How do you hollow out a tree stump?

• <div><p>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.</p><ul><li><p><b>Chisel and Hammer:</b> This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.</p></li><li><p><b>Chainsaw:</b> Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.</p></li><li><p><b>Burning:</b> 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.</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

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>

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Q: How deep can you dig for a basement?

• <div><p>Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You&rsquo;ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.</p></div>

Q: Do chipmunk holes have two entrances?

• <div><p>Yes, chipmunk holes may have two or more entrances. Chipmunks can create an entire network of burrows. Having multiple entrances makes it easier for them when trying to escape from a predator, such as a snake, or if an entrance collapses due to flooding. Each entrance leads to the nesting chamber underground, which is where the chipmunk spends the majority of its time sleeping. </p></div>

Q: How close can you dig next to a tree without killing it?

• <div><p>As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1&frac12; times as wide as the canopy of the tree&rsquo;s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Solway, MN

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Solway, 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 Solway, 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 03, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Bratton Tree Care did an excellent job helping us. We had a huge storm with 130mph winds hit the area, millions of trees blown down. We had a few huge trees uprooted and dangling on other trees in our yard very close to buildings. Jason and his crew came out and expertly removed them. They...
Bratton Tree Care, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2025
Caleb and his crew came through and cleaned up all the trees in my front yard, and removed all the limbs of the tree over the house. With his recommendation, I also had some additional limbs removed and and extremely grateful for the speed and fair pricing. Would highly recommend Smith Skidsteer...
Smith Skidsteer & Excavation, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2025
I originally needed my deck repaired but decided to have it replace instead. I had KZ Builders come out and they were so helpful in giving me ideas on what to do. They were very polite and professional. They started on time and finished on time and did an excellent job. They even remodeled the...
KZ Builder Bros, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Roof looks great again and there was zero stress when dealing with the insurance company. You could tell theyâ ve done this before.
Rivertop Roofing
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Reviewed in December 2023
If you want a trust worthy contractor, who does extrenely high quality work. Daniel from RedLine is your guy.
RedLine Home Repair
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Reviewed in November 2023
Chuck and Ben did an EXCELLENT job removing several very difficult trees that were leaning over our house. They were efficient, professional, kept the area clean, and didn't gouge us with their prices. We will definitely be using them again in the future for additional projects!
Wenzels Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2023
Tyler and his crew did a fantastic job on my windows, and when they finished they reviewed their work carefully and did final touch ups before leaving. There were a couple of corners that needed some attention and they went back outside and took care of it. This may seem like a little thing...
Mission Outdoor Services, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
I hired this company to do various jobs. They did some ground work where we needed to run a line underground for our wood stove. There were lines already buried, that they had to work around. They were very careful to not hit the existing lines, including hand digging a large area, to make...
Alpha Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
If you want the job done right Kraus is the way to go. High quality work and conscientious detail are what sets them apart. I would highly reccomend them.
Kraus Remodeling and Restoration
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Reviewed in December 2021
Our experience with Proficient Construction was great! They were helpful, informative and made our whole project run very smoothly!
Proficient Construction
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Find Excavation pros in Solway

Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Solway, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Removal of a large fuel oil tank. NO excavation was needed. The two guys who came were friendly, courteous, and very good. They came in looked at what had to be done and went right to work. A job I thought would take hours only took about 1 1/2 hours. Sadly because I have such a tight space they had to cut the tank in 1/3rds. So, if they can get a fuel oil tank out of my little basement, they can get it out of anyone's. Cleaned up after themselves and removed old tank, pipes in wall and pumped the left over oil out. Very happy with them. Would highly recommend them to everyone. Now waiting for my new furnace."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Solway, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"From start to finish, Kevin and his crew are the best in the business. Very thorough communication and seeing things through to the end. Kevin is very attentive to concerns and very reassuring. Nobody in this company’s line of work could possibly match what drain services has going on. They have a great culture. Strongly recommend."

Commercial Kitchen Sanitary Sewer Repair

+16

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dean's Tank Corporation

4.7(

)

Serving Solway, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"The men who came to the house were very professional. I know our job had obstacles that made it more difficult. But they never complained, just did the job efficiently and very neatly. The job was completed in one hour! If I had another old oil tank to remove from the basement, I would call them again."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Ruff It Up Construction

4.0(

)

Serving Solway, MN and surrounding areas

"The team was prompt and very detailed, was able to pivot and suggest little changes that improved the overall look. They reconstructed a soffit and several bathroom and bedroom walls to enhance the appearance. I asked for non textured ceilings and they are flawless. Great communication throughout the job…I will rehire again in the future!!"

+19

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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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.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.

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.

Yes, chipmunk holes may have two or more entrances. Chipmunks can create an entire network of burrows. Having multiple entrances makes it easier for them when trying to escape from a predator, such as a snake, or if an entrance collapses due to flooding. Each entrance leads to the nesting chamber underground, which is where the chipmunk spends the majority of its time sleeping.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

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