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Avatar for JJ Michaels Construction Services
JJ Michaels Construction Services
5.0(
12
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was very prompt, he did what he said he would do and when he will do it! He cleaned up all the debris and his pricing was better than the other contractors I checked with! I referred him to two of my neighbors!"
Response time1 day
Recommended by91%of homeowners
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
Response rate94%
5 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 Day and Sons Enterprises LLC
Day and Sons Enterprises LLC
4.6(
10
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Ryan has provided top-notch service in taking care of my mother-in-law‘s house – mowing, trimming, plowing, etc., and has always been attentive and responding to any requests. I highly recommend this service."
Mulch
Mulch
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by20%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
5 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

No, a ditch isn’t a trench. A ditch is an open, relatively shallow channel that’s carved out of the ground and used for drainage purposes. In contrast, a trench is a deeper excavation that’s entirely underground. Trenches have many uses, including gas lines, sewage systems, and electrical wiring. Unlike trenches, ditches don’t get filled back in with dirt after they’re dug.

Call 811 to locate and mark the gas lines at least three days before digging. In many areas, you can dig within 18 inches of the lines, though in some locations, the distance may be further. Check local regulations, as you may need a utility company representative onsite when digging. Document your calls to 811 and precautions taken to avoid gas lines. A homeowner can be held liable for hitting a gas line in some cases, but contacting the proper authorities and following all guidelines can offer protection.

There are several different factors that influence how long it takes to excavate. For a foundation, it could take anywhere from three days to three weeks. It can take even longer if you face weather-related delays or an inaccessible site that’s riddled with boulders and rough terrain. It may also take longer if you have clay soil, which is more difficult to dig.

After you successfully remove your boulder, you have a few options for what to do to get rid of it. You can rent a dumpster if your yard has many boulders or if you’re planning a larger project. You can even save the boulder and reuse it elsewhere on your property to save on landscaping costs. A few ideas include using the boulder as a natural, abstract statue, breaking it into smaller pieces to line your garden bed, or offering it to a landscaping company that could reuse it for another project.

Completion time ranges from days to weeks, contingent on project size, environmental conditions, and regulatory approvals.

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.