Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Salem, NH

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

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

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY SALEM, NH HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon55
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Salem

McAdams Excavation & Landscaping
4.3(
24
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had Ken come out to look at a stump removal and I mentioned a retaining wall project I needed to get done. Ken took some quick measurements and then came back again late that afternoon with his team and took more precise measurements. That evening I had a quote that was comprehensive and fairly priced. We quickly agreed on the project and date. Ken, Rowan and Roger showed up on time and completed the job quickly and efficiently. I would highly recommend McAdams Excavation and Landscaping for all your excavation, landscaping, and hard scaping needs. I am more than totally satisfied!!!"
Response time1 day
37 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Twin Timber Construction
Twin Timber Construction
5.0(
8
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Couldn’t have asked for a more honest and trustworthy contractor. After letting my previous GC go, Mike and his team were a breath of fresh air. Extremely impressed and grateful for their work. Highly recommend. Should have called Twin Timber first."
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
Laconia Custom Home
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Smithtown Landworks
5.0(
5
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, 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
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Mountainscapes Landscape Construction, LLC
Mountainscapes Landscape Construction, LLC
5.0(
11
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"We enjoyed the owner Chris and his company who preformed an outstanding job installing a fiberglass pool we never realized how involved it is I believe Chris could have install it blindfolded we are so happy what a very professional company."
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools

+38

8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by44%of homeowners
...
Showing 1-10 of 184
Excavating questions, answered by experts

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.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.

Chipmunks dig their burrows about three feet deep and up to 30 feet long. The entrances can be two inches wide or more. Chipmunks are fiercely protective of their burrows and use them to protect the nuts and seeds they gather for the long winters.

The Salem, NH homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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