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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Shellsburg, IA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Shellsburg, 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 Shellsburg, 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 November 22, 2025

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Avatar for Sedenka Excavating and Habitat
Sedenka Excavating and Habitat
4.9(
9
)

Serving Shellsburg, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Done in less time than I expected. They told me about a maintence routine."
Response time2 days
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for SCHANBECK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATION, LLC
SCHANBECK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATION, LLC
New to Angi

Serving Shellsburg, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

From Landscaping and Hardscape to Excavating/Grading, Concrete, Tree Removal/Stump Grinding, Material Hauling and More! We have the equipment and experience to get the job done right.\n\n? Free Estimates\n? Fully Insured\n? Quality Work You Can Trust\n? Big or Small, We Do It All\n\nNow scheduling projects! Contact us today to get on the calendar and bring your vision to life.\n\nWe are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

Profile Picture
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for Terra Enterprises
Terra Enterprises
4.8(
5
)

Serving Shellsburg, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"Terra poured a dyed and stamped concrete patio for us. They were responsive and upfront with pricing. They ended up delivering an amazing finished product!"
Landscape Design
Landscape Design
Landscape
Pergola
Pergola

+4

Response time1 day
Recommended by33%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 25
Excavating questions, answered by experts

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

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

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

The Shellsburg, 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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