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Best excavation pros near The Dalles, OR

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Top-Rated Excavation pros in The Dalles - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for M & T Construction
M & T Construction
3.5(
13
)
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

"Was done in a timely manor and his expertise was very helpful. I was able to explain my vision and he was able to bring it to life. His estimate was right on the money and he stayed on budget. There were no surprises when the project was finished. I would highly recommend this company to anyone seeking services!"
Mt. Rainer
Mt. Rainer
Mt. Rainer
Mt. Rainer
Mt. Rainer

+48

Response time10 hrs
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Simply Landscaping LLC
4.4(
7
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"When we decided to go forward with our backyard project, it was an easy decision to hire Julio’s company again. We first hired him a few years ago for a brand new sod install, new irrigation, and a garden bed in our front lawn. His team was on time, did quality work, and are friendly and honest people. Fast forward to this year, we wanted to make our backyard into usable space. It required a retaining wall, bringing in dirt to level the yard, laying gravel, and creating a fire pit to lounge at. The project also had a tight timeframe - one that I only trusted Julio with. I will hire Julio again and again and I wholeheartedly recommend him. You’ll be happy you reached out to him for your landscaping project."
Response time3 days
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for Confident Roots Construction LLC
Confident Roots Construction LLC
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving The Dalles, OR and surrounding areas

"Jose has done several projects for me both in my home and on a commercial property I manage. His work has always been top notch and I would highly recommend him for any construction need. He is competent, trustworthy and efficient with your time and money."
Concrete Design
Stamped Concrete
Smooth Concrete
Concrete Design
Stamped Concrete

+5

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for JBC Group Solutions Inc
JBC Group Solutions Inc
4.0(
4
)
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

"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it.  Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "
Custom Staircases
Custom Exterior Restoration
Custom Bathrooms
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

Because decomposed granite is a durable material, a crushed rock or gravel base is optional as long as the DG is properly installed and compacted. However, installing a base is a good idea because it will ensure proper drainage and stability and act as a weed suppressant (although you may still occasionally have to pull weeds). Installing an adequate base can also increase the durability of driveways and walkways. If you forego the paver base or gravel underneath, line the area with landscaping fabric to avoid weeds.

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.

A trench that is less than 5 feet deep often doesn't require a protective system. Most residential trenches will not go this deep (the typical residential drainage trench is just 18 inches deep). In the event that an excavator needs to dig more than 5 feet beneath the surface, a protective system is required unless the excavation is in entirely stable rock.

In most areas, you will need a permit for excavation work, even for projects that only involve grading or yard leveling. Permit requirements depend on your local government and the scope of the project, but they are especially common for significant digging or work that could affect utilities or public property. These permits help protect the local topography and prevent drainage issues. An experienced excavation company will typically know whether permits are needed and can often handle the process of pulling and closing them for you. You can also verify permit requirements by contacting your local building department and describing your project.

We recommend removing the stump, and grinding is a popular way to do it. You can also dig out small stumps or stumps that have fully decayed instead of grinding them. However, don’t try using acids or fire for killing a tree stump, which is a fire hazard and illegal in many areas.

Leaving the stump alone invites eventual problems, including attracting termites, mold, and fungi.

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.