Get matched with top excavation pros in Garnavillo, IA

Q: What is the average cost of excavation?

• <div><p>The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/excavation-costs.htm">cost of excavation</a> is around <b>$3,200</b>. Most jobs fall somewhere between <b>$500 and $15,000</b>, depending on the amount of soil to remove, whether or not there are landscaping features or structures in the vicinity that could complicate the excavation, and the quality and contents of the soil. Larger jobs will naturally cost more, as will those in tight spaces that demand manual excavation as opposed to using heavy machinery. Hard soil and tree roots can also extend the job and drive up your labor costs.</p></div>

Q: Is trenching the same as boring?

• <div><p>Trenching is not the same as boring. Boring uses a drill to make a tunnel for underground utilities, but trenching involves digging with an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. Boring is more precise and expensive, and it&rsquo;s best for installing utilities underneath buildings, roads, and bodies of water. Trenching is simpler but can cause more disruption to landscaping and ecosystems.</p></div>

Q: How do you protect tree roots during excavation?

• <div><p>The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it&rsquo;s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that&rsquo;s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.</p><p>Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-remove-tree.htm">remove the tree</a> than risk future problems.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take for ground to settle after tree removal?

• <div><p>It can take several weeks for the ground to settle after removing a tree, and the soil under larger, more mature trees can take months. The deeper the tree has been ground under the soil, the longer it will take to settle. However, this extra depth can help you plant new landscaping sooner because you&rsquo;ll have more space for fresh soil.</p></div>

Q: Are underground downspouts worth it?

• <div><p>Underground downspouts refer to the sections of downspout extensions that lead away from your home and gutter system. While they cost more than traditional extensions, they can provide several benefits, such as less frequent damage and no need to move them for lawn care tasks. Whether they're worth it or not depends on your budget at installation time and how much convenience they'll add to your situation. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Garnavillo, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Garnavillo, 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 Garnavillo, 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 January 12, 2026

Reviewed in March 2025
Came within one day of my request because it was urgent. Arrived on time very nice. Understood the problem and how to fix it with the least amount of damage the surrounding areas. Finished up the work the plumber could not finish because of the damage to the flooring And then finished off the...
Ravens Nest Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
They workers were super nice and respectful, they worked really hard. The owner was great to talk to while setting up the appointment! The best thing about the visit was their work - the doors slide open like a feather now!!
Slider Genius
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Reviewed in June 2023
THE BEST contractor we have ever worked with. Gabe worked on a Saturday to meet our needs. Home town friendly and provides quality work.
Gabe's Construction & Restoration, PLLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Did a great job. They were fast and efficient. Cleaned up area with minimal lawn damage.Would definitely recommend them.
B & E Tree Service
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Reviewed in April 2023
I couldn't have got a better service ..I don't believe ..they were very good had the tree cut down in no time at all .(and to top it off started raining .).they worked very fast in the rain and got the job done and cleaned up everything and hawled it off! And the price was very reasonable ð ð
TimberScape, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
I would definitely recommend Metz Home Appraisals. The appraiser was an absolute professional and conducted a very accurate and thorough appraisal on my home.
Metz Home Appraisals, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
I asked Kyle to come look at what I wanted. He came quickly, gave me a fair quote quickly and planned the work. Showed up when he said and completed the work plus some other things I added in. Was super pleased with Kyle and his work. A very nice gentleman and gave me exactly what I wanted. ...
Faith Landscape
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Reviewed in June 2021
From our sales rep, Jim, to the project lead, John, the Hoffman team was knowledgeable, pleasant and efficient. I would hire them again!
Hoffman Cooling and Heating
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Reviewed in May 2021
Be Frank has the most personable crew to work with -would allow them in my home at anytime-very detail-conscious and cleanup oriented-Chris made it easy to work with you would be lucky to get him and his team.
Be Frank Painting
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Reviewed in May 2021
John is very professional, thorough and prompt. I would highly recommend him. Additionally, his services are priced well within reason, if not less than you would expect.
Caldwell Homescapes
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Find Excavation pros in Garnavillo

MidAmerica Basement Systems

4.55(

140

)

MidAmerica Basement Systems

4.55(

140

)

Customers say: Quality work

37 years of experience

MidAmerica Basement Systems is your premier locally owned and operated company that specializes in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete leveling, and radon mitigation.

"Salesman that we were to replace dry wall. Later learned we were to have it removed. Attempts to reach supervisors and owners resulted in zero until time to do installation. Gave $1300+ down. Note: this went to the salesman, not to MABS. Then salesman stated $12,000 more if MABS removed the dry wall. Paid salesman and his friend to remove it but didn't do all of it! Sent certified letters to Cedar Rapids address after we got no verbal responses to phone calls. Later learned they receive no mail there, only in Davenport. Were to have GFI outlet placed at far end of basement. 3 electricians said not possible. Also discharge was to be underground to rear of yard which we thought meant to back! House sits on clay. Was to discharge under ground out 10 feet from house. Canceled installation and have found that other basement waterproofing companies do not require 2.5 feet of dry wall removed: only baseboard. Cost was same as MABS. Now we must pay to have drywall installed after the waterproofing is completed."

