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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.7
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon13
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Boston

Avatar for WS Builders Corp
WS Builders Corp
4.1(
69
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Good team - worked quickly. Not the cheapest estimate but they were able to get the job done the fastest. Decent quality. I was happy with Wladimirâ s professionalism - he was easy to contact and work with and I would hire him again."
Addition
Basement renovation
Roof Renovation
KITCHEN REMODELING
2 and 3 Floor Addition

+75

Response time10 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by82%of homeowners
Avatar for Edgar Landscaping and Construction
Edgar Landscaping and Construction
4.5(
104
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The results were amazing. David and his crew came early and went right to work. They transplanted some very large hosta, pruned several flowering trees and bushes, and cut back several perennials. There was a huge amount of debris which they hauled away, leaving my yard â pristineâ and all set for winter. We will definitely use Edgar Landscaping and Construction agai.n."
My jobs
Response time1 day
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by91%of homeowners
Avatar for D Zacarias Landscape & Masonry
D Zacarias Landscape & Masonry
4.5(
39
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Diego and his crew did a great job! This was a large 1,200 square foot patio area renovation that included a paver patio, pea gravel patio, grass (sod), cobblestones and a new privacy fence. I then hired him to mulch the property (20 yards). He came when he said he would, cleaned up and got the whole project done in a little over a week. Highly recommend!!"
Maintenance
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn maintenance
Lawn maintenance
Lawn maintenance

+8

Response time3 days
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Zacarias Tree & Landscaping, Inc.
Zacarias Tree & Landscaping, Inc.
4.4(
66
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We hired Zacarias to replace a very worn out gravel path in need of replacement with pavers. Rony was very helpful with the planning phase in listening to our needs and developing a quality project that incorporated what we wanted. The crew worked hard and in inclement weather to get the job done as discussed and planned. There was an issue that was due to a miscommunication with a contractor working on another project that abutted the path and Rony addressed the issue and made it right. We love the path and the costs were all clearly presented up front along with a very detailed plan for the work. The grass seed they planted which was a bonus they added in has grown some great grass, and the lighting they installed makes a huge difference."
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal

+10

Response time12 hrs
26 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by98%of homeowners
TMP Property Maintenance
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Tyler Gibbons and his crew are the ultimate professionals. Tyler was very responsive and came out to view the worksite more than once to make sure he was giving us the best quote possible. He worked with us on the pricing and materials and once the job started, he provided progress updates every step of the way. We love our new deck and would definitely hire TMP Property Maintenance again."
Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for James General Landscape & Masonry, Inc.
James General Landscape & Masonry, Inc.
5.0(
5
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"This company is extremely professional they were on time, the craftsmanship is excellent. I am extremely satisfied with a retaining wall they completed in my backyard. I have already scheduled him to do some more work in the fall. Highly recommend this company"
Response time9 hrs
Response rate87%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Bentley's Stoneworks
Bentley's Stoneworks
4.2(
48
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Boston, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Barry and Daryl did excellent work repairing a stone wall to look professional. We are extremely satisfied with the job and would recommend them to others. Even placed the excess stones on property so it looked nice. Thanks again guys"
 Bentley's Stoneworks
Diamonds 💎  are forever
Response time1 day
Response rate93%
14 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

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.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

Digging a bush up by the roots is the most natural DIY method for removing a bush stump. Start by identifying the shrub type and revealing its roots. Cut the shrub to its base and loosen the soil, ensuring no utility lines are nearby. Optionally, treat the base with herbicide, then dig around the roots and cut a circle around the shrub using various tools. Dig a trench, cut the base of the root ball, and finally fill the hole to prevent regrowth. This thorough process ensures complete removal without damaging surrounding areas.

The Boston, MA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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