Get matched with top excavation pros in Lucerne, CA

Q: How do you hollow out a tree stump?

• <div><p>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.</p><ul><li><p><b>Chisel and Hammer:</b> This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.</p></li><li><p><b>Chainsaw:</b> Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.</p></li><li><p><b>Burning:</b> 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.</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What kind of surface should a dumpster be placed on?

• <div><p>Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas. </p></div>

Q: Can a metal detector find a septic tank?

• <div><p>Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that&rsquo;s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something&mdash;likely your septic tank lid. </p></div>

Q: How deep can you dig for a basement?

• <div><p>Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You&rsquo;ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.</p></div>

Q: What permits might be needed for building site preparation and clearing?

• <div><p>Consultation with the local government helps identify necessary permits, avoid project delays or legal issues, and protect project integrity.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Lucerne, CA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Lucerne, 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 Lucerne, 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 May 21, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Nik completed a road excavation and grading project on our property in Northern California. He managed the heavy brush and steep, rough terrain without any issues. Nik is the owner and does the actual work, which showed in the quality of the final road. The job was completed on schedule and left...
Anchored Oak LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
B&W responded quickly to my request for shed roof cleaning for insurance purposes. They power washed the roof and sent me photos, which were praised by my insurance representative and forwarded to my insurance company. They also filled an erosion hole next to the shed, and cleaned the roof,...
B&W Handyman
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Reviewed in April 2025
The outdoor fence was installed very quickly with excellent work.
I.H.S. Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2025
What a delightful experience! I was expecting a mess - moving furniture, trampling outdoor plants, noise, possible damage to woodwork - I can not tell you how easy Dominic and David made this upgrade for me! I have never met two finer gentlemen in the construction field! Thank you Selig...
Selig Construction Corporation
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Reviewed in January 2025
Prompt, courteous, professional, and honest. Super work at a fair price. Hire these people if you can. Cleared 3 acres of pine, manzanita, and oak logs left on our property after a "cut and burn" clearing of brush and trees a couple years ago. Victor brought a 4 man crew, 4 trucks, a chipper,...
TreeEx Inc
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Reviewed in November 2024
Mike’s crew did a great job. From prep to cleanup, they were very professional. Mike checked on their progress every day and they were very efficient, tidy and careful with details. We are very satisfied.
Mike's Home Improvement
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Reviewed in September 2024
Mike and his crew gutted a bathroom built in the 70s. The results are beautiful. Tile step in shower. Moved the drain and water from the left to the right. Installed decorative grab bars. New vanity, mirror and vanity lighting. The job was finished in a timely manner along with paying to have...
Mike Home Improvements
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Reviewed in June 2024
It was a pleasure to have Brad come and remove our shed, fence and deck that was in poor condition. He was reliable, reasonable with the total cost and was very through when cleaning up! Fast and helpful with making decisions! Good guy to hire for all your needs!
Rose Valley Earthworks & Paving
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Reviewed in July 2023
I live out of state and hired this contractor to do a lot cleanup, to clean up the weeds and trees limbs from the property. I requested before and after pictures and received both. We communicated via the telephone. He did what he said he would do and did a very good job. I would hire him...
LKO Land Management - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in February 2023
We had a massive diseased oak tree that needed to be taken down. Alex and his crew worked professionally to remove it for us. They also cleaned up a large redwood tree of dead limbs. Our property was left clear of debris. Alex gave us a great price & heÃ¢Â Â s easy to work with. We will use...
ATC Tree
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Find Excavation pros in Lucerne

Advanced Earthworks

4.6(

)

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Advanced Earthworks was very professional & for the job done on time & under budget. I?ll use them again, for sure!"

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by52%of homeowners

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very friendly and very prompt."

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Cal-Tech Pump Well & Compressor

4.1(

)

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Really appreciated his support, help and timeliness of the service. Would use him again."

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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CLE Excavation General Engineering

New to Angi

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We are a general engineering contractor that offers high-quality craftsmanship in all site, work underground, utilities, paving, and concrete work.

+13

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Clear Horizon Home Solutions, Inc.

4.3(

214

)

Serving Lucerne, 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

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"He did wonders, was able to make driveways and flat spots on my slopped property. Gets the job done right, works quickly, and keeps me up to date with everything. I am going to be hiring him again here soon."

Response time12 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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David Downey Earthworks

5.0(

)

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They were friendly and good to work with."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Diamond D Construction, LLC

3.5(

)

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I used Diamond D to clear some land in Lakeport. Made a contact through HomeAdvisor. Tyler was super responsive, worked with me to define our needs and provided a clear bid. Both Tyler and Megan were very professional and communicated well with me since I live a few hundred miles away. I will use them again, it was a very good experience."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Always a quick response, professional service. Very satisfied."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Greenlee Construction

2.8(

)

Serving Lucerne, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great job! Very knowledgeable, good prices and great quality work. Overall a great experience!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 15

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.

Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas.

Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that’s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something—likely your septic tank lid.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

Consultation with the local government helps identify necessary permits, avoid project delays or legal issues, and protect project integrity.

The Lucerne, 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

Scott Dylan Westerlund
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Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How Much Does Pool Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
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•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2026 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
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•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Discover what excavation is, the different types, and when it's needed in construction. Learn key insights for your next big home project.
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•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Who Installs Trench Drains?
Who installs trench drains? A local excavation company is best for the job, but a landscaper or plumber can also get it done. Here's how.
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•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
How to Use a Trencher Safely and When to Call a Pro
Using a trencher is more efficient than using a shovel when excavating. Here’s a basic guide on how to use a trencher for your next project.