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Avatar for Cahaba Services, LLC
Cahaba Services, LLC
4.9(
178
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+1 more

Serving Gardendale, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The Stump needing removal was the remnants of a tree which had been cut in order to replace septic tank field lines. This particular tree was over 40 years in age and its trunk and route system were grown and gnarled and tangled through not soil but stone primarily. There was a matte of surface roots covering the lower part of the driveway and across the top of this very steep and dangerous location. When Shannon pulled in with his trailer holding a piece of equipment I have never seen the likes of before that day. That piece of equipment was designed to grind a stump in the way a caterpillar moves. The equipment is from all appearances fastidiously maintained and to get to the start it had to make its way across a wide open trench which we covered in three-quarter inch plywood sheets in order to keep the equipment safe. This was the only route to get to the stump which sat on the crest of a steep, well very steep hill. It was amazing to see how adept Shannon is in managing that complex a piece of equipment he was using for this job. I had had two other attempts made to remove the stump and I figured when I saw that Swiss engineered Caterpillar looking thing that this was the piece of equipment and the right man to do the job. It was a dangerous and difficult job and I cannot think Shannon enough for his skills, kindness and consideration, his respect for my property, removing all of the debris so that the septic tank team could come back in the next day to resume their work, and for just being a great guy. Thanks to Shannon I had running water and septic tank service within a couple of days again. Shannon, well done."
Alabaster 7
Alabaster 6
Alabaster 5
Alabaster 4
Alabaster 3

+26

Response time2 days
45 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by98%of homeowners
Avatar for Elite Drain Cleaning & Septic Services
Elite Drain Cleaning & Septic Services
4.6(
14
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Gardendale, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Gary came right away and did an outstanding job. He is a very nice man and has no problem explaining what he is doing and why. No doubt if I ever have to have any septic service done I won't hesitate to call Gary and will recommended him to anyone that I know needing service."
Header line repair
Septic Tank Project
Header line repair
Septic Tank Project
Header line repair

+24

Response time8 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Avatar for Natdawgs hauling &excavating llc
Natdawgs hauling &excavating llc
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Gardendale, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

I’ve been doing tree and skid steer work for about 20 years, customer satisfaction is my goal. The job is not complete until you, the customer, are happy. I am a perfectionist, I like and want stuff done right! I am willing to travel almost anywhere within the state. I am highly efficient in a skid steer and working out of a bucket truck..

Baker Farms
Wendling property
Teresa’s property
21 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Showing 1-10 of 177
Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

Completion time ranges from days to weeks, contingent on project size, environmental conditions, and regulatory approvals.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

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 Gardendale, AL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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