Get matched with top excavation pros in The Dalles, OR

Q: Should I grind or dig up my tree stump?

• <div><p>Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won&rsquo;t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you&rsquo;ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.</p></div>

Q: How do you hollow out a tree stump?

• <div><p>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.</p><ul><li><p><b>Chisel and Hammer:</b> This is often considered the easiest approach for those with limited tools or experience, though it is the most time-consuming.</p></li><li><p><b>Chainsaw:</b> Using a chainsaw is the fastest method, but it comes with significant safety risks, especially for inexperienced users.</p></li><li><p><b>Burning:</b> 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.</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How do you calculate excavation costs?

• <div><p>Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you&rsquo;ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.</p><p>Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it&rsquo;s tedious. You may want to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-read-a-tape-measure.htm">pull out a tape measure</a> or use a string to help mark the area. </p></div>

Q: How do you calculate excavation cost?

• <div><p>Most professional excavation teams will charge between $8 and $15 per cubic yard. Calculate the cost by finding the volume of your pool&mdash;width x length x depth&mdash;and dividing it by 27. Then, multiply the price by the cubic yards from your equation. Budget for complications like a rocky lawn, hard-to-access pool area, or high local labor prices.</p></div>

Q: How wide of a hole does a trencher make?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;d like the trench to be, and they can help you choose the right trencher for the job (or do it for you).</p></div>

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Villeda General Contractor

New to Angi

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

Approved

We provide construcción services for Excavation, Concrete and Roofing

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Dirt Road Excavation & Debris, LLC

5.0(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

"Dirt Road Excavation & Debris, LLC verry kind and considerate. Trevor and Daniel were on time and so thoughtful. They got the job done faster than me making the mess. I so appreciate these two. Their a life savor. Thank you!"

+12

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Gorge Dirt Works, LLC

4.3(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Full service excavating and demolition company. Licensed and insured in both Washington and Oregon. For fastest results call Dayne at 509.637.0417\nwww.gorgedirtworks.com\n\n

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Riverview Renovations, LLC

5.0(

)

Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingLandscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of General Contractor Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in Additions and Kitchen Remodels, but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

+175

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Established since 1983, M & T Construction has been a premiere excavator in the state of Oregon. Specializing in excavation and major grading; you need it done, this is the business for you. Michael Marugg takes pride in his work and ensures the highest level of customer satisfaction with every job. Call and see today!

+48

Response time10 hrs

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Simply Landscaping LLC

4.4(

)

Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We offer only the best in quality workmanship and professional courtesy. We specialize in all phases of commercial and residential landscaping. We are committed quality work and outstanding results & are strongly involved in local community activities. We look forward to working with you!

Response time3 days

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Confident Roots Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

The aim of Confident Roots Construction is to deliver the finest quality craftsmanship possible. We are successful due of our honesty, devotion to a strong work ethic, and desire to keep current with the latest advancements in our field. We listen, develop, and bring the finest ideas to life. We are available through phone and email. Please call at (503) 812-3626 or at [email protected]

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Hames Construction is a small locally owned company that believes in quality work and fair honest pricing. Owner/operator George Hames does the work himself, has been in business over 30 years and specialties in residential grade and gravel work and/or repairs for driveways, roads and RV pads. Also has the equipment, experience and know-how for land clearing jobs both big and small. Free estimates, happy to help out any way possible and answer any questions you have.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

1-888-JBC-ON-TIME (888-522-6684). 26 employees in Portland area. No subs used. Payment may be made via PayPal.

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability, is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business Flooring \n\n

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 18

Excavating questions, answered by experts

Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won’t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you’ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.

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.

Excavation is priced in cubic yards, so you’ll need to find the volume of the area in order to calculate costs. Multiply the length, width, and proposed depth of your excavation site, then convert it into yards to get the volume. Multiply this figure by the price per cubic yard.

Most homeowners can measure by hand to get a rough estimate, even if it’s tedious. You may want to pull out a tape measure or use a string to help mark the area.

Most professional excavation teams will charge between $8 and $15 per cubic yard. Calculate the cost by finding the volume of your pool—width x length x depth—and dividing it by 27. Then, multiply the price by the cubic yards from your equation. Budget for complications like a rocky lawn, hard-to-access pool area, or high local labor prices.

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).

The The Dalles, OR homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles

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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
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How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
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Aug 1, 2026Aug 1, 2026
How Much Does Pool Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
You can't have an in-ground pool without digging into the ground. How much does pool excavation cost, and can you take it on yourself? Our guide explains.
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire an Excavation Pro
Picking the right pro can make or break your project. Learn how to hire an excavation pro with the qualifications and skillset to do the job efficiently.
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Aug 22, 2026Aug 22, 2026
Grading and Excavation: Everything You Need to Know
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
Discover what excavation is, the different types, and when it's needed in construction. Learn key insights for your next big home project.