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Avatar for LDS EXCAVATING
LDS EXCAVATING
5.0(
4
)

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
)

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 Stevens Roofing & Siding
Stevens Roofing & Siding
3.9(
48
)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had a very large and tricky tree that needed removal. Danny did a masterful job taking it down. He is an excellent arborist."
golf course
golf course
golf course
golf course
golf course

+34

Response time2 days
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
Drew's Driveways and Landscaping
3.8(
16
)

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
)

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

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.

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

Most residential basements are 8 to 10 feet deep. You can dig deeper depending on building codes, but it does become more difficult. You’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.

You can bury underground electrical wire six inches deep—but only if you use a rigid metal electrical conduit. For rigid, non-metallic conduits, bury the wire at least 12 inches deep. If using an underground feeder cable rated for direct burial, you'll need to place it at least 18 inches deep, as it has no conduit for extra protection.

You should dig 3 to 6 inches deep for plastic edging. Dig as wide as you need to fit your plastic edging into it—2 inches is usually sufficient.

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.