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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

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Burlington - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Spoon River Property Preservation
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 FAQs, answered by experts

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

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. 

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. 

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history. 

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.

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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