What type of soil is best to build on?

• <div><p>The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.</p></div>

How much trench can you dig in a day?

• <div><p>You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. </p></div>

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.</p></div>

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Q: What does skunk digging look like?

• <div><p>Skunk digging looks like a series of small, cone-shaped holes on a lawn or around the perimeter of a home, porch, deck, or shed. The holes that skunks dig when searching for grubs tend to be no more than four inches in diameter and may be up to four inches deep.</p></div>

Q: What should I do before hiring an excavation company?

• <div><p>Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.</p><p>To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn&rsquo;t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is a ditch a trench?

• <div><p>No, a ditch isn&rsquo;t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that&rsquo;s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that&rsquo;s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don&rsquo;t get filled back in with dirt after they&rsquo;re dug.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Athol, MA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Athol, MA 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 Athol, MA 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 May 24, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Very professional from start to finish. Really opened up my property and they chipped the trees and brush and removed that as well.
Woods Tree Services
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Reviewed in July 2024
We were having trouble with the melting snow and then rain water building up next to our foundation and knew we needed it fixed. We saw Echo Excavations signs locally so we decided it was time to call. Incredibly reasonable completion time and he has a mini excavator so he was able to do really...
Echo Excavation
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Reviewed in April 2024
Job was done in a timely manner, contractor seemed knowledgeable and helpful with planning process. Area was kept clean throughout the process.
Victory Northeast Construction LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
The project was of the highest quality; excellent. We needed the house protected for winter to avoid freezing pipes and the finished in time !! House is much warmer and in the 31years that I have lived here this was the 1st year woth NO issues :) They really are the best!!
GMB Production & Construction Group
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Reviewed in November 2022
Entire team did a great job on our basement project. The project included removing mold from basement walls, applying sealant, covering walls with wire mesh and then cement. Also, dug out dirt floor and installed a concrete flooras well as, installing lolly-columns and replacing rotting ceiling...
Advanced Seamless Gutters
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Reviewed in August 2022
Working with Lux Renovations was great! Our new basement is beautiful and the carpenter and electrical teams were great to work with!
Owens Corning Basement Finishing System
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Reviewed in March 2022
Zack and his crew did a wonderful job! Trimmed dead branches and cleaned up afterwards. I highly recommend and I will use their service again. Thank you Zack!
Hooper's Tree Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2015
I can?t begin to convey how delighted we are with the project just completed by <br /> Wayne St. Germain and his crew. What was a dilapidated shed-like porch appended <br /> to our colonial-erafarm house is now a wonderfully airy, stable <br /> combination sun room and workshop with...
StG Services
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Reviewed in January 2014
<p>Needed a Title V inspection(septic tank) done before I completed home purchase. The home had been vacant for 5 years. Mr Matthews researched the homes past inspections, got the necessary permits and then excavated the septic system openings. Performed the necessary tests, arranged for the...
Ed Matthews
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Reviewed in July 2008
ACG Excavations went above & beyond with the clearing of my areas. Removed stumps, Cleared & leveled areas for parking, pool, & yard landscaping. Would recommend to anyone needing land cleared. ACG was very polite & professional. Came out & gave me my estimate, showed up when he said he'd...
A.C.G. Excavation
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Skunk digging looks like a series of small, cone-shaped holes on a lawn or around the perimeter of a home, porch, deck, or shed. The holes that skunks dig when searching for grubs tend to be no more than four inches in diameter and may be up to four inches deep.

The best type of soil to build on is a mixture of sand and clay, known as loam soil. Loam soil has the best combination of these soil types to build a foundation on. The clay particles help with water retention, so it won’t erode like sandy soil might, and the sandy particles help with drainage, so you won’t see unsafe soil expansion or have an increased risk of leaks from water sitting against your foundation.

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.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help.

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

The Athol, MA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
Haley Nothstein
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2026 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
Deane Biermeier
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
When to Call 811 for Safe Digging
Planning a yard project? Know when to call 811 to keep you safe while avoiding expensive damage to underground utilities.
Rachel Presser
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Who Installs Trench Drains?
Who installs trench drains? A local excavation company is best for the job, but a landscaper or plumber can also get it done. Here's how.
Paige Bennett
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
Can a Trencher Go Through Rock?
When planning to trench, you may be concerned about rocky ground. Can a trencher go through rock? Find out what your trencher can cut through in this guide.