Get matched with top excavation pros in Athol, MA

Q: Can I use the same tool to edge or trench?

• <div><p>Some two-in-one tools and machines do both jobs, and those could be the right solution for smaller residential projects. However, the phrase &ldquo;use the right tool for the job&rdquo; definitely applies to digging. For the best results, get two separate tools for your trenching and landscape edging projects or call a pro to take care of everything for you. </p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit for excavation?

• <div><p>In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even if the project only involves grading or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-level-lawn.htm">yard leveling</a>. Excavation permits help protect the topography in your area and can avoid issues with poor drainage. In most cases, your excavation company will know whether or not permits are required and will even pull them and close them out for you before and after the job. You can also verify whether permits are necessary by calling your local building department and explaining the proposed project.</p></div>

Q: Do excavation companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor&rsquo;s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">contractor licensing tool</a> to confirm that an excavation company you&rsquo;re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.</p></div>

Q: What are the rules for trenching and excavation?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;t hit any electrical or gas lines.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to trench 100 linear feet?

• <div><p>On average, you&rsquo;re looking at about <b>12 hours to dig 100 linear feet</b>. Your actual work time will come down to how many twists and turns there are when digging&mdash;such as rocky soil, tree roots, obstructions, and whether the ground is frozen.</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 January 17, 2026

Reviewed in June 2025
They were awesome, attentive, and very polite. They answered all of my questions and I would refer them to others.
Watatic Septic Tank Service LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
I used Highline for my kitchen and bathroom countertops, and they did a great job. The team was helpful, the installation went smoothly, and the turnaround was faster than I thought it would be. The countertops look amazing, and the quality of their work is really good. Iâ m happy with the...
Highline Marble And Granite Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2024
Curtice and his brother were simply excellent. Echo quoted the job and did it the next day, speak about timely !! They were very professional and performed quality work with grading and soil preparation. I'm a very pleased customer and would recommend them to anyone needing excavation. Their...
Echo Excavation
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Reviewed in May 2024
I thought it would be weeks to get into the schedule but they were able to get me in in just a couple of days. Driveway looks great. Even the UPS delivery driver made a comment that he no longer has to get his shoes muddy making deliveries. These guys are spot on.
Blacktop Services
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Reviewed in October 2023
Professional and courteous. They were on time. Cleaned up after they were finished. Good price for work done. They were there for an emergency tree removal during March snowstorm. Hire them again to remove trees close to the house. Planning on hiring them again in the spring for more tree...
Jacoby Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2023
1st class operation. No B/S. Very professional. I will enlist their services for future projects.
HG Landscaping and Property Maintenance
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Reviewed in September 2022
Kelli and her team are wonderful to work with. They do an amazing job!
Bisson Landscaping
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Reviewed in August 2022
Linwood Tree Service provided a very quick response not only to my response for quotes, but , also, coming out to see the work that needed to be done. (Same Day). We talked about the work to be done and how I wanted the work to be done. I had my trees trimmed for clearance. The cost was very...
Linwood Tree
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Reviewed in April 2022
Great experience from beginning to end of project. Very accommodating.
Paradox Surfaces, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2022
He was fantastic, very affordable, showed up on time as we agreed before, very clean, finished on time I would highly recommend to anyone.
Matthew E Page
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