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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

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Lake Forest, IL

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Lake Forest, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Lake Forest, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on February 01, 2026

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
46 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Request Quote
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
Request Quote
Avatar for Greenworks Landscape
Greenworks Landscape
4.8(
45
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent work with catastrophic tree damage due to huge windstormâ ¦ Hard and thorough workers!"
Brickwork
Brickwork
Brickwork
Response time1 day
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by97%of homeowners
Request Quote
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
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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 and his crew completely rebuilt our stone patio and wall that was falling apart, and surrounded it with redone landscaping. We are thrilled with the result. Jose has an eye for design. He makes good suggestions and sees possibilities we did not. He used high quality materials and plants and was careful not to damage the surrounding area. I highly recommend him."
Response time2 days
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Request Quote
Avatar for Unique Landscaping Service
Unique Landscaping Service
4.3(
143
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had old timber walls removed & new ones installed. New plantiings, trees and mulch. All the workmen that Flirian & Ernin brought to my job worked very hard to give us a beautiful finished job. I would hire them again."
.
KIDS PLAYGROUND AREA
AFTER
PLANTING DESIGNS
Hardscape Projects

+452

Response time8 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by95%of homeowners
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Avatar for Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
Hernandez Bro's Landscaping
4.2(
29
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, 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%
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Request Quote
Avatar for Visionary Landscape's Design
Visionary Landscape's Design
4.4(
114
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"We hired Visionary Landscape to trim & shape our overgrown trees and bushes. Their commitment to the client shines brightest. The owners, Marcello, his father Hector & each staff member provided the best customer service experience. They went above and beyond to make sure we were happy with their work."
Brick & Hardscape
Brick & Hardscape
Brick & Hardscape
Brick & Hardscape
Brick & Hardscape

+15

Response time3 days
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Request Quote
Avatar for Toro Total Construction LLC
Toro Total Construction LLC
4.5(
22
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Fermin did an excellent job painting 4 of our bedrooms recently. He completed the jobs in a timely manner and our rooms look great! Will definitely hire again."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Request Quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

Digging out a basement takes anywhere from a few days to a few months. Most projects take at least two to five weeks, but it could take several months if you encounter obstacles. This project takes longer if you need to brace or raise your home before the excavation. Digging out a basement in new construction can take as little as three days.

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.

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.

Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.

To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.

Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.

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.

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