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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

"JK Company did an outstanding job managing and installing our new Patio including a built in Grill. Tino has a full understanding of the process and pitfalls to avoid. They went above and beyond with any challenges encountered. The crew was courteous and true craftmen. I highly recommend JK Company! Marc (Buffalo Grove, IL)"
Patio
Drive
Patio
Patio
Entryway

+11

Response time1 day
44 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

"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

2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by86%of homeowners
All Service Calls, LLC
4.5(
41
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Lake Forest, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The workers did everything asked of them. Cleaned up my area so well you couldn't tell they worked in the very same area!!! Will use and recommend them to anybody. Great job!!"
Response time3 hrs
Response rate99%
7 neighbors recently requested a 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
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
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
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
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%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 did a superb job it was very stress free and Mariela was very helpful setting up the whole process. They did the job while I was at work because I have a very busy schedule so it was very convenient for me because I cannot work from home. Will definitely hire them again!"
Our work
WALK WAY
Our work
Our work
Our work

+3

Response time10 hrs
Response rate96%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home’s foundation.

It can take several weeks for the ground to settle after removing a tree, and the soil under larger, more mature trees can take months. The deeper the tree has been ground under the soil, the longer it will take to settle. However, this extra depth can help you plant new landscaping sooner because you’ll have more space for fresh soil.

The rules for trenching and excavation include setting up and following safety protocols, learning how to use tools and machines properly, and ensuring there is a safe exit for all workers. Keep heavy equipment and materials away from the edge of the hole or trench. Call the 811 dig line before starting any excavation or trenching project to ensure you don’t hit any electrical or gas lines.

Landscape edging is more DIYable than trenching. You can DIY your own digging projects, but proceed carefully and only with proper knowledge of the equipment and appropriate safety measures in place. Keep in mind the project's scope and estimate how long it will take you to do it on your own. While you can certainly save money by DIYing home improvement projects, you can’t exactly hide an unfinished—or worse, ruined— landscaping job from the neighbors. It’s always safer to call an excavation pro near you to get an estimate.

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.