• <div><p>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.</p></div>

How do I know if my well was dug or drilled?

• <div><p>Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history. </p></div>

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Q: How wide of a hole does a trencher make?

• <div><p>Trenchers can dig holes as narrow as 4 inches or as wide as 4 feet. Check the specifications of the trencher you rent or buy to determine how wide it will cut into the landscape. Better yet, let the excavation company know how wide you&rsquo;d like the trench to be, and they can help you choose the right trencher for the job (or do it for you).</p></div>

Q: How deep do you dig for plastic edging?

• <div><p>You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it&mdash;2 inches is usually sufficient. </p></div>

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my well was dug or drilled?

• <div><p>Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that&rsquo;s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you&rsquo;d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property&rsquo;s construction and excavation history. </p></div>

Q: How long does it take to dig a trench by hand?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. </p></div>

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenchers can dig holes as narrow as 4 inches or as wide as 4 feet. Check the specifications of the trencher you rent or buy to determine how wide it will cut into the landscape. Better yet, let the excavation company know how wide you’d like the trench to be, and they can help you choose the right trencher for the job (or do it for you).

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

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.

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history.

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.

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