Do I have to grind an old tree stump?

• <div><p>We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-kill-tree-stump.htm">killing a tree stump</a>, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.</p><p>Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.</p></div>

Do excavation companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">contractor licensing tool</a> to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.</p></div>

Can you make your basement deeper?

• <div><p>If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between <b>$40,000 and $90,000</b> on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.</p></div>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Madison, MN

Q: How long does a perc test take?

• <div><p>A perc test can take anywhere from one to eight hours to complete. The total time depends on factors like the amount of excavation required, the depth and width of the holes, and whether multiple test holes are needed. For a single hole, the process of filling it with water and monitoring the drainage rate usually takes less than an hour. Professionals can often complete the entire test in a single day. While it's possible to get results the same day, some companies may take a few days to provide the official report.</p></div>

Q: Can you make your basement deeper?

• <div><p>If you don&rsquo;t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less&mdash;between <b>$40,000 and $90,000</b> on average. However, if you&rsquo;re not adding new finished square footage, you won&rsquo;t see much in the way of ROI.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to dig footers for a deck?

• <div><p>You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Madison, MN?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Madison, MN

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Madison, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Madison, MN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on August 26, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Sadly been a nightmare. Saying on the way 10 minutes away and never showed and wouldn't answer the phone or texts. More than a dozen times. Work still isn't done. Told the sub contractors he hired ( promised he would be here the entire time. Seen him 2 times at the most in 3...
Xtreme Xteriors, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
Time will tell for us!
LeafGuard Holdings Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
The packing material they used was high-quality and eco-friendly, which gave me peace of mind knowing that my move had a minimal impact on the environment. Every box was meticulously labeled, and the clear, concise handwriting made it effortless to identify each item's contents.
BQ Transport, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
It was excellent. They were prompt in coming out to give me an estimate. They kept a good communication. The work itself was done very quickly. They cleaned up after themselves. They kept the yard in good shape. They finished it in only 6 hours.
Noble Roofing and Exteriors Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2020
Work was done very professionally & timely by a person who loves his job & follows through with integrity and pride in a job well done.
Force and Partners, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2018
He was timely and kept me informed during the project.
Carpets N' More, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2018
Quickly remove tree from my greenhouse so I could start repairs.
Nick's Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2017
Excellent cleanup after work had completed. Also very easy to talk with and communicate what I wanted.
Weaver's Tree Service, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
They were very reassuring that we could get the truck with them. The free storage was an hours drive from where we needed to be. When I called them a week in advance to figure out where and when the truck was going to be, they could not tell me where the truck was going to be. It was very...
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Mankato
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2013
I have never met anybody that was so professional and knowledgable. He took the time to explain everything to us. He said he wouldn't charge anything for the temporary fix on two building and to look at the roof that would last through winter and that he would fix it right. He showed up when...
A-1 HANDYMAN SVC
Request a quote

Find Excavation pros in Madison

Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"This was not an excavation job. We had a fuel tank removed from our basement. They did a very nice job and cleaned everything up that they did and took everything that belonged to the removal of the tank with them."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"This company was quick to respond to my need, setting up a time the very day we spoke. The service technician called when he was on his way, giving a good ETA, and was responsive and polite during our interactions. He reviewed the tight area and the job to remove two old, large fuel oil tanks from the back of the property, and then just got it done. Billing was super easy as he produced the invoice right there. I would recommend Dean's for any similar project."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Thompson Excavating, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Thompson Excavating, LLC, is the premier professional company offering residential services to our clients in the Taunton area. We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making your satisfaction our number one priority. Please call us today to schedule your appointment with Minnesota true professionals at work for you!

Request Quote

Te Underground LLC

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Te Underground LLC is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Request Quote

JBR Construction

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

over 17 years of experience

Request Quote

Excavating questions, answered by experts

We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for killing a tree stump, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.

Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.

Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s contractor licensing tool to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.

A perc test can take anywhere from one to eight hours to complete. The total time depends on factors like the amount of excavation required, the depth and width of the holes, and whether multiple test holes are needed. For a single hole, the process of filling it with water and monitoring the drainage rate usually takes less than an hour. Professionals can often complete the entire test in a single day. While it's possible to get results the same day, some companies may take a few days to provide the official report.

If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $40,000 and $90,000 on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.

You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.

The Madison, MN homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

Haley Nothstein
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Dig Out a Basement? [2026 Data]
If you’re building a new home, you might need to consider the cost of digging out a basement. Use this pricing guide to get an estimate for the project.
Mariel Loveland
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
Excavation costs $1,500 to $6,300 for most residential projects—but it depends on factors like the size of the area. This guide will help you plan a budget.
Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Trencher? [2026 Data]
If you need to dig a trench, you might be tempted to do it yourself instead of hiring a pro. So, how much does it cost to rent a trencher? Let’s break it down.
Rachel Presser
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Can Dig a Trench for Me?
Who can dig a trench for you? You can rent trenching equipment for a simple job, but a local excavation company can help with tough ones. Here's how.
Mary Beth Eastman
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Who Do I Call if I Need to Hire Someone to Dig a Trench?
If you want to hire someone to dig a trench, choose a local excavation company. Learn why you should hire a pro for your trench and what it will cost.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
Directional Boring vs. Trenching: Differences, Costs, and When to Use Each
Trenching is simpler and boring is best for complex properties. Learn all about boring versus trenching and when to use each.