Spring is when many homeowners focus on outdoor projects they’ve been thinking about for a while. Whether you want to revamp your landscaping, build a backyard pool, upgrade your drainage system, fix water lines, or install a new patio, your project is likely to involve some digging.
When Excavation Work Isn’t a DIY Job
Some homeowners assume a shovel or rented mini-excavator is enough to get the job done. But the truth is that many spring projects require much more than digging a hole. In some cases, the ground conditions, surrounding structures, or utility locations make DIY excavation risky or impractical. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Your Project Involves Drainage or Grading
Proper grading is the foundation of many outdoor projects, and it’s more complicated than it seems. Even slight miscalculations can cause water to pool near your home or lead to erosion over time. French drains, dry wells, and trench systems must all be sloped correctly to move water away from your foundation. Our professionals can shape the land and establish the right slope, so they actually solve problems rather than create new ones.
You’re Digging Near Utilities, Roots, or Foundations
Anytime your project involves digging near existing structures, whether it’s tree roots, home foundations, or underground utility lines, it’s not worth the risk of guessing. Hitting a gas, water, or sewer line can be dangerous and expensive. Our excavators know how to locate utilities accurately, protect root systems, and dig safely around foundations without destabilizing them.
You’re Digging in the Ozarks’ Unique Terrain
Excavation in Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks region presents challenges that homeowners might not anticipate. The soil here is a mix of clay, loam, and rock, with pockets of limestone bedrock that can interfere with digging or drainage. Uneven terrain adds to the complexity, increasing the risk of runoff issues if the site isn’t handled properly. Local contractors must also comply with environmental regulations that govern setbacks, runoff control, and soil disturbance. Our professionals have extensive knowledge of the area’s terrain and soil behavior, so our excavation work won’t just look good; it will last.
You Need Permits or Specialized Equipment
Many projects that involve digging more than a few feet down require permits or inspections. Even though you’re allowed to dig on your own property, failing to follow local code can lead to costly delays or penalties. Our crew brings in specialized equipment, manages the permits, and ensures compliance with all applicable codes so that your project can move forward without unnecessary setbacks.
Installing a Patio or Outdoor Living Space
A well-built patio, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit area can extend your living space and boost your home’s value, but only if it’s built on a properly prepared base. Unlike general grading or drainage work, patio excavation focuses on stability and structural support.
The ground must be excavated to the right depth, cleared of organic material or debris, and compacted in layers to prevent settling. Skipping these steps can result in shifting pavers, cracked concrete, and uneven surfaces after just one season.
In some of Springfield’s older neighborhoods, we often uncover tree roots, remnants of old footings, and even buried construction debris. These materials have to be removed, not just buried deeper, before your project can begin.
Landscaping and Yard Reshaping
Spring is a great time to take on landscaping projects like reshaping your yard, adding retaining walls, or installing new garden beds. Moving large amounts of soil, correcting uneven terrain, and managing how water drains across your property all call for more than just a shovel and wheelbarrow.
We understand how Springfield’s hills, clay soil, and seasonal rain can create challenges for both appearance and drainage. If you’re planning to level out a section of lawn or install a retaining wall, we make sure the base is compacted and graded correctly.
A poorly excavated slope can lead to soil erosion or flooding after a storm. Retaining walls, in particular, must be backed by firm, well-compacted soil to stay upright and resist pressure over time. Whether you’re aiming for better drainage or a more functional outdoor layout, we take the time to shape your yard with precision and long-term performance in mind.
Drainage System Upgrades
Spring rain and snowmelt often reveal drainage issues that have gone unnoticed during drier months. If water pools in your yard or near your foundation, it may be time to consider a more permanent solution. Systems like French drains, underground gutter extensions, or dry wells can dramatically improve how water is managed on your property. However, installing them correctly means digging deep and doing it right the first time.
We know how to dig trenches with the precise slope needed to move water safely away from your home. Whether we’re installing a French drain or placing a dry well, we make sure these systems work with the lay of your land, not against it. Digging too close to the foundation, hitting utility lines, or misjudging the grade can all lead to bigger problems than the ones you’re trying to fix.
Our team is trained to identify safe distances, tie into existing lines without damage, and complete excavation with long-term function in mind.
Pool Installation or Hot Tub Setup
A recessed hot tub or in-ground pool can transform your backyard, offering a relaxing space to hang out with friends and family. However, these projects are complex and require more than just digging a hole. Significant amounts of earth need to be removed, and navigating around buried utilities like gas, plumbing, and electrical lines close to your home adds another layer of complexity.
One of the most important aspects of pool and hot tub installation is ensuring the ground beneath is properly excavated, compacted, and stable. Without the right excavation, the ground can shift over time, leading to leaks and other costly issues. Our team has the expertise to ensure your pool or hot tub sits securely in solid ground, helping you avoid future headaches.
Septic System Repairs or Installations
As the ground begins to thaw in early spring, you may start to notice signs of septic system issues such as soggy spots in the yard, slow drains, or unpleasant odors. These symptoms often mean that excavation is needed, whether for repairing a leach field, accessing or replacing the tank, or installing a completely new system.
Septic tanks sit several feet underground and must be carefully unearthed without damaging surrounding components. Leach field repairs require digging long trenches with precise spacing and slope to ensure the system functions properly. New installations involve deep excavation, proper grading, and rigorous inspections. We are licensed to handle the entire range of septic service processes safely. Our work will be in compliance with all local codes, helping you avoid fines, contamination, and long-term problems.
Contact Your Local Excavation Experts
Reed's Plumbing & Excavating provides expert, detail-oriented excavating services as well as providing for all your plumbing, drain, sewer, and septic needs. We’re proud to serve residents of Springfield and the surrounding Missouri areas. Our excavation services help you prepare for construction, fix drainage issues, install amenities, and repair or replace underground systems.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your next spring project.
Today!