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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Vandalia, MO

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Vandalia, MO 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 Vandalia, MO 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 April 20, 2026

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Avatar for McDowell Excavating, LLC
McDowell Excavating, LLC
5.0(
10
)

Serving Vandalia, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fast, reliable and knowledgeable owner. He made sure all my needs were met and went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied with his work."
Excavator
Snow removal
Snow removal
Snow removal
Driveway reclaiming

+2

5 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for J T Bell excavation
J T Bell excavation
New to Angi

Serving Vandalia, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

J T Bell Excavation specializes in grading, land clearing, base dig outs, backfilling, trenching, and other excavation services. Reliable work done right for residential and commercial projects

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for Highland Hills Land Management
Highland Hills Land Management
New to Angi

Serving Vandalia, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With years of experience in the excavation industry, we are the experts you need to take care of your home or piece of property. We handle all of your excavation and land management needs with great care. We will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give Highland Hills Land Management a call today, we look forward to working with you!

Response time4 days
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Worthington Brothers Earthworks
New to Angi

Serving Vandalia, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Worthington Brothers Earthworks is committed to excellence in 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.

Response time1 day
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Gibson Hauling
4.6(
21
)

Serving Vandalia, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It was not so much getting the trash picked up but rather the LACK of integrity and complete honesty. I was quoted a price but because of misunderstanding they asked for more when they were done. I called the owner and talked with him about it and was told that he agreed and that they would refund the extra money back to me. I did not hear back so I called and was repeatedly told that it would be taken care of and that I would be called right away. This did not happen and after my calling them time and time again with no satisfaction, I decide to chalk it up to an expensive lesson learned! Although I decided to go no further with this exercise in futility, I wanted to tell others to beware."
Response time1 day
Recommended by94%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.

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.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

Dumpsters work best on hard, study, and level surfaces made of asphalt, stone, or concrete. If the surface is uneven or too soft, the dumpster could get stuck or tip over when filled. Keep in mind that you must obtain a dumpster permit to keep it on a city street in many areas.

The Vandalia, MO homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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