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GCA Excavating & Land Clearing
5.0(
9
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing+2 more

Serving Potsdam, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"We purchased a property that had just had a new septic tank installed by another company. GCA fixed their mess and did a fantastic job!"
Response time30 mins
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Drain Cleaners Sewer & Septic Professionals of Canton, Syracuse and Utica
3.5(
36
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Potsdam, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We made initial phone contact and scheduled cleanout for the following Monday. I realized that was Labor Day and called them back to see if that appointment was a mistake. They realized it was and said they would contact me back to reschedule. They never returned my repeated phone calls to reschedule. I got the impression they did not want to be bothered with my septic cleanout."
Response time7 hrs
Recommended by92%of homeowners
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

The digging depth will depend on the size of the trencher you use. Even smaller units can dig up to 4 feet deep, which is plenty for a DIY job. However, much larger trenchers can reach a depth of 18 feet and are better used by a team of pro contractors, not a single DIYer. As with all home improvement projects, use the right tool for the job and proceed with caution.

It can take several weeks for the ground to settle after removing a tree, and the soil under larger, more mature trees can take months. The deeper the tree has been ground under the soil, the longer it will take to settle. However, this extra depth can help you plant new landscaping sooner because you’ll have more space for fresh soil.

The best way to protect tree roots is to avoid the roots entirely by excavating outside the root radius of the tree. For nearby projects, it’s a good idea to construct a temporary retaining wall. But that’s not always possible, depending on the project and the root system. In these cases, consider using alternative equipment like an auger to tunnel under the ground.

Remember, tree roots can damage nearby cement foundations as they grow. If a tree is close enough to interfere with large excavations, it may be better to remove the tree than risk future problems.

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).

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The Potsdam, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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