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TRUSTED BY PORTAGE, MI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon15
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Portage

Avatar for Wise Choice Lawn Care LLC
Wise Choice Lawn Care LLC
4.2(
17
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Portage, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Offers commercial services

Customers say: True professional

"I reached out to Wise Choice to have my old fence and driveway gate replaced and they absolutely delivered! I was very impressed with the level of customer service and the quality of the work performed. They've helped me with multiple projects this summer from fencing to roofing and I would gladly hire them again for my next project!"
Gallery
Gallery
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by37%of homeowners
A-N-L Construction LLC
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Portage, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We take great pride 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. order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time10 mins
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Lakeside Land & Lawn
Lakeside Land & Lawn
5.0(
3
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Portage, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Jordan and his team at Lakeside Land & Lawn have been a delight to deal with. He always shows up when he is scheduled to show up unless it’s a rainy day in which case he always communicates the change of plans ahead of time to make sure it is accommodating for our schedule as well. The work they do is consistently excellent and they even find little value added things to do (edging an old concrete walkway that hadn’t been done in years, for instance). Their pricing is competitive and reasonable. Their attitudes are always sunny and positive. High integrity people! They clearly love what they’re doing and are happy to be doing it. We’re very happy to have found them available in the Richland area"
Goguac Lake Rock/Mulch
Goguac Lake Rock/Mulch
Lakeview property update
Lakeview property update
Lakeview property update

+2

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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 best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

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.

In the United States, a depth of 36 inches (three feet) for underground water lines is the accepted industry standard. This depth varies from location to location based on local conditions. In areas with colder winters, they may be buried deeper to prevent frozen well water pipes : This is usually at least six inches below the frost level. The International Plumbing Code calls for a minimum of 12 inches below grade.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

The Portage, MI homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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