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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Alton, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Alton, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Alton, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on October 16, 2025

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Alton - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Broken K Express
Broken K Express
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Alton, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Nick, saved my shed foundation from collapsing in. Half of my shed is countersunk into a hill and Nick was able to dig out the dirt and properly anchor my walls back in place, he also installed drainage tile and re graded the slope of then hill that runs along my shed. He provided amazing service along with professionalism and great care of my property not leaving behind a mess. I valued his professionalism and his experienced skill sets that I hired him again to bring in rock and regrade and level our driveway. I would recommend him to anyone."
Tree grove clean out
Tree grove clean out
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Mid Iowa Site Services, LLC
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Alton, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

With over 20 years of experience, Mid Iowa Site Services is the solution for all your demolition, excavation, and gravel needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We develop lasting relationship, so that the next time service is needed there's no question who to call. Satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today! \n

Response time3 hrs
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LS Construction
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Alton, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

LS CONSTRUCTION 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.

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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

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.

While you can save some money by digging your own pool, you may end up paying more in construction equipment rental fees in the long run. You could, however, focus your DIY energies on lowering the cost of leveling your lawn for your pool or filling in surrounding landscaping after construction.

The Alton, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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