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CMJ Excavation
5.0(
5
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Ellsworth, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Rented the excavator so I could redo the ditch along my driveway. It was dropped off on time with a full tank of fuel. Guy that dropped it off answered the questions I had and said to call anytime if I had issues. Exactly what I wanted to hear. Will rent from him again."
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Acadia Construction
Acadia Construction
4.7(
14
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Ellsworth, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large, or small the job. Call us today!

Gallery
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Shaw Excavation & Earthwork, LLC
Shaw Excavation & Earthwork, LLC
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+2 more

Serving Ellsworth, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Highly recommend Shaw Excavation and Earthwork! We hired Shaw Excavation to do site prep, grading and sloping for a large 40ft x 20ft garage. Shane is very professional and extremely knowledgeable and all for very reasonable rate. We are so pleased and satisfied with our entire experience from start to finish with Shaw Excavation. Job well done!"
Start of Demolition
House Demo After
House Lot After
Finished clearing
Before Lot

+1

Response time1 day
Response rate90%
5 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Judkins Construction
Judkins Construction
5.0(
7
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Ellsworth, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"This company goes the extra mile to insure their work is exactly what you need to solve your problem. They are confident in their abilities and truly professional. They are friendly, polite and willing to answer your questions. They are true to their estimates. I highly recommend Judkins Construction."
2016 septic installs
2016 septic installs
2016 septic installs
2016 septic installs
2016 septic installs

+14

Response time4 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Tree Scouts LLC
Tree Scouts LLC
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Ellsworth, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a family-oriented veteran owned and operated company with years of experience in hazardous tree removal, pruning, land clearing and excavation. Our sole purpose at this company is to provide you with the very best and professional experience without sacrificing quality in our craft. We are currently available to provide free quotes and complete jobs throughout the State of Maine. We look forward to hearing from you!

Response time2 days
Response rate100%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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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.

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.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $40,000 and $90,000 on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.

The Ellsworth, ME homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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