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TRUSTED BY WILMINGTON, DE HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon27
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Wilmington

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

Serving Wilmington, 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

17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for TerravationPro
TerravationPro
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Terravation Pro to complete major regrading work on our yard to address long-standing water diversion and drainage issues—and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Max (the owner) was the definition of professionalism: courteous, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain his plan in detail and made thoughtful recommendations tailored to our property’s unique challenges. The quality of the work exceeded every expectation. Max completed the job himself, showing an incredible level of care and precision. He managed to preserve much of our existing landscaping, which was no small feat, and he prioritized safety at every stage. His attention to detail and commitment to doing things right the first time truly set him apart. Max showed up exactly when he said he would and charged us a very fair price - wouldn’t hesitate to use again and recommend!"
After
After
Before
After
My jobs

+15

Response time11 hrs
Response rate100%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Delaware Dreamscapes
Delaware Dreamscapes
4.2(
48
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Alvarez Landscaping Co is a very knowledgeable company and fast in carrying out my project. The owner is very respectful and honest he is also a man of high integrity. I recommend him to any one who needs a landscaper."
natural flagstone entrance
outdoor living space
Paver driveway
techo bloc patio installation
outdoor kitchen

+42

Response time2 days
22 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by72%of homeowners
Avatar for Reyes Hardscaping & Landscaping LLC
Reyes Hardscaping & Landscaping LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Wilmington, 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

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

Serving Wilmington, 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%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Rock-A-Fellas Co Inc
Rock-A-Fellas Co Inc
4.5(
23
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Credit card accepted

"We had a shed pad installed for our new shed. Bob really worked to make sure we understood the different types of pads we could get as well as the ground leveling process. He was the only contractor we talked to that put the pad in the ground (excavating some dirt) so that it didn't just sit on top. As an added bonus, he swiped away a patch of really thick ivy that we've been struggling with. When scheduling the pad, he did delay the installation due to weather issues, showing real concern that if we didn't delay at least a day, the installation would be less than the professional level he likes to leave with. I left for the morning to go to work and when I came home, the pad was ready for a shed.
Bob shows a concern for his homeowner's well being in all matters and is very knowledgable. I fully recomend him to anyone seeking a similar install, and will consider Rock-a-fella's when ever I have a gravelly/patio/deck need in the future.
"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners
W.H. Lincoln & Company Contractors, Inc.
5.0(
11
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I highly recommend WH Lincoln for large and small jobs. While regularly employed for heavy highway and earth construction, they showed up same day to quote on our small residential grading project. Their pricing was way below the other competitors, and they showed up the following day and completed the work in 5 hours. We have used at least 4 different earth contractors over 12 years, and Lincoln is by far the best and least expensive. Great discovery. Props to Charles for his expert dozer work, and to John for helping in the design."
 EXCAVATION FOR BASEMENT
REMOVED OVER 100 LOADS
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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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. 

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.

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.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you’re using will determine how far down you can dig.

The Wilmington, DE homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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