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Best excavation pros near Hartford, SD

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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Hartford - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Pozuelos Property Care
Pozuelos Property Care
5.0(
22
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Hartford, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Amazing job.. Was blown away by the precision and attention to detail.. was projected to be a 2 day job and they came back a third day just to make sure everything was perfect.. Couldn't be happier and couldn't give a higher recommendation! Already referenced 2 other clients.. Thank you!"
Post Paint Project
Post Paint Project
Post Paint Project
Post Paint Project
Post Paint Project

+58

Response time2 days
Response rate85%
Recommended by71%of homeowners
Kj construction llc
4.7(
42
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Hartford, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired KJ Drywall to frame, insulate, and sheetrock/texture a basement bedroom. Kevin did a great job. He was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done. He worked very hard and completed the job in a good time. He seems pretty efficient. We had a plumbing issue during his work, and he had someone out to fix it within about 45 minutes. The repair was made in Avery professional manner. Long story short, this fellow and his help were very good to work with, very fair with the price, And Kevin seems like just a really good guy. Glad to have worked with him."
Response time1 day
Response rate88%
Recommended by97%of homeowners
VanDerVliet Excavating LLC
5.0(
1
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Hartford, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Offers commercial services

\nVanDerVliet Excavating LLC is 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.

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Dirt Works LLC
4.4(
4
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Hartford, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Brandon did an amazing job of digging out and leveling what used to be a trash pit, into a beautiful dog yard! He was easy to work with and timely. If anyone need excavation or landscaping done I would use him! Heâ s a hard worker and does a nice job!"
Demo garage floor
Breaking up floor
Steady eyes
Rubble aftermath
Getting up close

+9

Response time7 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Dillon's Dakota Excavating Service
2.8(
2
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Hartford, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Offers commercial services

"Harlan was professional, polite, and honest. He completed everything in a timely matter, payed attention detail, worked well with all the requirements we needed to abide by, and he did everything himself! Most of the other contractors I had reached out were not willing to follow the guidelines needed. Harlan was great and does not keep you waiting! I would highly recommend him! I was very pleased and have no complaints! He goes above and beyond what you ask of him!"
Response time1 day
Recommended by50%of homeowners
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Excavating FAQs, answered by experts

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.

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.

Depending on the severity of the freeze and the method used, thawing frozen underground pipes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Applying heat directly to the pipe using heat tape, infrared lamps, or hot water jetting can speed up the process. However, patience and careful monitoring are key to avoiding pipe damage.

To locate an underground downspout, you should start by identifying where the above ground gutter drains. Look for an entry point, such as a pipe or elbow leading into the ground. Follow the surface path for signs like depressions, landscaping disruptions, or wet areas after rain. You can use a metal detector or plumber’s snake to trace the pipe underground. For deeper pipes, a professional locator tool or camera inspection may be necessary. Visual markers or utility maps can also guide the search.

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.

The Hartford, SD homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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