• <div><p>No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.</p></div>

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Q: How deep is a chipmunk hole?

• <div><p>Chipmunks dig their burrows about three feet deep and up to 30 feet long. The entrances can be two inches wide or more. Chipmunks are fiercely protective of their burrows and use them to protect the nuts and seeds they gather for the long winters. </p></div>

Q: What is the difference between trenching and digging?

• <div><p>Trenching is a specific kind of digging. Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that&rsquo;s deeper than it is wide, often with heavy machinery. Digging refers to any kind of removal of earth in order to create a human-made depression, hole, or cut in the earth&rsquo;s surface. You can dig with big tools or even with just a hand shovel.</p></div>

Q: Should I hire an excavation company for land grading or yard leveling?

• <div><p>Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they&rsquo;re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.</p></div>

Q: How deep should you bury underground electrical wire?

• <div><p>You can bury underground electrical wire six inches deep&mdash;but only if you use a rigid metal electrical conduit. For rigid, non-metallic conduits, bury the wire at least 12 inches deep. If using an underground feeder cable rated for direct burial, you'll need to place it at least 18 inches deep, as it has no conduit for extra protection.</p></div>

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

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*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Onawa, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

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Last update on November 22, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
Andrew came out to my place and gave me an honest estimate and when he would come and make the repairs. As promised, the work was completed the same day. Thank you Andrew!!!
American Dirt Work
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Reviewed in August 2012
I contacted several different companies for bids and different ways to repair the basement. They all seemed a little high priced for the work they wanted to do. When i contacted Leroy at "concrete king". He came out gave me an estimate that wasn't to far off what the price was. He began the work...
Leroy Morford Construction Co. The Concrete King
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Reviewed in February 2014
Mr Olson had come to my property earlier in the month, and used my inputs and his extensive experience with Xenia to provide me a bid. When Xenia was doing their work, I called Mr Olson to let him know, and he responded the first day of the following week. His work was thorough and accurate, and...
Olson Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Reviewed in January 2013
Dave really helped me out of a jam. In early December 2012, I had hired another plumbing company to repair my broken sewer line. They did everything wrong from the beginning and left me with a big mess; a giant 14ft deep hole in the street in front of my house. The city engineering office...
Davis County Plumbing & Construction
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Reviewed in May 2014
Estimate for water main valve replacement went very well and an estimate was provided very quickly. Robert is very knowledgeable about his work however he told me that the work would be done one day and he kept pushing it back daily and not updating me. Communication is not good but work is....
Central Missouri All Service Plumbing & Excavation
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Reviewed in December 2012
Good - other than the big hole in my pipe that is continually leaking now. Good people, seemed very knowledgeable. Still having drain issues.
Al Price Septic Services & Drain Cleaning
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MMP Ag

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The Onawa, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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