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TRUSTED BY GRAND RAPIDS, MI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon14
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Grand Rapids - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Diggity Dirt
Diggity Dirt
5.0(
12
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Would not hire anyone else. Diggity Dirt is top notch. You will not be disappointed they will go out of their way to deliver you the product you want and when you need it."
Response time12 hrs
Response rate89%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for I-Cut Lawncare
I-Cut Lawncare
5.0(
11
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I Cut Lawncare did a great job putting in the retaining wall. They put in so much time and effort into making sure it turned out perfect, everything looked clean and even. The crew worked hard, stayed on time, and kept the area tidy. They made sure the wall was sturdy and looked good from every angle. Now it holds rock (along with the under drain) perfectly and makes the yard look way better. You can tell it was built right and will last a long time."
Project Photos
Response time2 days
Response rate100%
16 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for TWIN PINES Lawn Care And Snowplowing
TWIN PINES Lawn Care And Snowplowing
5.0(
4
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Grand Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Nate and Tom did a wonderful job. Their work is top notch. They were easy to work with, consistently checked to make sure that we were happy with the work and performed the work in a professional and excellent manner. The final result of sprinkling install, landscaping, plant and tree install and yard install is just what we wanted. We highly recommend them."
Retaining Wall & Driveway Extension
Retaining Wall & Driveway Extension
Retaining Wall & Driveway Extension
Landscape and Driveway Construction
Tree Installation

+25

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, 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.

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.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

Professional installers often include a deep layer of crushed gravel under permeable pavers to allow more runoff to soak through into the soil below. Many installations will include multiple layers of gravel, with coarser aggregate at the base and finer aggregate that sits on top of that bottom layer. Above the gravel, you’ll often find coarse sand that helps reduce paver shifting over time. Some permeable paver designs include a water collection system set into the gravel layer to route runoff to a safe area for disposal.

We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for killing a tree stump, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.

Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.

The Grand Rapids, MI homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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