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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Charleston - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for P & C Top Grade
P & C Top Grade
New to Angi
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Charleston, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

P & C Top Grade 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.

Stamped front walk
Response time1 day
Avatar for McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc
4.1(
69
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Charleston, 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
Avatar for Spittler Excavating LLC
Spittler Excavating LLC
4.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Charleston, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Eland's service will leave you smiling and your property looking great. I use him consistently to clear old structures on my new construction sites, and he is truly top-notch, and treats everyone with respect. If you want to get the job done in a detail-oriented and safe way, call Eland."
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, 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 average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

Trenchers can dig holes as narrow as 4 inches or as wide as 4 feet. Check the specifications of the trencher you rent or buy to determine how wide it will cut into the landscape. Better yet, let the excavation company know how wide you’d like the trench to be, and they can help you choose the right trencher for the job (or do it for you).

The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

The Charleston, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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