Can I use the same tool to edge or trench?

• <div><p>Some two-in-one tools and machines do both jobs, and those could be the right solution for smaller residential projects. However, the phrase “use the right tool for the job” definitely applies to digging. For the best results, get two separate tools for your trenching and landscape edging projects or call a pro to take care of everything for you. </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>

Get matched with top excavation pros in Madison, MN

Q: How deep can a trench be without protection?

• <div><p>A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock. </p></div>

Q: Is a trenchless sewer line worth it?

• <div><p>Generally, a trenchless sewer line is worth the cost. If your old system needs replacement, trenchless sewer repair or replacement can save you thousands on excavation costs. Every homeowner&rsquo;s situation is different, but this method is definitely worth it in a lot of cases.</p></div>

Q: Do you need to excavate before squaring a foundation?

• <div><p>Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

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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
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Reviewed in November 2023
Time will tell for us!
LeafGuard Holdings Inc
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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
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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
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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
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Reviewed in August 2018
He was timely and kept me informed during the project.
Carpets N' More, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2018
Quickly remove tree from my greenhouse so I could start repairs.
Nick's Tree Service
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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
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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
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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
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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

"work and cleanup completed professionally"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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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

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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!

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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.

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JBR Construction

New to Angi

Serving Madison, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

over 17 years of experience

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Excavating questions, answered by experts

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

Some two-in-one tools and machines do both jobs, and those could be the right solution for smaller residential projects. However, the phrase “use the right tool for the job” definitely applies to digging. For the best results, get two separate tools for your trenching and landscape edging projects or call a pro to take care of everything for you.

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.

Generally, a trenchless sewer line is worth the cost. If your old system needs replacement, trenchless sewer repair or replacement can save you thousands on excavation costs. Every homeowner’s situation is different, but this method is definitely worth it in a lot of cases.

Excavation and grading are both generally necessary for designing your foundation, and leveling the ground where your foundation will go. These steps can also prepare the area by removing vegetation and anything else that could interfere with your home’s foundation.

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

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What’s the Difference Between Trenching and Edging?
Trenching involves digging long, deep channels, but edging creates shallow, neat borders. Learn more about each method and when to use them.