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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Cortland, NY

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Cortland, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Cortland, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on August 28, 2026

Find Excavation pros in Cortland

Avatar for Miller Construction Group
Miller Construction Group
5.0(
30
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"????? Great Experience with Miller Concrete & Excavation We hired Miller Concrete & Excavation for a residential concrete project and couldn?t be happier with the results. Ian and his crew were professional, on time, and did excellent work. The concrete looks great and the job site was left clean. If you want quality work from a contractor you can trust, I highly recommend Miller Concrete & Excavation / Miller Construction Group."
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university
Syracuse university

+1

121 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by48%of homeowners
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Avatar for B&D Demolition and clearing services
B&D Demolition and clearing services
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Very professional, hardworking and productive!"
B&D Demolition
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for WoodRock Construction
WoodRock Construction
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Matt did a full septic installation on a new build house. He did a great job with the system, and gave flatter and more yard space after the system was put in. The grading and shaping of the land was superb"
Residential concrete
Residential concrete
Residential concrete
Residential concrete
Residential concrete

+16

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Avatar for MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
4.0(
4
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Mike and his team did an amazing job tearing down a couple barns on my property. They handled everything. Cleaned up great. My husband and I are beyond satisfied. 10 out of 10 highly recommend!"
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Lucas Excavation
3.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Lucas Excavation did a great job. I had a five star experience using this company. Jeff was very easy to work with. All aspects of project were done to my exact specifications."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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CNY Landscapes and Hardscape
5.0(
2
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Cortland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It a was a pleasure working with Jeff. He responded quickly and then came to assess the job soon after. He suggested very good options such as laying down decorative stones instead mulch. He scheduled us in and was here to do the work later. Trees were trimmed and bushes and he removed a few small trees that were not doing well. At his suggestion, we he put decorative stones instead of mulch on a large area around our house. We were delighted with his work and the finished result greatly enhances our property. Our neighbours complimented us on the look. We would definitely recommend Jeff and his company!"
Response time3 hrs
Response rate99%
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Trenching is a specific kind of digging. Trenching means digging a depression in the earth that’s deeper than it is wide, often with heavy machinery. Digging refers to any kind of removal of earth in order to create a human-made depression, hole, or cut in the earth’s surface. You can dig with big tools or even with just a hand shovel.

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they’re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.

Directional drilling is complex and requires training to use the advanced machinery. It can be challenging to monitor the position of the drill since there’s no direct line of sight. Directional drilling can also be more expensive with a cost of $10 to $30 per linear foot compared to $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching. 

The Cortland, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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