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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
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

The time it takes to build a pool—and dig out the area—varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.

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. 

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.

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.