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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.9
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  • Verified reviews icon40
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Thornton

Avatar for TerravationPro
TerravationPro
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+1 more

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired Terravation Pro to complete major regrading work on our yard to address long-standing water diversion and drainage issues—and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Max (the owner) was the definition of professionalism: courteous, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain his plan in detail and made thoughtful recommendations tailored to our property’s unique challenges. The quality of the work exceeded every expectation. Max completed the job himself, showing an incredible level of care and precision. He managed to preserve much of our existing landscaping, which was no small feat, and he prioritized safety at every stage. His attention to detail and commitment to doing things right the first time truly set him apart. Max showed up exactly when he said he would and charged us a very fair price - wouldn’t hesitate to use again and recommend!"
After
After
Before
After
My jobs

+15

Response time11 hrs
Response rate100%
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for JB Landscape Contractors, LLC
JB Landscape Contractors, LLC
4.2(
10
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Hired them in spring 2026 for a boulder ramp and grass seeding (about 360 sq ft), roughly $6,500 total. Two issues with the work. The topsoil they filled has since settled into a low spot deep enough that it's hard to push a mower across ? a grading issue that affects everyday use. And the grass they seeded was dead by early summer, within months of the install. They came back out and agreed to fix it by reseeding. I took that as standing behind the original work, so I was surprised when they sent a $400 bill for it ($250 labor, $150 seed and straw) ? essentially full price for a brand-new seeding job that size. I offered to pay the $150 for materials and asked them to cover the labor as making good on the install. I never received a reply after 10 days. The project price was reasonable, but the finish quality and the after-the-fact service didn't match it. If you hire them, get grading and finish expectations in writing up front."
Full garden redesign
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions
Drainage solutions

+4

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Davis Home Remodel and Flips
Davis Home Remodel and Flips
5.0(
6
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business

Serving Thornton, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We hired the Davis remodeling company in June to rid our property of a tremendous amount of yard debris. Larnell was quick to respond and came out promptly for an estimate. He did an amazing job, which was not easy on an extremely hot day! Estimate was reasonable and would definitely recommend! He is also a very nice and professional person!"
Response time4 hrs
Response rate100%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

The physical constraints of hand-drilling a well limit the depth you can achieve. Manually digging with picks and shovels may only lead to shallow wells of up to 60 feet in depth. To reach greater depths, you need more specialized equipment. The diameter of your well and the tools you’re using will determine how far down you can dig.

Yes, trenchers can go through gravel. Gravel is made up of smaller, softer rocks that certain trenchers are able to cut through. Just be sure to use a rock wheel trencher or chain trencher, both of which are made to cut through rocky landscapes and gravel pathways without dulling the teeth or chain.

Trenching and boring are two distinct methods for installing underground utilities. Trenching involves digging a channel using equipment like an excavator, trencher, backhoe, or shovel. While it is a simpler process, it causes significant disruption to the surface, landscaping, and surrounding ecosystems.

Boring, also known as directional boring, is a less invasive alternative that uses a drill to create a tunnel for utility lines without disturbing the surface. This method is more precise and is ideal for installations that need to go underneath buildings, roads, or bodies of water. Although boring is less disruptive, it is generally more expensive than trenching.

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.

Yes, chipmunk holes may have two or more entrances. Chipmunks can create an entire network of burrows. Having multiple entrances makes it easier for them when trying to escape from a predator, such as a snake, or if an entrance collapses due to flooding. Each entrance leads to the nesting chamber underground, which is where the chipmunk spends the majority of its time sleeping.

The Thornton, PA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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