Get matched with top excavation pros in Locust, PA

Q: How long does it take an excavator to dig a pool?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-build-pool.htm">time it takes to build a pool</a>&mdash;and dig out the area&mdash;varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.</p></div>

Q: What is a joint utility trench?

• <div><p>A joint utility trench, or joint trench, is a long, buried ditch on a property that contains two or more utility lines rather than running the lines in multiple trenches. Some utilities, like gas and electric or electric and communication lines, are better suited to joint trenching, while others, like water and sewer, are not allowed to be in the same trench.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take for ground to settle after tree removal?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;ll have more space for fresh soil.</p></div>

Q: How much does excavation cost?

• <div><p>The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to dig a trench by hand or machine?

• <div><p>The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Locust, PA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Locust, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Excavation companies in Locust, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Excavation needs.

Last update on August 12, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
The team did a wonderful job on our roof. Chuck explained everything as they went with pictures. Each step was documented. The owner came to our home to introduce herself and make sure we were happy with the process at that point in the install. Would highly recommend and will be calling...
Elite Construction & Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Anthracite did a great job. The floor looks great. I would recommend
Anthracite Home Renovations
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Reviewed in May 2024
Did a great job cleaning outside!
Central Penn Pro Wash
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Reviewed in January 2024
We are so happy with the work of WilMarc Construction- we have had them do two major home remodels for us- both times, Willie came out and listened to our ideas and what we had in mind and then gave thoughts of his own (which were always better than ours) and the results were both beautiful and...
WilMarc Construction Inc
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Reviewed in October 2023
The contractor was very professional. He had the correct equipment to do the job. His crew was very knowledgeable and helpful. He worked through to completion and met my deadline quite efficiently. They did a good job. I will hire the crew again when I need excavation services.
JD GroundWorx, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2023
Rick did a good job trimming my trees away from my house. Cleaned up after he done. Would recommend
GROUND UP TREE SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
I highly recommend this company. They were able to do my job in about 2 weeks after I signed the contract. The job was finished in 1 day. It's 7 months now--and so far--everything is fine. They did a wonderful job with very high quality materials. Their materials far surpass most other...
Epoxy Floor Experts Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2021
Excellent service great clean up. We had several trees cut down and stumps ground. I would highly recommend them if youâ re interested in the Services they provide theyâ re wonderful.
Hickman Tree Service
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Reviewed in January 2014
This job was far more than just excavating, and this is what I loved about Willie and his crew. He had redone my basement after flood damaged, and we had him back to address some of our grading issues that led to the damage. But as with his first job for us, he identified and addressed a bunch...
WilMarc Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2014
had a major septic problem, pump failure. immediately called dan within the hour someone was there. found the problem but couldnt get parts till the next day. however since we couldny use any of the bathrooms due to the problem they put a temp fix on it so it was usable until new parts arrived...
Dan shingara enterprise inc.
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Find Excavation pros in Locust

Tim Fisher Enterprises, Inc.

4.8(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The work was very well done. If I have future work I will contact them before anyone else."

FEI Welding Truck Left, Old Excavator Right

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Greg Grant Enterprises LLC

5.0(

)

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"From pricing to performance and completion Greg was a pleasure working with the entire project. I would highly recommend them. My project with Greg was not only complicated but also a very tight schedule to accommodate a back yard party . Greg was certainly up for the challenge and got us complete on time!"

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by14%of homeowners

Landscape - Minor Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The contractor did excellent work in a timely manner. He worked carefully and the cleanup was excellent"

+24

Response time2 hrs

Response rate97%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I got a very efficient and professional job done. I was very happy and highly recommend them. My home caught fire. The structure was removed in less than two days."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by40%of homeowners

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

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are really trustworthy and they really go above and beyond to make you happy."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Lawn lovers landscaping

New to Angi

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

I'm Darren I have 10 years of construction experience I'm OSHA certified I offer many services including lawn and property maintenance, tree service, junk removal, excavating and more. I service Scranton Pa, wilkesbarre Pa, Tunkhannock PA, and surrounding areas and also Binghamton NY vestal NY, and owego NY, \n

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Scott was great and our space looks absolutely beautiful now!! Very professional and timely. 10/10 would recommend!"

+14

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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E&M land services

New to Angi

Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

Hello All,\n\nWe'd like to welcome you to the E&M family. \n\nWe are a small Christian family owned company, we strive to not only serve our customers but also our community.\n\nHere at E&M we specialize in a wide variety of services like, brush mowing/land clearing, driveway repair and grading, excavation, and snow removal.\n\nWe thank for checking us out and we look forward to serving you!

+13

Request Quote

S & L Superior Land Management LLC

New to Angi

Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Locust, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Credit card accepted

"The project went extremely smooth with no damage to the yard. Bob and his crew were punctual and the cleanup was thorough.I would
highly recommend his companys sevices to anyone needing a shed or gazebo.

"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 73

Excavating questions, answered by experts

The time it takes to build a pool—and dig out the area—varies based on the pool size and type. A professional excavator will take between four and eight hours to dig a pool. The process will take longer if they encounter large boulders or tree roots. Keep in mind that this is a small part of the process in the long run. You will need between eight and 12 weeks to build a pool from start to finish, including the time to apply for permits.

A joint utility trench, or joint trench, is a long, buried ditch on a property that contains two or more utility lines rather than running the lines in multiple trenches. Some utilities, like gas and electric or electric and communication lines, are better suited to joint trenching, while others, like water and sewer, are not allowed to be in the same trench.

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.

The average cost of excavation is approximately $3,200, with typical projects ranging from $500 to $15,000. Depending on the contractor, you may be charged between $50 and $200 per cubic yard or an hourly rate of $40 to $180 for an excavation specialist. The total cost is influenced by several factors, including the project size, the amount of soil to be removed, and the soil's condition. Hard soil, tree roots, or excessive rocks and clay can increase the price, potentially adding $200 to $1,200 to the final bill. Other factors that can drive up costs include the presence of nearby structures that complicate the work or tight spaces that require manual excavation instead of heavy machinery.

The best method for digging a trench depends on the scope of the project. For a short, shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) in light, soft soil, digging by hand may be sufficient. However, digging by hand is labor-intensive, so consider the effort required. A machine trencher is the better option for longer trenches (over 100 feet), deeper ones, or when dealing with difficult soil conditions, such as rocky or hard ground, or obstructions like tree roots. A machine can save significant time and energy in these situations.

The Locust, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

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How Much Does Excavation Cost? [2026 Data]
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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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What Is Excavation? A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
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Excavation vs. Trench: Key Differences and Safety Protocols
Excavation is any digging into the earth’s surface, and trenches are a deep, narrow type of excavation. Learn more about excavation versus trenches.