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Best excavation pros near Palo, IA

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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Palo - Updated Nov 2026

Downs Excavating LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Contacted Downs Excavating to assist with hauling away junk and debris from flood damage and he was quick to show up and get the job done! Fast and friendly service and have recommended Travis to everyone I know."
Response time5 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Stone Landscape Solutions
Stone Landscape Solutions
4.4(
14
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Stone Landscaping handled the repair of our fence in a very professional and timely manner. They came immediately to assess the damage, provided an estimate, and came within one week to repair the fence. This doesn't happen that often with contractors, landscapers, etc., especially during periods like the derecho we had in Iowa."
Planter Bed
Planter Bed
Planter Bed
Retaining Wall
Retaining Wall

+25

Response time4 days
Recommended by91%of homeowners
Cedar Prairie Grading, LLC
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

"Tom did a great job and when he was done he did several extra things that he thought would help that were not originally discussed for no extra charge. He helped solve a drainage problem behind my house."
Prepairing to build pond
Prepairing to build pond
Prepairing to build pond
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
ClassiConcrete
3.9(
56
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Palo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Credit card accepted

"John gave me what I thought was a decent estimate that was in line with everyone else. He gave me a date for the work to be completed, but they didnt arrive on that date. On that they that they didn't arrive, I had cancelled an appointment to stay home that morning. When I called him, he was in Iowa working at his other location. When I let him know that I had cancelled an appointment to be here for the work, he said "Did we inconvenience you?" in an unfriendly tone. The crew came to do the work on a weekend. John is not a good communicator at all. John had told me that he was going to resurface the floor. I did not understand what that meant and assumed it was putting in new concrete because he did not explain it. I saw that the crew was just chopping up the floor and going to fill in the cracks. When I stopped them and contacted John, he said he had it noted down as resurfacing. When I explained to him that the he did not explain what resurfacing meant to me, he got upset and said I had to pay more. He first said the job would cost an extra $800. When I declined it, he offered the work to be done at an extra $400. After the job was complete, it was done nicely. When I advised him how many companies on Angie's List offer discounts to members, I asked what type of discount he offered. He said that he would add some decorations to the sidewalk and that was done. Also, when I saw that dirt needed to be replaced in the trenched along each side of the driveway and sidewalk, he said I would need to call someone else. I had to pay another contaractor $300 for the dirt to be filled after they finished the driveway and sidewalk. The work took three days and he only stopped by once to oversee the job and that was when we had the arguement over the garage floor. The product and quality of service was good, but the communication was bad. The workers did a good job and they worked hard. However, I would not recommend this company to someone else as I felt that dealing with John was not appropriate. He didn't offer good customer service in what I see in terms of what I feel is appropriate customer service for what a person would normally expect.
"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Stamped
Polish
Stain

+1

Recommended by82%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

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.

Maintain open communication and address issues as they arise, ensuring contract terms cover potential delays.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

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 Palo, IA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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