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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
38 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
9 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
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Leonard Landscaping
Leonard Landscaping
4.9(
13
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NH and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I was very pleased with the landscaping work I had done. I wasn?t sure exactly what I wanted or how much it would cost, but Chris worked with me to create a landscaping plan, and it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. When the work was finished, the area looked beautiful, and the price was very reasonable. I was so pleased with the results that I plan to have Chris back in the fall to do some additional landscaping. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for quality landscaping work. Patricia Phillips 8 Sky Country Drive Nashua, NH 339-234-8384 [email protected]"
Lawn Mowing
Lawn Mowing
Flower Beds
Flower Beds
Flower Beds

+3

13 neighbors recently requested a quote
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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.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

Sewer lines can be buried anywhere from 18 inches to 8 feet deep, with a common average depth between 18 and 30 inches. The exact depth depends on local factors like climate and soil type. In colder regions, pipes must be buried deeper (below the frost line) to prevent freezing, sometimes as deep as 8 feet. The digging depth can also impact the cost of sewer line replacement. To find the specific depth for your property, you can check the building plans for your system, which should be on file with your city or local sanitation department since permits are required for installation.

Trenchers can dig holes as narrow as 4 inches or as wide as 4 feet. Check the specifications of the trencher you rent or buy to determine how wide it will cut into the landscape. Better yet, let the excavation company know how wide you’d like the trench to be, and they can help you choose the right trencher for the job (or do it for you).

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.