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Avatar for Earthworks LLC
Earthworks LLC
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Fergus Falls, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Earthworks last summer to dig out part of my hillside and create a larger turnaround area for my driveway, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. They did excellent work from start to finish. The team was friendly, polite, and incredibly easy to work with. They took the time to explain my different options clearly and helped me choose the best approach for the space. They were also very flexible with scheduling and paid close attention to weather conditions and rain so the project could be done safely and without issues. I really appreciated how considerate they were of my neighbors as well—they made sure the heavy equipment didn’t damage the road and kept everything clean and respectful."
Landscape Rock
Landscape Rock
Landscape Rock
Landscape Rock
Landscape Rock

+29

17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Hedstrom Excavating
New to Angi
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Fergus Falls, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

At Hedstrom Excavating, LLC we are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We have many years of experience to give you confidence that we are your number one choice for your next home project. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details. We look forward to building a lasting relationship and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

Response time1 day
Avatar for OtterScape, LLC
OtterScape, LLC
New to Angi
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Fergus Falls, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At OtterScape, we understand that your outdoor space is an extension of your home. We offer a wide range of landscaping services to help you create a beautiful, functional and sustainable outdoor area that you can afford and be proud of.

Outdoor Firepit
Smoke Reducing
Permeable Driveways
Response time5 hrs
2 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.

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.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

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.

Digging out a basement takes anywhere from a few days to a few months. Most projects take at least two to five weeks, but it could take several months if you encounter obstacles. This project takes longer if you need to brace or raise your home before the excavation. Digging out a basement in new construction can take as little as three days.

The Fergus Falls, MN homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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