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Avatar for Elson Services LLC
Elson Services LLC
5.0(
41
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I highly recommend Elson. Noah, Nick, and Derek were very professional, helpful, and willing to listen to questions and requests. We have MANY different hedges, shrubs, and trees. They trimmed each, as well as cut down the hostas. They also ground three stumps, added dirt, grass seed, hay. They cleaned up (and, believe me, there was much to clean) very well and hauled away the rubbish. I would highly recommend this company. Their price is very fair for their quality of work."
Uproot image
Maple tree removal
Maple tree removal
elm tree limb
elm tree limb

+3

Response time1 day
68 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by71%of homeowners
Avatar for Pelkey Services
Pelkey Services
4.9(
18
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very knowledgeable and he replaced my spigot and outside water shutoff valve for a very reasonable price. Als gave me information on hydro jetting my main drain for roots in the fall."
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Additional Photos
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Additional Photos

+6

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by38%of homeowners
Avatar for Xtreme Excavation & Grading
Xtreme Excavation & Grading
5.0(
6
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Xtreme Excavation and Grading was fantastic, my sewer pipe was backing up so i ran a camera and come to find out it was packed full with roots and waste, so I googled up some companies and got a couple quotes but the I called and spoke with Brandon (the owner of Xtreme) and him and his guys didn’t waste any time!! He told me the price (which was extremely reasonable nearly half as much as the other 2 places i called) came out the next day and fixed my issue, Very friendly and knowledgeable and they did great work!! I will definitely be keeping them in mind for future needs"
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Allison Contracting
5.0(
2
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I have had them out twice now, to side my house and then my garage. They are very professional and they do outstanding work. They are also helpful when making a decision you are not sure about. Their cost is very reasonable compared to other well known companies I had called. They also give free estimates. I would highly recommend them for your next siding project."
Response time2 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Murphy Landworks
Murphy Landworks
5.0(
4
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

My name is Carter Murphy, and I am the proud owner and main operator of Murphy Landworks. At 17 years old, I started this business\nwith a strong work ethic, a passion for the outdoors, and a commitment to providing dependable, high-quality services to my community.\nFrom a young age, I have always had the drive to work hard and take pride in every job I complete, which is the foundation Murphy\nLandworks was built on.\n\nMurphy Landworks offers a wide variety of outdoor services designed to help keep your property looking its best year-round. Whether\nit’s property maintenance, land cleanup, or other outdoor projects, my goal is to deliver results that customers can truly be proud of. Every\nproject is completed with careful attention to detail, efficiency, and a focus on doing the job right the first time.\n\nAs a small and growing business, I believe that trust, reliability, and strong communication are just as important as the quality of the work\nitself. I take pride in building lasting rel

Landclearing
Hilty Landscaping and Excavation
5.0(
3
)

Serving Gaines, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"We did a total renovation of the landscaping around our house. Our goal was to simplify and tidy up old and neglected areas. We are older and want less maintenance and may also consider selling in the future. All old shrubs were taken out and replaced with new ones. New edging with rocks were put in partially around the house and around some trees. Other areas were mulched. Lots of trimming was done to some mature trees and shrubs. A couple of them were completely revitalized and restored to their best look and health. I feel we recieved very personalized care at a reasonable price. I recommended this service to a friend for a total revamp, and she was very pleased also."
Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

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.

Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home’s foundation.

The Gaines, MI homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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