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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
40 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 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 was very detailed and listened to what I was trying to accomplish for my backyard , he offered solutions for me to choose from and worked within my budget. I would recommend him for any landscaping projects. He takes pride in his work and doing the best job possible."
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

"Hernandez Bros. cleaned our front and back yard, clearing away leaves and hauling them away. They were on time, professional, and did a very thorough job. I would highly recommend their services."
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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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

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.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

A mini excavator can dig between 5 and 11 feet deep, depending on the type and size of the mini excavator. Mini hydraulic excavators are more powerful and can reach deeper into the earth, but electric models have a more limited range. Mini excavators over two tons in size are also more powerful and able to dig as deep as 11 feet.

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.