Is it better to dig a trench by hand or machine?

• <div><p>It all depends on the scope of the project. A trencher can certainly save time and energy, but you might not need to dig that deep in the first place. Aside from the depth of the trench, the quality of the soil matters. If it’s light, soft soil, you might try a shovel first. However, if the soil is rocky and hard or there are obstructions in it, like tree roots, a machine trencher might be the better option.</p></div>

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Q: Do chipmunk holes have two entrances?

• <div><p>Yes, chipmunk holes may have two or more entrances. Chipmunks can create an entire network of burrows. Having multiple entrances makes it easier for them when trying to escape from a predator, such as a snake, or if an entrance collapses due to flooding. Each entrance leads to the nesting chamber underground, which is where the chipmunk spends the majority of its time sleeping. </p></div>

Q: How deep can a trench be without protection?

• <div><p>A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock. </p></div>

Q: How deep can you dig for a basement?

• <div><p>Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You&rsquo;ll likely need to install stronger foundation walls and additional supports to handle the increased load. Depending on the water table, you may also need a water management system. Clay soil can support a deeper foundation than sandy soil. A structural engineer will be able to tell you the maximum, feasible depth.</p></div>

Q: Will a walk-behind trencher cut through roots?

• <div><p>A walk-behind <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/will-a-trencher-cut-through-roots.htm">trencher can cut through roots</a> as long as they&rsquo;re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Ogdensburg, NY

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

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Last update on December 07, 2025

Reviewed in August 2023
SGS Development has performed several excavation jobs ranging from driveway installation , building site prep, and sidewalk prep. Shane and his crew were timely, skilled and efficient, and ensured job sites were always cleaned daily and before job completion. Highly recommend if you need any...
SGS Development
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Reviewed in August 2020
A neighbor highly recommended Green Pines to fix a major septic problem at our three bedroom vacation home in the Southern Adirondacks. Great advice! Green Pines is a longstanding family business that offers extremely high quality work at a reasonable price. They can and will solve your septic...
Green Pines Septic Excavation
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Reviewed in July 2019
Steve is very knowable of every aspect of the construction process (design, excavation, foundations & framing). When a crew is needed Steve is the conductor and the crew is very skilled at providing quality performance. When the going gets tough he keeps going by accepting the challenge and...
S.J. Quinlan Construction
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Reviewed in March 2013
This was an emergency call. The excavator who dug a trench for our new propane gas line failed to figure out first where the electrical lines were buried. As a result the lines from the house panel to the chicken coop were severed. Pleasant Valley showed up within two hours, were here for...
PLEASANT VALLEY ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in September 2012
The salesman at the propane company told me it would be and quot;no problemand quot; to lay the gas pipe under our gravel driveway, but when the workman got here to do it, he didn't have the equipment to dig that deep or encase the pipe (salesman error, not his). I suddenly had to find an...
Frank Palmer Jr Excavating
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Reviewed in September 2012
This was the third job I asked Dave to do for me. I was so impressed in the performance of the first two jobs that I wanted him on this most important task. His excavation for the foundation was flawless. The driveway HAD to be able to accept 18 wheeler deliveries and support the use of a crane...
Goldie's Trucking & Excavation
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GCA Excavating & Land Clearing

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

GCA Excavating & Land Clearing

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

1 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. 50 years

"Very professional, workmanship is A+. A pleasure to deal with, because everything to be done was clearly explained to fix a sinkhole behind my house, & they were able to do the job promptly, which I deeply appreciated. Honest, ethical people. I would definitely hire them again and will highly recommend them too!"

Linda S on September 2024

"Very professional, workmanship is A+. A pleasure to deal with, because everything to be done was clearly explained to fix a sinkhole behind my house, & they were able to do the job promptly, which I deeply appreciated. Honest, ethical people. I would definitely hire them again and will highly recommend them too!"

Linda S on September 2024

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Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

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GCA Excavating & Land Clearing

GCA Excavating & Land Clearing

Northern NY Contracting, LLC

Northern NY Contracting, LLC

JJBC

JJBC

Sessions excavation

Sessions excavation

Bishop General Construction

Bishop General Construction

Exceptional property services contracting and excavation

Exceptional property services contracting and excavation

Courson Excavation and Property Management, LLC

Courson Excavation and Property Management, LLC

Mikalunas Builders LLC

Mikalunas Builders LLC

R & J Excavation

R & J Excavation

Dig-It Construction & Landscaping

Dig-It Construction & Landscaping

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