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TRUSTED BY COLUMBIA, VA HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.1
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon15
    Verified excavation services reviews

Find Excavation pros in Columbia

Avatar for The Septic Sheriff
The Septic Sheriff
4.7(
61
)
Landscape - Minor Grading or Resloping

Serving Columbia, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Total Landscape transformed our community front entrance. Fantastic job! Will definitely use in the future for our HOA and personal landscaping needs! Thanks for such a great job. The front entrance has never looked better!"
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for DJ Ware Enterprises, LLC
DJ Ware Enterprises, LLC
5.0(
10
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingExcavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For Business+1 more

Serving Columbia, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We have bought 2 loads of gravel from DJ on two different occasions for our driveway. He gave us the best deal on gravel we were able to find, he delivered it the next day and spread it down our driveway evenly. On a third occasion he removed a massive stump from our side yard. Again, his quote was very reasonable, he came over that same week and the stump was out and moved where we wanted it in less than an hour. I can't recommend DJ Ware and his company highly enough."
Driveway install
Lot clearing
Curb and creek job
Retention pond
Driveway install

+22

Response time1 day
Response rate90%
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Costal Land Construction
Costal Land Construction
4.9(
14
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Columbia, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired coastal landscape construction to install a concrete walk way on my new construction house and couldn’t be happier with the finished product and the company. Bobby was professional and very easy to work with, his crew was skilled, and they left the jobsite cleaner than when he got there. After working with a lot of contractors building this house I can’t say enough good things about this company. Highly recommend"
Land Clearing
Response time1 day
Recommended by7%of homeowners
Avatar for Gabriel & Gail Better Business
Gabriel & Gail Better Business
3.6(
33
)
Building Site - Preparation and ClearingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping+2 more

Serving Columbia, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"

Initially, he seemed like he was very very knowledgeable, very friendly and gave us thoughts that he knew what he was doing. They arrived on time. They're very good. The crew was pretty quick and efficient. One problem I had was they didn't come with enough materials. They had to reschedule for a completion of some. There were some minor issues that we ran into. They were supposed to paint the chimney cap and never actually did that. It's not a big deal but the other thing was the warranty and we kind of had a fight with them for the warranty to actually be processed. The warranty was the big thing and it was a lifetime warranty and I guess there were personal things that came up. It was just basically what I've learned late, but it took us probably eight months to get the warranty to be processed. That was my biggest concern, but the warranty company ensures me that everything is good even though the paperwork has the wrong number on there and I am assuming that's because they had the wrong number initially which is why they didn't have enough material.

"
Charcoal GAF High Definition Shingle
Vent Ridge Installation
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Avatar for Legacy Earth and Arbor
Legacy Earth and Arbor
5.0(
3
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing - For BusinessExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Columbia, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I can?t say enough good things about Donnie and his work! He recently cleared my land in preparation for a new building, and he did an outstanding job from start to finish. Donnie is extremely skilled, professional, and efficient, you can tell he takes real pride in his work. He communicated clearly throughout the entire process and made sure everything was done exactly the way I wanted. The property looks amazing and was finished right on schedule. I?d highly recommend Donnie to anyone needing land clearing or site prep work, you won?t be disappointed!"
Pond dredge
Pond dredge
Pond dredge
Response time7 hrs
Response rate100%
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Excavating questions, answered by experts

Tree experts don’t advise against digging through tree roots, but instead encourage caution and consultation with a local arborist to make sure you don’t damage the tree’s structure or interrupt its water or nutrient intake. An arborist can recommend specific practices when digging and help prune the roots or dig a trench for utilities with a tool that can remove soil without touching the tree’s roots.

Depth is not a qualifying component of evacuation. Any human-made cut, cavity, or depression in the earth’s surface is considered excavation. The hole from excavation can be any size, shape, or depth. Excavation is used to create foundations, reservoirs, drainage ditches, and roads. Long, narrow excavations are called trenches and are often used for underground utilities.

The rules and regulations regarding groundwater use vary between states. To find out if you can dig a well on your property, you’ll have to consult these regulations, address any compliance requirements, and get the appropriate permits. It’s also important to check that your intended location has the right geology and water table to support a well.

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. 

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.

The Columbia, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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