How should the ground be prepared?
All organic matter should always be removed- grass, leaves, tree roots, wood ect…., If a tree root is cut off and not removed it will eventually decompose, thus leaving a void below your new concrete and as the concrete settles it will crack. Cracks, settlement and structural failure will often be traced to an inadequately prepared and poorly compacted sub grade. The sub grade on which the concrete is to be placed should be well drained, uniform level or properly sloped and compacted by mechanical means. The sub grade should be moistened with water in advance of placing concrete, but should not have standing water, puddles, or soft muddy spots.