Do excavation companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">contractor licensing tool</a> to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.</p></div>

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Q: What is the difference between trenching and boring for underground utility installation?

• <div><p>Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.</p><p>Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.</p></div>

Q: Will a walk-behind trencher cut through roots?

• <div><p>A walk-behind <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/will-a-trencher-cut-through-roots.htm">trencher can cut through roots</a> as long as they&rsquo;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. </p></div>

Q: Who do I call before I dig in my yard?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re planning to dig on your property, you&rsquo;ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won&rsquo;t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues. </p></div>

Q: Do installations include excavation and drilling?

• <div><p>Yes, professional installations include trenching or borehole drilling required for ground loops.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Ferndale, CA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Ferndale, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Ferndale, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on February 01, 2026

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Hunter and Son Construction, Inc.

4.8(

)

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Robert and his crew were excellent in all aspects of the process. Robert responded right away and had a bid to us within days. Once the contract was approved they started the job right away. The crew was professional, knowledgeable, and had an excellent work ethic. I will recommend them to all my friends and will use them again. The finished job was beautiful."

Response time2 days

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Punctual, professional and did a great installation quickly and at a great price."

Response time1 day

Response rate90%

31 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Clear Horizon Home Solutions, Inc.

4.3(

214

)

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Luis, did a wonderful job installing a retaining wall, pavers, laying sod and river rock edging for us. We are very satisfied with how lovely everything looks."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Redwood Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

4.7(

)

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were very prompt to an emergency situation, and came out after asking about the pipe. They replaced my damaged pipe quick and efficiently and everything was back to working order within the hour."

+12

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They were professional and they knew what they were talking about!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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TM Custom Grading & Landscaping

New to Angi

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

I was born and raised in a local family run Landscape / Construction/Excavation Contracting Business. My communication skills along with full customer interaction with every aspect of the project , makes each job run smoothly. From Grading out a rural gravel road or installing a Septic system or concrete walkways patios complete custom Landscapes with water features Night lighting Fencing Chain Link or Wood . Free Estimates

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C Dub Proactive Solutions-Unlicensed Contractor

New to Angi

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Guy and his dog here offering a few services including fiberglass tub and shower repair, new construction or remodel kine plumbing installation or repair including gas lines, water, sewer, vents. Professional and polite, above all honest. Aloha\n

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Dennis Pochert Plumbing

1.0(

)

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. You will find us to be competitively priced, while still paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction. Give us a call today to get your project started!\n

Response time10 mins

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Daniel White

New to Angi

Serving Ferndale, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

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.

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

Yes, professional installations include trenching or borehole drilling required for ground loops.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

The Ferndale, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

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How Deep Will a Trencher Dig? Which Trencher to Choose
A residential trencher will dig 1 foot to 6 feet deep, depending on the machine. Learn how deep a trencher will dig and which trencher to use.