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Avatar for LDS EXCAVATING
LDS EXCAVATING
5.0(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

"I highly recommend LDS! They responded promptly to my septic emergency, making time in their schedule between other visits to come by to assess the issue. They let me know exactly what was going on. They even showed me a camera view of what the pipes looked like and where they were failing. David provided several options to update my system which I plan to do with LDS in the future. He also explained what was needed to fix the current problem. They were onsite and completed the needed repair quickly. Other companies would only provide estimates to replace the entire system but LDS fixed the immediate issue to make it all work! Fair pricing, honest communication and prompt service."
Response time3 hrs
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for The Solutions Construction
The Solutions Construction
4.4(
7
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Vinnie and crew came in and helped us create a driveway with additional parking areas. They had the machinery to remove old, rotted tree stumps that were causing our driveway to sink, and then excavated and reshaped the way the front of our home is presented by designing a beautiful crushed red stone driveway and built blue stone retaining walls that contrast and make everything pop with curb appeal. While they were here, they also pointed out a tree that was diseased and potentially threatening to collapse, so additionally the crew dropped the tree and hauled it all away. We cannot say enough good things about their professionalism and knowledge of how to expertly assess and correct any project inside or outside of a home."
Hunting camp/Cabin
Garden Shed/ATV Garage
Garage Door Shed
Garage Door Shed
Tiki Bar

+14

Response time1 day
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by71%of homeowners
Avatar for Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
3.8(
16
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We are selling a house and needed to have someone clean out the house , cellar and garage . Drew responded to our request immediately and actually completed the job within a couple of days undercutting the quote we had with another company . Highly recommend and plan to hire him for some landscaping work !"
New crushed slate driveway
New crushed slate driveway
New crushed slate driveway
Regrading and resurfacing driveway
Regrading and resurfacing driveway

+117

Response time1 day
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Avatar for Kej enterprise llc
Kej enterprise llc
5.0(
1
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"I had a stump ground down and needed the area cleaned up afterward, and I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. Bryan was quick to respond, communicated clearly throughout the entire process, and showed up exactly when he said he would. The job was done quickly and efficiently, and he was very friendly and professional the whole time. Everything was cleaned up great afterward. I would absolutely recommend him to others and would definitely hire him again in the future!"
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Landscape edging is more DIYable than trenching. You can DIY your own digging projects, but proceed carefully and only with proper knowledge of the equipment and appropriate safety measures in place. Keep in mind the project's scope and estimate how long it will take you to do it on your own. While you can certainly save money by DIYing home improvement projects, you can’t exactly hide an unfinished—or worse, ruined— landscaping job from the neighbors. It’s always safer to call an excavation pro near you to get an estimate.

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.

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.

Digging a bush up by the roots is the most natural DIY method for removing a bush stump. Start by identifying the shrub type and revealing its roots. Cut the shrub to its base and loosen the soil, ensuring no utility lines are nearby. Optionally, treat the base with herbicide, then dig around the roots and cut a circle around the shrub using various tools. Dig a trench, cut the base of the root ball, and finally fill the hole to prevent regrowth. This thorough process ensures complete removal without damaging surrounding areas.

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.

The Salem, NY homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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