Top-rated excavation pros.

Best excavation pros near Colchester, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Colchester, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Colchester - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for ProEdge Property Services
ProEdge Property Services
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Colchester, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We are a locally owned and operated landscaping company that is experienced and solution-focused. We value responsiveness and quality materials and craftsmanship in all aspects of the services we provide.

Before
After
Before
Before
After

+10

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Meyer Excavating, LLC
Meyer Excavating, LLC
5.0(
2
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Colchester, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

"Called number provided by Angi, received return call within one hour, and had gravel delivered the next day. He even took time to spread and smooth the driveway. Will definitely ire again."
Response time7 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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 Colchester, 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
Showing 1-10 of 27
Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

Yes, you can excavate in the winter, but it might make the job harder. Frozen ground is harder to dig, and snow or ice can make the work site more hazardous. A contractor may need special equipment and techniques, such as ground-thawing methods, to break through frozen soil. Although winter excavation is possible, it may take longer and be more costly than excavating during warmer months.

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.

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 Colchester, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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