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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

Find Excavation pros in Grand Rapids

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%
4 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%
14 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 questions, answered by experts

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

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.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

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.

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.