevent erosion and build durable surfaces that hold up to the Northwest’s wet weather.

Slope stability and stormwater control are two of the most critical issues to address when building on hillsides. If the slope isn’t managed correctly, water can pool or run too fast, leading to cracks, potholes and premature failure of your asphalt driveway. Ritter’s excavation and paving team takes the time to evaluate the grade, drainage and surrounding landscape so your project is built to last.

If your property is in the Lake Whatcom watershed, construction activities are seasonally restricted. The watershed construction schedule limits ground-disturbing activities like excavation and paving to June 1 through September 30. That means property owners in this environmentally sensitive area have a narrow window each year to plan and complete stormwater upgrades, land clearing, gravel driveway maintenance and asphalt paving projects.

Whether you need a brand-new asphalt driveway or are looking to replace an aging one, Ritter is equipped to handle the complexities of hillside paving. We work closely with property owners to create a plan that fits the landscape, protects your property from runoff damage and adds lasting value to your home. Don’t wait! Reach out to Ritter Dirt & Asphalt now for a free quote and get your project on the schedule. With Ritter’s experience in asphalt paving and hillside excavation, you can feel confident that your driveway will be built to perform—rain or shine.

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Choosing the right Whatcom County dirt and asphalt contractor

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Proper grading is essential for drainage, erosion control and long-term stability. Whether preparing a driveway, building site or custom horse arena, hiring a licensed excavation and grading contractor ensures the job is done correctly, protecting your investment and improving the functionality of your land in Bellingham, Blaine or the Nooksack Valley

Drainage solutions to protect your property

Effective drainage is one of the most important aspects of land grading. Using specialized excavation and grading equipment, professionals like Ritter Dirt can shape the terrain to promote controlled water runoff, prevent pooling and stop flooding around structures. Without proper grading, standing water can weaken foundations, damage landscaping and create muddy, unusable areas.

Erosion control for lasting stability

Erosion is a major concern for property owners, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or sloped terrain, such as Chuckanut Drive, the Lake Whatcom Watershed and Sudden Valley. A licensed Whatcom County excavation contractor can carefully sculpt the land to stabilize soil and reduce the impact of wind and water erosion. This helps preserve the landscape and lowers maintenance costs associated with soil displacement.

Stronger foundations for driveways, building sites and horse arenas

Professional grading enhances long-term property stability by creating a solid foundation and uniform surface contours. For driveway construction in Whatcom County, proper grading ensures smooth, durable surfaces that withstand heavy use and prevent ruts, dips and drainage issues.

When preparing a building site, expert site prep and land grading streamline construction by leveling the ground and addressing drainage concerns before work begins. This helps prevent future structural issues caused by poor soil compaction or water accumulation.

For horse arenas, precision grading provides safe, even footing that improves traction and stability. Proper moisture control reduces dust and helps minimize the risk of injuries for both riders and horses.

Choose an experienced Whatcom County excavation and grading contractor

Hiring a licensed excavation and dirt work contractor ensures that your property is properly graded for drainage, erosion control and long-term stability. Ritter Dirt and Asphalt provides expert site prep and grading solutions to help Whatcom County property owners maintain resilient, functional and visually appealing land.

Call 360-739-3472 or email us to discuss your excavation, grading or site preparation needs.

chuckanut paving-4

The importance of professional grading for your Whatcom County property

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Proper grading is essential for drainage, erosion control and long-term stability. Whether preparing a driveway, building site or custom horse arena, hiring a licensed excavation and grading contractor ensures the job is done correctly, protecting your investment and improving the functionality of your land in Bellingham, Blaine or the Nooksack Valley

Drainage solutions to protect your property

Effective drainage is one of the most important aspects of land grading. Using specialized excavation and grading equipment, professionals like Ritter Dirt can shape the terrain to promote controlled water runoff, prevent pooling and stop flooding around structures. Without proper grading, standing water can weaken foundations, damage landscaping and create muddy, unusable areas.

Erosion control for lasting stability

Erosion is a major concern for property owners, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or sloped terrain, such as Chuckanut Drive, the Lake Whatcom Watershed and Sudden Valley. A licensed Whatcom County excavation contractor can carefully sculpt the land to stabilize soil and reduce the impact of wind and water erosion. This helps preserve the landscape and lowers maintenance costs associated with soil displacement.

