Who to Hire to Dig a Trench: Here’s Who to Call

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to dig a trench, a local excavation company is the right choice. Reputable firms are licensed, bonded, and insured, and they understand local soil conditions, permits, and regulations. For safety, pros coordinate with utility companies and identify line locations—and you must call 811 before any digging. Use this excavation hiring guide to prioritize safety, speed, and liability coverage.

Benefits of Hiring an Excavation Company to Dig a Trench

Excavation companies bring local expertise, purpose-built equipment, and a trained crew to finish trenching safely and efficiently. Trenching without experience risks personal injury, property damage, and costly utility strikes. When you hire an insured excavation contractor, they assume liability for proper, code‑compliant work from layout through digging and restoration.

Consider these benefits of hiring an excavation company to dig a trench:

• Knowledge of local soil, permits, and regulations

• Specialized trenching machinery and tools

• Coordination with utilities to locate lines

• Reduced risk of injury and property damage

• Handles obstacles like roots and rocky soil

• Provides insured work and clear scope

• Marks layout and protects salvaged landscaping

• Digs to specified depth and width

If your trenching project involves complex site conditions or you want to ensure everything is handled professionally, consider hiring a french drain contractor near you to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently.

Can I Hire a Landscaper to Dig a Trench?

Landscapers can dig trenches for underground sprinkler systems and drainage, which keeps yard-focused projects straightforward. For exceptionally long, deep, or complex trenches, hire a dedicated excavation pro with heavier equipment and broader trenching experience. Landscapers suit simpler layouts; excavation companies handle demanding terrain, obstacles, and stricter requirements. When safety and complexity increase, excavation specialists are the better fit.

How Do Excavation Companies Dig Trenches?

Pros follow a clear, step‑by‑step process to keep trenching organized, safe, and compliant. They begin with site evaluation and planning, then confirm the location of buried utilities before any soil is moved. Layout markings guide precise digging, and crews protect any plants you want to keep. Each project varies, but the workflow stays consistent to support safe, accurate results:

1. Assess the project and evaluate the site.

2. Provide a detailed contract and scope of work.

3. Check the location of pipes and utility lines.

4. Mark the trench layout.

5. Remove topsoil and any plants to be saved.

6. Dig to the required depth and width.

After digging, drainage pros install the intended lines, obtain inspection approval, then backfill and restore landscaping

How Much Does Digging a Trench Cost?

Labor for digging a trench averages $5 to $12 per linear foot. Your total cost changes with trench length and depth, soil conditions (such as roots or rocky ground), and site accessibility. Equipment needs and uneven terrain add complexity and time. Digging by hand is slow and strenuous, while professional crews and machinery complete longer runs faster and with less disruption to your yard.