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*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Burlington, 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 Burlington, 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 April 14, 2026

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Spoon River Property Preservation
New to Angi
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Burlington, IA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

I have over 20 years experience...\nWhole house trash outs \nBarn/shed clean outs\nGarage/Yard clean outs\nJunk /clutter removal \nNo job to BIG or SMALL \nBook with Spoon River Property Preservation today! \n

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

The time it takes to build a pool—and dig out the area—varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.

The Burlington, 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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