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TRUSTED BY RANCHO SANTA FE, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon34
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Rancho Santa Fe - Updated Nov 2026

Accurate Grading and Demolition, Inc.
4.3(
26
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Rancho Santa Fe, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Quick and efficient. Unfortunately, some large globs of concrete outside of the frames were left behind. Is was so wet and a bit muddy, they were probably missed in the cleanup."
Response time2 days
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for Quetzal Landscapes, Inc
Quetzal Landscapes, Inc
4.2(
57
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Rancho Santa Fe, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The gentleman was on time and very professional. During the quote, he stated the job would be approximately $900.00 to remove and preserve the metal fence. I believed that to be a reasonable price. However, after receiving a quote for $1800.00 which is double the price, and the cost of a new fence is approximately $1300.00 I decided to go elsewhere and replace the fence."
Turf installed
Fence Maze and Trash can area.
Back Yard After
Scotts back yard
outdoor kitchen

+518

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Barrios Landscape Inc.
Barrios Landscape Inc.
5.0(
7
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Rancho Santa Fe, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I am with a National GC. We hired Barrios to complete a complex drainage repair for one of our commercial projects. Michael and the crew did an outstanding job. They were punctual and adhered to the schedule. I was very pleased and Michael had great communication through the project."
Escondido Front Yard
Escondido Front Yard
Escondido Front Yard
Escondido Front Yard
Backyard Remodel

+6

Response time10 hrs
Response rate98%
Avatar for JH Landscaping
JH Landscaping
4.6(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Rancho Santa Fe, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Turned out that our major landscaping project that JH Landscaping and his work crew completed for us was stellar. My wife and I were thrilled with the results and so grateful for how great our backyard looks now. They did everything we asked of them, and there were lots of extra, unplanned things that needed to get done, while everything got done within budget. His workers were phenomenal, highly skilled, worked really hard, as they, for example, laid every single paver with their own hands, one by one, laid astro-turf, planted all kinds of plans, flowers, ground covers, installed irrigation. systems, major overhaul, took a couple of months, but now look at the the before and after difference! They knew what needed to get done, how to get it done and got it done! Thank you!"
Our Work
Our Work
Our Work
Our Work
Our Work

+54

Response time2 days
Recommended by83%of homeowners
Avatar for M&G Landscaping
M&G Landscaping
5.0(
3
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Rancho Santa Fe, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We are extremely pleased with the retaining wall installation. The team was professional, reliable, and attentive to detail throughout the entire process. The finished wall looks great, feels sturdy, and was completed with excellent workmanship. We would definitely recommend their services."
Landscaping
retaining wall
Outdoor kitchen
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

Yes, chipmunk holes may have two or more entrances. Chipmunks can create an entire network of burrows. Having multiple entrances makes it easier for them when trying to escape from a predator, such as a snake, or if an entrance collapses due to flooding. Each entrance leads to the nesting chamber underground, which is where the chipmunk spends the majority of its time sleeping.

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

The Rancho Santa Fe, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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