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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon83
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Find Excavation pros in Derby

Avatar for Stump Chompers
Stump Chompers
4.9(
33
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Derby, CT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Don is great! Gave me a great price on the removal of 2 stumps. One was done right away with topsoil added and smoothed out . The other is pending further discussion of other site work on the property. He communicated with me every step of the way. Very happy with his work, so much so, that I am having him give me estimates of a few other projects. Glad to have found such a reasonable and responsible young man to help me with my creative landscaping issues!"
Our work
Our work
Our work
Our work
Our work

+2

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for AA Outdoor Services, LLC
AA Outdoor Services, LLC
3.9(
33
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Derby, CT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Vinny is a very friendly and professional guy who we really enjoyed working with. The quality of his work is excellent- we used him for our sidewalk and refurbishing the rod iron railings. Overall positive experience with him and the final project turned out great! We would definitely recommend him and will be using his services again in future projects."
Driveway in New Haven (West Haven)
Rear entrance and parking area (West Haven)
Rear entrance and parking area (West Haven)
Step repair (West Haven)
Step repair (West Haven)

+61

Response time9 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
NV Landscaping, LLC
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Derby, CT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I have used Di Scala General Contractors for many different projects over the years - interior painting, finishing a basement, building a deck, mowing, plowing and most recently a living room renovation. This family room renovation involved tearing out wood paneling, installing drywall, rerouting radiators and building built-in bookcases. The crews are always diligent, careful, clean and polite. I highly recommend Di Scala General Contracting."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Hazelwood Excavating, Inc.
Hazelwood Excavating, Inc.
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Derby, CT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1950

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hazelwood Excavating, Inc., is a family owned company based out of Wallingford, CT. The company was founded in 1950 and has been passed down through generation after generation. We take extreme pride in the 3 P's fundamental to any good business which are Punctuality, Professionalism, and Precision.

New Septic Tank
Leaching
New Leaching
Response time2 days
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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. 

A mini excavator can dig between 5 and 11 feet deep, depending on the type and size of the mini excavator. Mini hydraulic excavators are more powerful and can reach deeper into the earth, but electric models have a more limited range. Mini excavators over two tons in size are also more powerful and able to dig as deep as 11 feet.

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.

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.

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. 

The Derby, CT homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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