Barbara S on September 2020

"Salesman that we were to replace dry wall. Later learned we were to have it removed. Attempts to reach supervisors and owners resulted in zero until time to do installation. Gave $1300+ down. Note: this went to the salesman, not to MABS. Then salesman stated $12,000 more if MABS removed the dry wall. Paid salesman and his friend to remove it but didn't do all of it! Sent certified letters to Cedar Rapids address after we got no verbal responses to phone calls. Later learned they receive no mail there, only in Davenport. Were to have GFI outlet placed at far end of basement. 3 electricians said not possible. Also discharge was to be underground to rear of yard which we thought meant to back! House sits on clay. Was to discharge under ground out 10 feet from house. Canceled installation and have found that other basement waterproofing companies do not require 2.5 feet of dry wall removed: only baseboard. Cost was same as MABS. Now we must pay to have drywall installed after the waterproofing is completed."

"On time. Very polite and very informative"

Brad W on July 2024

"On time. Very polite and very informative"

Brad W on July 2024

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

)

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We have done all our own work we do not sub work out to anyone We want you to be happy with us. We accept Checks and credit cards their is no job to small we can't handle

Gilbert's Septic Service

No reviews yet

Gilbert's Septic Service

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Showing 1-10 of 21

Excavating questions, answered by experts

The average cost of excavation is around $3,200. Most jobs fall somewhere between $500 and $15,000, depending on the amount of soil to remove, whether or not there are landscaping features or structures in the vicinity that could complicate the excavation, and the quality and contents of the soil. Larger jobs will naturally cost more, as will those in tight spaces that demand manual excavation as opposed to using heavy machinery. Hard soil and tree roots can also extend the job and drive up your labor costs.

Trenching is not the same as boring. Boring uses a drill to make a tunnel for underground utilities, but trenching involves digging with an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. Boring is more precise and expensive, and it’s best for installing utilities underneath buildings, roads, and bodies of water. Trenching is simpler but can cause more disruption to landscaping and ecosystems.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

It can take several weeks for the ground to settle after removing a tree, and the soil under larger, more mature trees can take months. The deeper the tree has been ground under the soil, the longer it will take to settle. However, this extra depth can help you plant new landscaping sooner because you’ll have more space for fresh soil.

Underground downspouts refer to the sections of downspout extensions that lead away from your home and gutter system. While they cost more than traditional extensions, they can provide several benefits, such as less frequent damage and no need to move them for lawn care tasks. Whether they're worth it or not depends on your budget at installation time and how much convenience they'll add to your situation.

The Garnavillo, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
Dec 29, 2025Dec 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Dec 9, 2025Dec 9, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]
Digging a trench is usually the first step in a larger home project. Our trenching cost calculator breaks down the factors that affect the price tag of this job.
Taylor Freitas
•
Oct 27, 2025Oct 27, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Oct 29, 2024Oct 29, 2024
Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols
Excavation is any digging into the earth’s surface, and trenches are a deep, narrow type of excavation. Learn more about excavation versus trenches.
Veronica Sparks
•
Nov 5, 2024Nov 5, 2024
What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Discover what excavation is, the different types, and when it's needed in construction. Learn key insights for your next big home project.
Rachel Presser
•
Nov 5, 2024Nov 5, 2024
Who Installs Trench Drains?
Who installs trench drains? A local excavation company is best for the job, but a landscaper or plumber can also get it done. Here's how.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.

🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"

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Need a pro for your excavation project in Garnavillo, IA?

Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Garnavillo, IA

Find Excavation pros in Garnavillo

MidAmerica Basement Systems

MidAmerica Basement Systems

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Northeast Iowa Mechanical

Northeast Iowa Mechanical

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

ArrowHead Excavations LLC

ArrowHead Excavations LLC

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

The Garnavillo, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]

Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols

What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Who Installs Trench Drains?

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top excavation pros in Garnavillo, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Garnavillo, IA?

Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Garnavillo, IA

Find Excavation pros in Garnavillo

MidAmerica Basement Systems

MidAmerica Basement Systems

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King

Northeast Iowa Mechanical

Northeast Iowa Mechanical

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

Dirt Werks by Kurt LLC

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

FRASE & CO CONSTRUCTION

ArrowHead Excavations LLC

ArrowHead Excavations LLC

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Bills Concrete & Handyman Services

Gilbert's Septic Service

Gilbert's Septic Service

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

Glens Sackett Trucking & Excavating

myhometutions

myhometutions

The Garnavillo, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Dig a Trench? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2025 Data]

Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols

What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Who Installs Trench Drains?

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