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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Watertown, SD

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Watertown, SD 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 Watertown, SD 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 January 04, 2026

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Avatar for Integrity Services

Integrity Services

4.22(
9
)
•Approved Pro

Integrity Services

4.22(
9
)
•Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
10 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

At Integrity Services, we pride ourselves on providing quality service that customers can believe in. Whether it's tree removal, or brick or stone patio installation, we can take care of all of your landscaping needs. We look forward to working with you!

"They did a very good professional job. I was very satisfied with them. They showed up when they said they would and completed the job to my satisfaction."

John H on November 2020

At Integrity Services, we pride ourselves on providing quality service that customers can believe in. Whether it's tree removal, or brick or stone patio installation, we can take care of all of your landscaping needs. We look forward to working with you!

"They did a very good professional job. I was very satisfied with them. They showed up when they said they would and completed the job to my satisfaction."

John H on November 2020

Avatar for R&N Land Clearing

R&N Land Clearing

4.00(
1
)
•Approved Pro

R&N Land Clearing

4.00(
1
)
•Approved Pro
2 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your property with respect and care. We offer tree trimming and removal services that are customizable to the needs of the home or business owner. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Large amount of work was needed, and job is about 80% complete. Hard workers that want to do a great job. Very courteous and professional when discussing details. They were willing to rent special equipment to get the work finished. "

Darwin E on April 2025

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your property with respect and care. We offer tree trimming and removal services that are customizable to the needs of the home or business owner. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

"Large amount of work was needed, and job is about 80% complete. Hard workers that want to do a great job. Very courteous and professional when discussing details. They were willing to rent special equipment to get the work finished. "

Darwin E on April 2025

Royal Nielsen Construction

No reviews yet

Royal Nielsen Construction

No reviews yet
66 years of experience

With plenty of experience as utilities contractors, we use the most advanced equipment to provide quality excavation work on your property. Call us today in Piedmont. Snow Removal services available.

With plenty of experience as utilities contractors, we use the most advanced equipment to provide quality excavation work on your property. Call us today in Piedmont. Snow Removal services available.

Excavating questions, answered by experts

Hardscaping often requires preparation of the ground in the area where the feature is being installed. This can include digging, compacting, and leveling the soil, ensuring adequate drainage, and removing any existing plants. The extent of preparation needed will depend on the type and size of the hardscaping feature being installed.

A walk-behind trencher can cut through roots as long as they’re not too thick, making a project much easier than digging with a shovel and other hand tools. Assess your terrain and the number of trees in the surrounding area to determine if a walk-behind trencher will ease the job. Digging a trench by hand is much more time-consuming and labor-intensive. 

Using a drill to bore holes in the stump's center speeds up the process, whatever method you use. If you don’t have a drill, you can still chainsaw or chisel the stump to make it hollow; it will just take more elbow grease and time. Steer clear of burning the stump to hollow it if you can’t drill some holes in it first. Otherwise, getting it to light, stay lit, and burn right through will be a challenge.

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.

Whether you grind or dig up and remove your tree stump depends on your landscaping goals. Using a stump grinder leaves the root system in place for it to decompose over time, whereas digging up the tree stump removes the roots and the stump. Overall, stump grinding is a far simpler process since you won’t need to deal with the roots. Stump removal will make your yard look like a demolition site, but you’ll have an easier time replanting in the same place as your former tree.

The Watertown, SD 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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