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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.2
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon29
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Hockessin - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Pierce L Shallis Landscaping & Design
Pierce L Shallis Landscaping & Design
4.9(
326
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Hockessin, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We contacted Pierce L. Shallis Landscaping after doing some research and reading online reviews. We needed landscape remediation as water was building up in the front side of our house (during heavy rain) and wanted a new flower bed as well. I contacted them and they got back to me right away. Pierce came out to take a look and after talking to him, I was confident he had the expertise to do the work. To no surprise, he and his crew did a fantastic job. I defaulted to his opinion about what plants would look great in the flower bed. My only request was a small Japanese maple. The communication was great from start to finish. I would highly recommend this company to anyone as they are both knowledgeable and professional. When hiring Pierce L. Shallis, you will have peace of mind that they will get the job done right."
Outdoor Living
Outdoor Living
Outoor Living
Flagstone
Walkway Steps

+46

11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Delaware Dreamscapes
Delaware Dreamscapes
4.2(
48
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Hockessin, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"These guys are really hard workers and they did an amazing job. The job took longer than expected because of the weather but they got it done as promised. We'll definitely get them to come do other projects for us in the future."
natural flagstone entrance
outdoor living space
Paver driveway
techo bloc patio installation
outdoor kitchen

+42

Response time2 days
14 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by74%of homeowners
Avatar for Reyes Hardscaping & Landscaping LLC
Reyes Hardscaping & Landscaping LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Hockessin, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer’s needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. \n

Paver Patio & walkways
Paver Patio & walkways
Paver Patio & walkways
Paver Patio & walkways
Paver Patio & walkways

+30

10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Backyard Paradise Landscaping & Ponds
Backyard Paradise Landscaping & Ponds
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Hockessin, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Backyard paradise landscaping & ponds is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business. \n

Response time4 hrs
Response rate93%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating FAQs, 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. 

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables. 

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.

Digging a bush up by the roots is the most natural DIY method for removing a bush stump. Start by identifying the shrub type and revealing its roots. Cut the shrub to its base and loosen the soil, ensuring no utility lines are nearby. Optionally, treat the base with herbicide, then dig around the roots and cut a circle around the shrub using various tools. Dig a trench, cut the base of the root ball, and finally fill the hole to prevent regrowth. This thorough process ensures complete removal without damaging surrounding areas.

It can take several weeks for the ground to settle after removing a tree, and the soil under larger, more mature trees can take months. The deeper the tree has been ground under the soil, the longer it will take to settle. However, this extra depth can help you plant new landscaping sooner because you’ll have more space for fresh soil.

The Hockessin, DE homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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