"They did a very fine job! They did what they say they're gonna do. They're on time , on budget and excellent. I would recommend them to anybody anytime."
Arctic Excavators LLC is an Alaskan and Service Disabled Veteran Owned civil site work and excavating contractor. This family founded company has worked throughout the state of Alaska on both residential and commercial civil construction and excavation projects since 1970. Give us a call today for help with your next project!
There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.
Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.
Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.
Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.
A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.
Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history.
No, you typically cannot use metal detectors to find your sewer line. Most sewer lines are made of non-metallic materials such as PVC, clay, or cast iron, which are not detectable by standard metal detectors. Metal detectors are designed to locate metallic objects, so they won't be effective for identifying the path of a non-metallic sewer line. To locate your sewer line accurately, it's best to use other methods.
You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.
Professional installers often include a deep layer of crushed gravel under permeable pavers to allow more runoff to soak through into the soil below. Many installations will include multiple layers of gravel, with coarser aggregate at the base and finer aggregate that sits on top of that bottom layer. Above the gravel, you’ll often find coarse sand that helps reduce paver shifting over time. Some permeable paver designs include a water collection system set into the gravel layer to route runoff to a safe area for disposal.
The Craig, AK homeowners’ guide to excavation services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.