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TRUSTED BY LAKE BLUFF, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon29
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Lake Bluff

Avatar for JK Company, LLC
JK Company, LLC
5.0(
106
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Bluff, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Tino and JK did a great job assisting us with the complete demolition of a single story house. Very easy to communicate with and completed the work with minimal dust and debris. Would definitely recommend."
Patio
Drive
Patio
Patio
Entryway

+11

Response time1 day
56 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Efrains Brick Paving and Landscaping
Efrains Brick Paving and Landscaping
5.0(
21
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Bluff, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Efrain responded quickly, showed up when he said he would, explained how he would fix the retaining wall (including adding drainage so no future problems arose) and was very communicative. He completed the job when he said he would and it looks wonderful. I would wholeheartedly recommend him based on my experience. Rarely do I find it enjoyable to work with someone on home repair, but he was excellent!"
Walkway
Walkway
Patio
Patio
Patio

+3

Recommended by86%of homeowners
Avatar for Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
4.2(
27
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Bluff, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We recently had a large retaining wall built in our backyard. We worked with Hernandez Brothers of Mundelein landscaping and I HIGHLY recommend them! They were extremely responsible, pleasant and reasonable! Do not hesitate call them for any projects!"
Our work
WALK WAY
Our work
Our work
Our work

+3

Response time10 hrs
Response rate96%
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Horticultural Service Specialists, LLC
Horticultural Service Specialists, LLC
4.5(
27
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Bluff, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Kurt was very reliable and patient while listening to my ideas for planting. He made some suggestions that I really liked. Even after the work was done, he followed up with some watering instructions that were appreciated. I would rehire for any additional work I might need."
Landscape Design
CAD Landscape Design
Perennial Beds
New landscape beds
New lawn & landscaping

+11

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
FH Landscaping
5.0(
4
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Bluff, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a well established business with over 5 years of unmatched expertise. Customer and priorities are always first. We are very timely with our work and never lose attention to detail. We strive to meet and exceed all of your expectations and look forward to doing business with you.

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

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. 

A joint utility trench, or joint trench, is a long, buried ditch on a property that contains two or more utility lines rather than running the lines in multiple trenches. Some utilities, like gas and electric or electric and communication lines, are better suited to joint trenching, while others, like water and sewer, are not allowed to be in the same trench.

There are several methods to hollow out a tree stump, and the best one depends on your tools, experience, and priorities. Common methods include using a chisel and hammer, a chainsaw, or burning.

  • Chisel and Hammer: This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.

  • Chainsaw: Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.

  • Burning: This can be an effective method, but it is not recommended unless you can first drill holes into the stump. Without holes, the stump will be difficult to light and may not burn completely through.

A power drill with at least a ⅜-inch diameter bit can make the job quicker and easier, regardless of the primary method. While you can use a chisel or chainsaw without a drill, it will require more time and effort. Always wear protective goggles and thick gloves, as splinters are an inevitable risk.

The Lake Bluff, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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