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TRUSTED BY TRAVERSE CITY, MI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.4
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon25
    Verified excavation services reviews

Top-Rated Excavation pros in Traverse City - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for NRE Excavating
NRE Excavating
4.9(
17
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Had a huge maple stump in the front yard, from the time I got the estimate till the job was done was about 4 days. They came out and got started on it right away, worked straight through until it was finished. Leveled it out and cleaned the yard and driveway that my wife didn’t even notice the stump was gone. I’m going to pick up some seeds tomorrow to fill in the grass, I’m not including a finished photo because it’s absolutely pouring outside right now. But the job that was done above my expectations. Thank you very much and it was nice to meet you guys."
Home Demolition
Home Demolition
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by56%of homeowners
Marks Excavating
5.0(
4
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Mark was professional and skilled. He got the job done quickly and efficiently and his prices are fair. He was friendly and on time. I definitely recommend him for any excavating job you need done. My property looks beautiful! Will keep him in mind for any future work I need done, big or small. Thanks a lot, Mark’s Excavating!"
Response time11 hrs
Response rate96%
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Double K Services
4.6(
58
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I reached out to Kris about lawn mowing this spring/summer. He was immediate with his response and came out right away to begin his service (even when it started raining). He was so fast, but very pristine with his mowing which helps so much since we have customers around often. I?m so grateful for Kris?s help and really look forward to using his business this spring/summer and hopefully years to come! Highly recommend!!"
Response time2 days
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by98%of homeowners
Avatar for Knoch & Sons
Knoch & Sons
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Absolutely amazing company! They do incredible work and take real pride in what they do. The quality, attention to detail, and professionalism are outstanding. They show up, get the job done right, and leave everything looking better than expected. If you’re looking for a reliable company that you can trust, I highly recommend them! You won’t be disappointed! 👏🏼🌳🚜"
Knoch & Sons
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Prior to excavation, you should prepare the dig site and call 311 before you sign anything.

To get your site ready for excavation, you should move anything in the area that isn’t affixed to the land. You can save money on the excavation by removing hardscaping, including walkways, decks, concrete patios, and paver patios.

Before you carry out any digging, you should call 311 to confirm that there are no utility lines running through your excavation site. Skipping this step could lead to severe injury and property damage if your excavator hits a water, sewage, or gas line.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

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 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.

Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas.

The Traverse City, MI homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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