Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in San Marcos, CA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in San Marcos, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY SAN MARCOS, CA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon19
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in San Marcos

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

Serving San Marcos, 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
7 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 San Marcos, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It took us almost a year to be able to get our retaining wall done. Kristian and Quetzal Landscaping did a fantastic job including dealing with our neighbor and his concerns. We are moving out of the area, however, if we stayed and needed another wall built Kristian would be our go-to guy. Thank you so much Kristian."
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 JH Landscaping
JH Landscaping
4.6(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving San Marcos, 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
Eternal Turf and Landscaping Corporation
New to Angi
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving San Marcos, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Eternal Turf & Pavers is a premier turf installation & landscaping company based in San Diego, California. Our customized service solutions specialize in the design and installation of artificial turf, pavers, and concrete. With over a decade of experience, our expert design & installation team is dedicated to transforming outdoor spaces into enduring masterpieces that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.

10 neighbors recently requested a quote
...
Showing 1-10 of 89
Excavating questions, answered by experts

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

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.

A perc test can take anywhere from one to eight hours to complete. The total time depends on factors like the amount of excavation required, the depth and width of the holes, and whether multiple test holes are needed. For a single hole, the process of filling it with water and monitoring the drainage rate usually takes less than an hour. Professionals can often complete the entire test in a single day. While it's possible to get results the same day, some companies may take a few days to provide the official report.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

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 San Marcos, CA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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