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Avatar for Root Land Management
Root Land Management
5.0(
3
)

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Has performed multiple tree and landscaping jobs at my properties for me. Very thorough with the work completed. Competitive pricing and outstanding customer service."
We Can Do It For You
Response time40 mins
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Hedstrom Excavating
New to Angi

Serving Watkins, 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 Don Green's Dirt Service
Don Green's Dirt Service
5.0(
8
)

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Contacting them after seeing their ad in the Angie's List magazine. John was great to work with and he and the team did a great job. Consulted with me throughout the entire process and we're very happy with the result. Leveled and graded our backyard (~4,000 feet) and laid new sod."
driveway
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for GENADEK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING INC
GENADEK LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING INC
4.3(
21
)

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

"This was the second project that Genadek was hired for.  The reason Genadek was rehired to do work that no other contractor seemed to want to take on was because the company delivers what it says it will.  The first project was an extensive drain tile system with permeable pavers and a french drain, which has provided a beautiful place to entertain as well as much needed management of a high water table.  And when Genadek encountered issues with the high water table, they researched and came up with a plan - a plan that became the solution we had been searching for going on 6 years.
On both projects, Genadek was upfront about changing conditions of the project and gave us the information necessary to make a decision.  At no point was there a feeling that Genadek was doing anything other than respecting us and the financial constraints of the projects.  It is impossible to expect a bid to always be perfect down to the last penny, however Genadek makes a concerted effort to do just that and when they cannot - you will know why.
When Genadek finishes a project, they clean up the worksite and leave it as they found it so there is no delay in your enjoyment.  There is not doubt that this is a company that is choosing to do business the right way - respecting clients - and should be supported for it."
Residential Landscaping
Retaining Wall
Paving Stone Patio
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+2

Recommended by77%of homeowners
Avatar for Heinen Contracting Inc
Heinen Contracting Inc
3.8(
58
)

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I'll make this short, but could write a novel. From the start he was great to work with, then once work began dates kept getting pushed and pushed. the wrong garage door was installed, I had a garage door opener installed that I didn't ask for (but am glad it's there now), the service door was the wrong swing, the apron had to be redone due to being the wrong size and it didn't have a slope to it. I heard over and over that he was just the messenger to relay the information to his sub-contractors. the project was completed one month after the 'promised' completion date. Once the project was comlete I have to say that I'm happy with the finished product, just the process was VERY frustrating. That's the short version...take it for what you will."
Backyard Retreat
Heinen Contracting Inc
Heinen Contracting Inc
Basic Level 20 x 22 Garage
20 x 24 Tudor Style

+4

Recommended by82%of homeowners
Avatar for Apex Excavating
Apex Excavating
5.0(
2
)

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jaden and team created two fantastic turf play pads in our backyard ensuringwe had adequate slope, drainage, and material, eliminating any chance of standing water. Their commitment extended to seamlessly restoring torn-up areas with fresh grass, leaving our outdoor space both functional and aesthetically pleasing."
Driveways and black dirt
Driveways and black dirt
Rest of lawn regrading
Driveways and black dirt
Driveways and black dirt

+20

Response time4 hrs
Recommended by100%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.

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. 

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

The Watkins, MN homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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