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TRUSTED BY LAKE FOREST, IL HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon42
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Lake Forest

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

Serving Lake Forest, 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
45 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 Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Overall Landscaping projects I have hired them for are outstanding. And I've hired them for over 20 Years all our patio and brick paver jobs are still holding up. Couldn't be more pleased with the work and professionalism."
Walkway
Walkway
Patio
Patio
Patio

+3

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by86%of homeowners
Avatar for Illinois Sewer And Drain Inc
Illinois Sewer And Drain Inc
4.9(
20
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We are new homeowners and had a hole in our septic tank made of concrete block, which was sending wastewater into the foundation/basement of the home. It was my first time using Angie's List, and I would recommend Illinois Sewer and Drain to anyone. Joe and his team of experts solved our issue immediately at an affordable price. They even went above and beyond to install a sump pump in our basement to help with the rain water. Quality work!!"
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+23

Response time9 hrs
Recommended by65%of homeowners
Avatar for Greentrail Landscape & Design, Inc.
Greentrail Landscape & Design, Inc.
4.3(
81
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jose from Greentrail was very responsive to our request. The prices were very competitive and fair! Also, the team showed great pride in their work. Highly recommend using them for all your landscaping needs! Most importantly, he kept us informed on scheduling communication was excellent!"
Response time2 days
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
4.2(
28
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were very easy to work with and offered some good design ideas to complete the job. Very reasonable pricing. Professional and cleaned up before leaving. Fonal oitcome was above what we expected."
Our work
WALK WAY
Our work
Our work
Our work

+3

Response time10 hrs
Response rate96%
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Showing 1-10 of 190
Excavating questions, answered by experts

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

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.

Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.

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.

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

The Lake Forest, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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