Top-rated excavation pros.

Get matched with top excavation pros in Gretna, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your excavation project in Gretna, VA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Gretna, VA

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Gretna, VA 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 Gretna, VA 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 March 13, 2026

Find Excavation pros in Gretna

Apex Earthworks LLC
5.0(
1
)

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

"Ive had my driveway "fixed" by a couple of different companies over the years and it never lasted — washouts, ruts, standing water, the same problems creeping back within a season. Apex Earthworks actually diagnosed why it kept failing instead of just patching the surface again. They regraded it properly and addressed the drainage, not just the driveway itself. It's been solid through everything since, no ruts, no washouts, no puddles. What stood out most was that Gaige and his Crew clearly know what they're doing — this isn't guesswork, it's actual expertise in grading and drainage. They showed up when they said they would, and cleaned up the site when they were done. After years of paying other people to "fix" my driveway, it's a relief to have it actually done right the first time. I will recommend Apex Earthworks to everyone!! Thank you Gaige!! Your professionalism speaks volumes!!"
Request Quote
Mitchell's Excavating
New to Angi

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

With years of experience serving the area, we are your solution for all your excavation needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Check out our 5 star reviews from happy customers! Call us today so we can discuss your needs and make a plan that fits your budget. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Request Quote
Hackney’s Excavating
New to Angi

Serving Gretna, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hackney’s Excavating 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.

Request Quote
Showing 1-10 of 27
Excavating questions, answered by experts

Yes. A metal detector is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find your septic tank. However, metal detectors can be too expensive (costing upward of $300 in some cases), and not everyone has a metal detector just lying around. If that’s the case for you, you can also take a long metal rod and poke it into the ground at regular intervals until you hit something—likely your septic tank lid.

After you successfully remove your boulder, you have a few options for what to do to get rid of it. You can rent a dumpster if your yard has many boulders or if you’re planning a larger project. You can even save the boulder and reuse it elsewhere on your property to save on landscaping costs. A few ideas include using the boulder as a natural, abstract statue, breaking it into smaller pieces to line your garden bed, or offering it to a landscaping company that could reuse it for another project.

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.

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. 

If you’re planning to dig on your property, you’ll need to check for underground utility lines. Call the national call-before-you-dig 811 number. Once connected to an operator, you can schedule a site visit to mark underground lines. This way, you won’t accidentally dig into pipes and can cause major (read: costly) issues.

The Gretna, VA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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

See all articles