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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Ketchikan - Updated Nov 2026

Arctic Excavators, LLC
New to Angi
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Ketchikan, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

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!

Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

Errors in site preparation can lead to structural failures or appear costly midway. Professionals ensure detailed, reliable home base development layouts.

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

In the United States, a depth of 36 inches (three feet) for underground water lines is the accepted industry standard. This depth varies from location to location based on local conditions. In areas with colder winters, they may be buried deeper to prevent frozen well water pipes : This is usually at least six inches below the frost level. The International Plumbing Code calls for a minimum of 12 inches below grade.

The Ketchikan, AK homeowners’ guide to excavation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.