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*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Astoria, IL 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 Astoria, IL 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 June 05, 2026

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Avatar for McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
4.1(
69
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Provider was prompt, professional and friendly.  Arrived at the agreed upon time for a free estimate and performed work same-day after we agreed to the price.  He stuck to the price despite taking longer than expected and more work than usual due to worn-rusted pipes in my home.  Cleaned-up after himself and left no sign that work was done other than our new, working toilets.  We are very pleased and reccomend McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc.


"
Recommended by96%of homeowners
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Skirvin Excavating & Concrete
5.0(
1
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Skirvin Excavating & Concrete, Inc., is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time2 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Avatar for Haines Excavating and Stump Grinding
Haines Excavating and Stump Grinding
5.0(
1
)

Serving Astoria, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Haines Excavating and Stump Grinding, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time7 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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. 

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.

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.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

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.

The Astoria, IL 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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