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Applegate Excavating & Sewer Service
5.0(
2
)

Serving Rochester, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 20 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of excavation and sewer services that are customizable to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Eddington Builds
Eddington Builds
5.0(
1
)

Serving Rochester, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

From the first scoop of dirt to the final nail in the deck, Eddington Builds is your single source for professional property upgrades. We combine heavy-duty excavation power with expert craftsmanship to handle every phase of your outdoor project. Whether you need land cleared and leveled, a new concrete driveway or patio poured, or a custom-built deck and fence to finish the space, our team of specialized pros delivers.

28 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
2.8(
2
)

Serving Rochester, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc., is one of the largest full service commercial landscape companies in the central Illinois region. We have been able to meet the needs of any size customer by using the most advanced equipment, latest techniques and highly trained staff. Please call us today for a quote!

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Smock Excavating
Smock Excavating
5.0(
4
)

Serving Rochester, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional business, on time, excellent job at Excavating and others things I needed done, tore out the barn, floor, and re-grated it, and poured concrete back, very dependable and excellent work, I would recommend them for any excavating work or other stuff needs to be done, Very dependable"
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

A crawl space can be as little as 42 inches below the grade of your house, but this is not always recommended in flood-prone areas. At a minimum, there must be at least 16 inches of clearance between the ground and the floor joists to access the space in an emergency.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

The Rochester, IL homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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