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    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Ankeny

Avatar for JCH Excavating, LLC
JCH Excavating, LLC
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

JCH EXCAVATING LLC 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.

New Drive
Smaller tools
Response time2 days
Avatar for Iowa Landscaping
Iowa Landscaping
5.0(
3
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Preston and the Iowa Landscaping crew were great to work with. They did a raised flower bed in the front of our home, planted another area for us, and built a retaining wall area on the side of our house. The design process was seem-less, Preston stayed in constant contact with us, and the end result was phenomenal. Could not be happier to recommend to anyone and everyone."
Natural Stone
Planter Bed
Iowa Buff Wall
Rock wall with steps
Boulder Wall

+15

Response time1 day
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Downs Excavating LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Contacted Downs Excavating to assist with hauling away junk and debris from flood damage and he was quick to show up and get the job done! Fast and friendly service and have recommended Travis to everyone I know."
Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Friend Landscaping
Friend Landscaping
4.8(
59
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fantastic from first contact with very reasonable estimate, great communication, completion with friendly and competent workers within days!! I couldn’t be happier!! I will seek them out for any future landscaping projects!!"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+81

Recommended by98%of homeowners
Avatar for Beeler Lawn & Landscape, LLC
Beeler Lawn & Landscape, LLC
5.0(
16
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I was extremely pleased with the work done on our new back patio by Beeler Lawn and Landscape. I obtained several different quotes and Richard was creative/honest/and a great communicator throughout the process. I have already requested that he return in the spring for more work on our yard/landscaping."
Paver Patio for Pool & Mulch install
Various Projects
Various Projects
Various Projects
Paver Patio

+39

Response time2 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Prime Surface Solutions
Prime Surface Solutions
5.0(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"If you have any sort of handyman or landscaping job (or anything else)that needs to be done, I highly recommend contacting Prime Surface Solutions in Waukee. Jett and Emily are absolutely FANTASTIC to work with. We recently hired them to landscape a sloped area where we were battling erosion near our foundation. Not only did they listen to our concerns, they offered advice that would work best for our foundation, burning bushes, lawn, and budget. We had a contract that evening and materials delivered two days later. Jett and Emily were kind, respectful, honest people who worked meticulously with an eye for details others might ignore. I can't think of the last time I saw such hardworking people, and we will DEFINITELY hire them again for other projects. Check out their list of services--they do so much more than landscaping. They are based out of Waukee but will travel-- we live in rural Ogden. If we could give them 10 stars, we would do so! https://www.yelp.com/biz/prime-surface-sol"
Zach’s kitchen countertop
Zach’s kitchen countertop
Nicks resurfaced vanities
Nicks resurfaced vanities
Bathtub/ Shower Projects

+45

Response time1 day
VH Excavating LLC
3.3(
15
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Ankeny, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Amazing service, professional work. The concrete supplier sent bad concrete and the final result had issues because of it. Steve and Austin stood behind their work and made it right. Good friendly people who are experts at their work. Couldn’t be happier and recommend that anyone who needs work call these guys."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 51
Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

Hardscaping often requires preparation of the ground in the area where the feature is being installed. This can include digging, compacting, and leveling the soil, ensuring adequate drainage, and removing any existing plants. The extent of preparation needed will depend on the type and size of the hardscaping feature being installed.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

The Ankeny, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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