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Top-Rated Excavation pros in Essex - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Rabbit Hardscape & Excavation
Rabbit Hardscape & Excavation
4.6(
9
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingBuilding Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"We had a great experience with this excavation project. The work was completed professionally, efficiently, and with great attention to detail. The team was reliable, hardworking, and respectful of the property throughout the entire job. Even though it was a small project, they treated it with the same level of care and professionalism as a much larger job. Communication was clear, the work area was kept organized, and everything was completed as expected. I?m very happy with the results and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for quality excavation work."
Yard cleanup
Yard cleanup
Yard cleanup
Planting
Planting

+14

8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by62%of homeowners
Avatar for ENTECH-Environmental Technicians
ENTECH-Environmental Technicians
4.8(
276
)
Water or Fuel Tank - Remove

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Rick was prompt, friendly and professional. He, covered all the important details like permits , fill pipes and preventing a hazardous spill. The details of the work involved with removing my â punkyâ 75 year old unused oil tank could have been a costly and hazardous mess if done wrong. But they anticipated the issues and took care of it all without a problem. Professionals trained for the task are worth the cost. Donâ t hesitate to call them before your problem escalates beyond â punkyâ and every dollar you spend will save hundreds in cleanup costs."
 Tight area
 exposing the tank
 Concrete Driveway
 Breaking Ground
 getting ready to dig

+52

Response time2 days
Response rate97%
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Zacarias Tree & Landscaping, Inc.
Zacarias Tree & Landscaping, Inc.
4.4(
68
)
Building Site - Preparation and Clearing

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"We recently hired Zacarias Tree & Landscaping to remove four very large ash trees from our properties, and we couldn't have been more impressed. The work required a crane because the trees were close to our homes, neighboring properties, stone walls and gardens. From start to finish, the crew was professional, organized and extremely skilled. It was clear that everyone knew exactly what to do, and they worked together with remarkable precision to protect the surrounding property while safely removing the trees. They arrived when they said they would, worked efficiently and left the property clean when the job was finished. We were so pleased with their work that we will also ask them to return to plant new trees. If you're looking for a company that is experienced, careful and takes pride in doing the job right, I highly recommend Zacarias Tree & Landscaping."
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal
Tree removal

+10

Response time12 hrs
26 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Willow Creek Land Design
Willow Creek Land Design
4.2(
150
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Professional-Meticulous-Skilled Hiring Willow Creek Land Design was the best decision I could have made! There were many companies to choose from but Willow Creek stood above the rest. It began with an immediate response to my inquiry and continued throughout the project. Communication and prompt response made the process easy. Each interaction was professional and pleasant. I asked for several project bids and needed several drawings to submit with permits, each request was hand carried within a day or 2. Willow Creek was the best choice for many reasons; their excellent management was carried through in the quality of their team. Johnny and his crew treated the jobsite, my property, like it was their own. They put plywood down to protect the area where they would be walking. Meticulously attending to the smallest detail, they worked like a well,-oiled machine, creating a wall I wanted them to sign when it was done! I am a designer myself and I am very particular, I see details many people could care less about. This crew is just like me! I was happy to see that one of Johnny's go-to tools was his level! I could not be happier and if their was a rating higher than 5 I would have given it. I have much more work that needs to be done and I'm feeling great about having the best team to help me accomplish it all! I highly recommend Willow Creek Land Design. Grateful in Kingston, Doreen P."
Landscape Design & Install
Spring Clean up
Spring Clean up and Mulch Application
Drone view of raised retention wall garden bed
Ground level view

+12

Response time1 day
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Ray Hamilton Trucking & Excavation
3.0(
2
)
Excavation - Major Grading or ReslopingExcavation - Major Grading or Resloping - For Business

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

With over 20 years experience Ray Hamilton Trucking & Excavation provides quality work to our customers in doing a variety of projects. We specialize in all landscaping and tree work for both residential and commercial properties. We take pride in always being prompt, punctual and professional with every project that we complete. When you need a pro call us we will make sure you're happy with the service we provide.

Response time2 hrs
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Davis & Sons
2.5(
13
)
Excavation - Major Grading or Resloping

Serving Essex, MA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

"Davis and Sons completed a number of challenging projects for my wife and I. First, David Davis completed the trench work for installing an undeground electric utility that required him working closely with the municipal wiring inspector and my electrician. He also installed a large, steel rebar reinforced retaining wall in our backyard -- which was a tight space to maneuver. Davis also built us a very attractive concrete driveway and supporting L-shaped wall to replace a rotten, wood timber wall on the front of our house. Many of our neighbors have commented on the attractive retaining wall and driveway David Davis built for us."
framing stage
birch ln
 excavation
birch ln
 footing/stone

+6

Response time4 days
Recommended by75%of homeowners
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FAQs for excavation projects in Essex, MA

Depth depends on the type of installation and the regulations in your area. Water supply lines typically require 24 inches, while drainage pipes are often installed 36 inches below grade. For most general projects, a depth of 12 to 24 inches and a width of about eight inches is sufficient. Sticking to these specs keeps your utilities safe, code-compliant, and easier to maintain later.

When you need to run utilities underground, you’ve got two main options: boring or trenching. Boring employs directional drilling to install utilities without exposing a continuous channel, while trenching requires excavating an open channel to place utilities securely. Directional drilling preserves landscape integrity, whereas trenching provides direct access for installation, albeit with greater surface disruption. This clear comparison helps you select the method best suited to your project.

Plan on 12 hours to dig 100 linear feet when the soil is cooperative and you can work continuously. This timeframe applies when work is performed consistently and methodically. Factors such as rocky soil, tree roots, obstructions, and frozen ground increase the overall duration, demanding extra planning and effort. Comprehensive operational planning ensures that every challenge is managed efficiently and the project is completed on schedule.

If you want your yard to look untouched, laying fresh sod over the trench is the quickest fix. New sod needs 30 to 45 days to root and blend with the rest of your lawn. A local sod pro can provide you with a firm timeline and tips to ensure the grass takes hold and maintains your curb appeal.

The Essex, MA homeowners’ guide to excavation services

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