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Applegate Excavating & Sewer Service
5.0(
2
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

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
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

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.

5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
Reinhart Grounds Maintenance, Inc.
2.8(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

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
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

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 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.

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.

Water lines are buried at various depths, depending on the type of line. For example, most sprinkler lines are buried between four and 12 inches underground. On the other hand, water mains usually sit between one and 3 feet below ground. However, they can go even deeper in cold climates to prevent freezing.

The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you’re using will determine how far down you can dig.

Your contractor should handle dust control during the project. It's best to speak with your contractor beforehand to check if they plan to cover your furniture, protect your vents, or use fans to redirect dust. Eliminating drywall dust is a particularly large challenge during construction, so always take this into account during your planning phase.

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.