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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.

It takes one hour to dig a 10-foot trench by hand. Use a trenching shovel with a sharp tip and a long head. Plan for more time if your soil is heavy or rocky. Consider renting a trencher if you’re digging a long or deep trench or if you have challenging soil or terrain. 

If you don’t have a crawl space but have a partial basement you want to make deeper, you can expect to spend a little less—between $40,000 and $90,000 on average. However, if you’re not adding new finished square footage, you won’t see much in the way of ROI.

The average cost for pool excavation is $2,500. This cost can range from $450 to $4,500, depending on the pool shape and size, time of year, and any need to move buried utilities. 

When excavating for your pool, you might have to move existing utilities. You can expect to pay an additional $15 to $25 per linear foot to move gas lines. To move a septic system, it’ll cost an additional $2,000 to $20,000. A pool that is 10 feet by 12 feet averages $450 to excavate, and a 20-foot-by-40-foot pool averages $3,020.