Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Tafton, PA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Tafton, PA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

TRUSTED BY TAFTON, PA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon21
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Tafton

JMH Hands for Hire, LLC
5.0(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Tafton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"On a Sunday we had a substantial leak from the bathroom upstairs into the dining room downstairs at our house. We called a company who referred us to JMH HANDS FOR HIRE. They arrived in a couple hours to repair the broken pipe. Since then they are working on other projects. They very hardworking, professional, always respond in a timely manner and reasonable with pricing. We have been fortunate to have found them. Trust is everything."
Response time7 hrs
Response rate97%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
DMS Excavation and Retaining Wall
5.0(
3
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Tafton, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Dave to remove some ballast and dirt from a staged testing area we had set up to test switch machines here at Amtrak. They arrived on time and completed the job ahead of schedule despite some unforeseen obstacles. Highly recommend."
Response time3 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
...
Showing 1-10 of 54
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.

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.

Yes, an excavation company is the best option for land grading and yard leveling. General landscapers might be able to tackle these projects, but an excavation company will do a better job because they’re used to operating the necessary heavy machinery. Landscapers might opt to do the work manually, which takes much longer and could cost you more in labor fees. Finally, excavation companies will understand local regulations and know when you need permits to legalize the work, while a landscaper might not.

Hard soil could be a sign of overly dry dirt, either from poor drainage or drought. It's important to test the nutrient levels, density, and drainage capacity of your soil to see if it's absorbing water properly. Begin by adding a light layer of water and observing how long the soil retains moisture. If you experience a good deal of runoff, you may need to aerate your lawn, apply a wetting agent, or hire a professional for a closer look.

You can dig 60 to 80 linear feet by hand per day depending on the depth. Digging a 100-foot trench by hand will take you two work days, but it can take longer if you have heavy or rocky soil. If you’re digging a deep trench or one that’s over 100 feet, consider renting a mechanical trencher, such as a walk-behind or ride-on, or calling a pro for help. 

The Tafton, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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