True or False: Filling often requires compaction of the earth before leveling to the desired grade.

Compaction is essential when it comes to filling, as it helps to increase the density of the soil layer. This process plays a crucial role in preventing future settlement and maintaining the structural integrity of the area being filled. When filling an area, loose soil can create voids and lead to instability. By compacting the fill material, the soil particles are pressed closer together, reducing the volume of air spaces and making the surface strong enough to support loads.

Leveling the filled area to achieve the desired grade without first compacting can lead to uneven surfaces and potentially dangerous conditions, as the material may shift or settle unevenly over time. Thus, compaction is a necessary step in the filling process to ensure that subsequent leveling yields a stable and long-lasting surface.