Get matched with top excavation pros in Grafton, ND

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

Skunk digging looks like a series of small, cone-shaped holes on a lawn or around the perimeter of a home, porch, deck, or shed. The holes that skunks dig when searching for grubs tend to be no more than four inches in diameter and may be up to four inches deep.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.