Do excavation companies need to be licensed?

• <div><p>Most states do not require excavation companies to hold specific licenses, but many require at least a contractor’s license. Additionally, heavy equipment operators require a special commercial equipment license to operate machinery required for excavation. You can use Angi’s <a href="https://www.angi.com/angi-license-check.htm">contractor licensing tool</a> to confirm that an excavation company you’re considering hiring is fully licensed. You should also make sure that the excavation team is fully insured before allowing them to work on your property.</p></div>

Is it better to dig a trench by hand or machine?

• <div><p>It all depends on the scope of the project. A trencher can certainly save time and energy, but you might not need to dig that deep in the first place. Aside from the depth of the trench, the quality of the soil matters. If it’s light, soft soil, you might try a shovel first. However, if the soil is rocky and hard or there are obstructions in it, like tree roots, a machine trencher might be the better option.</p></div>

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Q: Do you have to dig footers for a deck?

• <div><p>You do not have to dig footers for a deck as long as it meets local code and holds up to weather in your area. If you live somewhere that experiences high winds and earthquakes, you may need to dig for your deck posts. Deck blocks, post anchors with base plates, and helical pile systems are the three no-dig deck post options you can choose from if local code permits.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to dig a trench?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/trenching-cost.htm">cost to dig a trench</a> ranges from $400 to $1,200 per 100 linear feet, depending on the soil, depth, and width. Plan to spend $5 to $12 per linear foot for trenching (it&rsquo;ll be on the higher end if you have rocky soil). Renting a trencher costs $100 to $250 per hour, depending on the type of trencher. </p></div>

Q: How deep are septic tanks buried?

• <div><p>Septic tanks are typically buried between four inches and four feet deep, depending on the property, the soil, and the size of the tank. When the septic tank is buried on the deeper end of this range, it may be harder for you to locate it on your own with a soil probe or just by observing the yard for signs of the tank. However, if you have trouble finding the septic tank, a pro will be happy to help you.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Excavation pros in Arena, WI

*The Angi rating for Excavation companies in Arena, WI 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 Arena, WI 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 November 13, 2025

Reviewed in November 2020
Brad was very easy to work with. His prices are very competitive and his customer service is excellent. Even though I contacted him late in the season, he was able to get the job completed. He and his crew completed the connection of the sump pump discharge to a newly installed municipal...
Extreme Lawns
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Reviewed in March 2019
I can't say enough good things about our project with Green Future Construction. We had developed a bad water leak along one wall of our basement which we diagnosed as coming from a depression and water channels caused by a decayed tree stump under our ground level deck. Rather than deal with...
Green Future Construction
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Reviewed in May 2016
Kirch's price was incredibly competitive with other bids. He thoroughly explained some additional options he could provide and was very easy to work with. The extra considerations he gave were ones that the other excavators didn't mention, like building up the low parts of the land with the...
Kirch Excavating Service LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
We hired this company because the came in with the low bid among several highly regarded landscape companies that we interviewed. In retrospect, we really regret this decision. First, the small stuff. After they seeded the lawn, wind blew much of the seeds into the mulch beds where the grass...
Herman Landscape Service Inc
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Reviewed in July 2011
Sometimes you wonder how a contractor can sleep at night. This is one of those. Tony did not have the license or the skills to do my job, but wouldn't admit it. I gave him plans in late June. By December he still hadn't managed to get an accurate quote for the work we needed done, though he...
Nicholson Home Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2010
Signed contract 2/09 and were told we were second on the list, excavation would begin 4/09 and we would "be swimming by memorial day". The only pool we got was a pool of lies and excuses why nothing was done. Pool manufacturer contacted us in June wanting to know why we were constantly...
Lake Country Pool & Sunroom LLC
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Reviewed in December 2009
I had never even heard of Egnoski Excavating. He was brought in as a sub contractor by my concrete company. They had nothing but praise for him reassuring me that I was in good hands. It wasn't long after watching the progress I could tell this guy was not your average excavator, he should be...
TOM EGNOSKI CONSTRUCTION
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Tree Removal Service

Building Site Preparation and Clearing

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

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Dc Excavating

Dc Excavating

Arneson Contracting

Arneson Contracting

Hall and Son

Hall and Son

Jones Earthmoving & Logging

Jones Earthmoving & Logging

Hendrickson's Tree & Landscape, LLC

Hendrickson's Tree & Landscape, LLC

J.E. Britton Company

J.E. Britton Company

Thornton Construction

Thornton Construction

Peckham Landscaping & Excavating LLC

Peckham Landscaping & Excavating LLC

Mandt Sandfill

Mandt Sandfill

J&M Services

J&M Services

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