Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Durham, NH

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Durham, NH?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY DURHAM, NH HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon58
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Durham

Avatar for Morton Excavation
Morton Excavation
4.9(
14
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"All materials were removed and hauled off in a 30-ft dumpster. I was very satisfied with the demolition work ? everything was handled efficiently and professionally. Morton Excavation offers fair pricing and delivers quality results. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing excavation or demolition services."
Gallery
Fire Hydrant install
8in ductile iron / fire hydrant install
Culvert Drainage
Culvert Drainage

+11

7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by58%of homeowners
Gagnons Excavating, LLC
4.8(
4
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"I really appreciated the great excavation and fill work that Roland Gagnon did for me. This was a driveway drainage project that required low spot filling and proper grading of the area. The driveway now has the proper slope and is draining properly. Roland went above and beyond my expectations, he will be my first call for any future work."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Carideo Services
Carideo Services
5.0(
34
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Frank was great. Had him here to excavate for a shed and he did an excellent job. He was reasonably priced, knowledgeable, and friendly. Also dug conduit for electrical for it. Awesome guy and would love to work with him again."
Waterfront Excavating
Waterfront Excavating
Propane Tank Installment
Uunderground Propane tank
TJ MAXX Sign

+7

Response time6 hrs
Response rate98%
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Four Tree Landscaping
4.7(
88
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"This is our second season using Four Tree Landscaping, and once again, we are highly impressed. The quality of work is outstanding, and you can truly see the pride Matt and his crew take in maintaining our property. They pay attention to the small details, keep everything looking clean and sharp, and consistently go above and beyond. It’s clear they care about doing the job right and making sure their customers are happy. Thank you, Matt and crew, for all your hard work — it does not go unnoticed. We look forward to many more seasons working together!"
13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by74%of homeowners
Smithtown Landworks
5.0(
5
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Matt to prepare a site for a shed we have ordered. He replied promptly for a request for an estimate. He explained what needed to be done and gave me a fixed date when he could do the work. Throughout the project, he kept me apprised of the progress and explained the choices that needed to be made. I was impressed with the care with which he approached every aspect of the project. Just a great guy to work with."
Response time5 hrs
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Waterscapes of New England
Waterscapes of New England
3.9(
26
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We hired Waterscapes when our initial contractor abandoned the project and took our money, and they did a great job.  They were very communicative and sent regular status updates to us which we appreciated since we lived out of state.  Additionally, they finished the project in 10 days which was really impressive considering that they had to basically start from scratch  They also had competitive prices and cost-effective solutions to problems that satisfied all of our neighbors' concerns."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+9

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for CZMGT LLC
CZMGT LLC
5.0(
2
)

Serving Durham, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Christian to remove tree stumps on our property. He gave us a price the next day and started work within a week. His work ethic is incredible—he left the site spotless and communicated clearly every step of the way. Since then, he’s regraded our driveway, removed an old chicken coop, and cleared brush. It’s safe to say Christian is our go-to contractor now."
Pine removal
Response time8 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
...
Showing 1-10 of 124
Excavating questions, answered by experts

A mini excavator can dig between 5 and 11 feet deep, depending on the type and size of the mini excavator. Mini hydraulic excavators are more powerful and can reach deeper into the earth, but electric models have a more limited range. Mini excavators over two tons in size are also more powerful and able to dig as deep as 11 feet.

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.

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.

Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.

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.

The Durham, NH homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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