Stronger foundations for driveways, building sites and horse arenas

Professional grading enhances long-term property stability by creating a solid foundation and uniform surface contours. For driveway construction in Whatcom County, proper grading ensures smooth, durable surfaces that withstand heavy use and prevent ruts, dips and drainage issues.

When preparing a building site, expert site prep and land grading streamline construction by leveling the ground and addressing drainage concerns before work begins. This helps prevent future structural issues caused by poor soil compaction or water accumulation.

For horse arenas, precision grading provides safe, even footing that improves traction and stability. Proper moisture control reduces dust and helps minimize the risk of injuries for both riders and horses.

Choose an experienced Whatcom County excavation and grading contractor

Hiring a licensed excavation and dirt work contractor ensures that your property is properly graded for drainage, erosion control and long-term stability. Ritter Dirt and Asphalt provides expert site prep and grading solutions to help Whatcom County property owners maintain resilient, functional and visually appealing land.

Call 360-739-3472 or email us to discuss your excavation, grading or site preparation needs.

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Gravel vs. Asphalt: Which is best for your Bellingham driveway?

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Selecting the best material for a driveway depends on factors like durability, maintenance and environmental impact. Whether for a home or business in Bellingham, understanding the benefits of gravel vs. asphalt can help property owners make an informed decision.

Durability: Strength and flexibility

Durability is a key consideration when choosing a driveway material. Asphalt provides a smooth, solid surface that can handle heavy loads and frequent traffic. When installed and maintained by a local paving professional, an asphalt driveway can last 15 to 20 years. However, extreme temperatures and moisture can lead to cracking and deterioration over time.

Gravel driveways offer flexibility and resilience, naturally shifting with the ground to prevent cracking. While they hold up well to changing weather conditions, frequent use can lead to displacement, requiring periodic regrading to maintain an even surface.

Maintenance: Upkeep for long-term performance

Maintenance requirements vary between asphalt and gravel. Asphalt driveways need regular sealing every few years to prevent cracks and water damage. While durable, asphalt may require resurfacing over time.

Gravel driveways require ongoing upkeep to prevent ruts and washouts. Adding new gravel periodically and regrading helps maintain a smooth surface. While gravel does not need sealing, weed control is necessary to prevent overgrowth.

Environmental impact: Drainage and sustainability

Environmental considerations also play a role in driveway selection. Gravel driveways allow rainwater to filter naturally into the ground, reducing runoff and minimizing the risk of water pooling or flooding, something that is important in areas such as the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Made from natural materials, gravel is an eco-friendly option.

Asphalt, while durable, is a petroleum-based product that absorbs heat and can contribute to runoff issues. Because it is impermeable, additional stormwater management may be needed.

Making the right choice for your Bellingham, Washington property

The best driveway material depends on budget, climate and usage. Gravel is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and ideal for rural properties or areas with lighter traffic. Asphalt provides a durable, smooth surface that works well for high-traffic areas and urban settings.

For expert installation and grading of gravel or asphalt driveways, contact Ritter Dirt & Asphalt at 360-739-3472. As a licensed Whatcom County excavation and site prep contractor, we deliver quality workmanship and reliable service to property owners throughout Bellingham, Blaine, the Nooksack Valley and beyond.

parking-lot

Stimpson Reserve Parking Lot

The bumpy, often muddy parking lot at Stimpson Reserve was long overdue for an upgrade. Vehicles were parking willy-nilly, and stormwater management was ineffective.

Ritter Dirt & Asphalt secured a contract with Whatcom County to transform the area. Using our fleet of equipment and experienced construction team, we managed traffic control, excavation, earthwork, land clearing, hauling materials in and out, grading, paving, striping and more.

The result? A safer, more functional parking lot with defined spaces, improved stormwater management and enhanced pedestrian safety. From worn out to wow—Stimpson Reserve has never looked better!

Ritter Dirt backyard cleanup and lawn prep

Cleanup and Lawn Prep

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Ritter Dirt & Asphalt helped this client in a time of crisis. Coyotes kept visiting her Blaine, Washington, property, which caused her to be worried about the safety of her dog. She wanted to install a new fence. But first: clean up the backyard.

Ritter’s crew used an excavator and a dump truck to remove roots and yard debris. We exported landscaping debris and imported fresh topsoil in preparation for the installation of a lawn.

The end result was a cleaner, safer backyard that both she and her furry friend will enjoy for a long time.

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