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Avatar for Vertex Construction Services
Vertex Construction Services
5.0(
11
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing+2 more

Serving Cambridge, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We used Billy and his team to repair our yard after a sewer line was replaced. He was very knowledgeable in the process of what was needed to restore the property to its prior state. The work was done quickly and we have had no problems with anything he has done. Highly reccommend!"
Grading
Grading
Grading
Grading
Sidewalk backfill

+13

Response time12 hrs
Response rate100%
28 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Iowa Landscaping
Iowa Landscaping
5.0(
3
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cambridge, 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 time2 days
2 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 Cambridge, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Quick to reply when I reached out to request services to clean up trees that damage and he also did tree removal. Travis was quick to get me on the schedule and get the work completed. Fast and efficient and didn't break the bank! Would definitely recommend!"
Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Prime Surface Solutions
Prime Surface Solutions
5.0(
9
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, 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
Goering Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Remodeling
3.9(
25
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Cambridge, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"

I purchased 3 solar panels to heat my swimming pool, mounted them to the roof, and then found that the difficulties of working with all the different roof pitch angles was tough to get right, so I contacted professional plumbers to do it, figuring they would get it done properly and much quicker than I could do. 2 guys showed up at the house, verified that I had most of the materials needed (pipes, fittings, etc) and went to work. About 5 hours later they had completed cutting the pipes to fit, cut a hole in the deck, secured all the pipes to the roof and house wall, and run the pipes underneath the deck to the pool area. I had them terminate the pipes into an automatic bypass valve, where my swimming pool guy took it from there. Been a couple months and everything working like a charm, no leaks in the roof or any of the fittings, they have everything fit tight to the roof/walls so no concerns about wind trying to blow it around, etc. The solar panels actually are working better than expected and has had to turn off frequently due to the pool achieving the target temperature of 85 degrees.


"
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 41
Excavating questions, answered by experts

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

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. 

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.

Yes, professional installations include trenching or borehole drilling required for ground loops.

The Cambridge, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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