Get matched with top excavation pros in Coaling, AL

Trenching is a specific kind of digging. Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that’s deeper than it is wide, often with heavy machinery. Digging refers to any kind of removal of earth in order to create a human-made depression, hole, or cut in the earth’s surface. You can dig with big tools or even with just a hand shovel.

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.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables.