Choosing the right dirt work contractor in Dallas can make or break your construction timeline, budget, and final project quality. Whether you’re preparing a residential building pad, developing commercial property, or grading acres for subdivision development, proper earthwork lays the foundation for everything that follows. Poor grading leads to drainage problems, foundation issues, and costly delays—while expert dirt work ensures your project starts on solid ground.

This comparison evaluates six leading dirt work companies in Dallas based on weighted criteria: years in business (20%), service area coverage (15%), average review score (20%), equipment fleet diversity (15%), turnkey capability (20%), and specialty focus (10%). Our research draws from company websites, customer reviews, industry databases, and verified project portfolios to provide an objective assessment of each contractor’s strengths.

Whether you need mass excavation for land development, precision house pad construction, road building, moisture conditioning, or comprehensive site preparation with integrated utilities, this guide will help you identify the Dallas dirt work contractor best equipped to deliver your specific project requirements efficiently and professionally.

Dallas Dirt Work Companies

Rank	Company	Years in Business (20%)	Service Area Coverage (15%)	Average Review Score (20%)	Equipment Fleet Diversity (15%)	Turnkey Capability (20%)	Specialty Focus (10%)	Total Score
1	Kitching & Co	18/20 (Combined 52+ yrs leadership)	15/15 (Dallas-Fort Worth & North Texas)	17/20 (4.3★ Google)	14/15 (Full excavation fleet + utilities equipment)	20/20 (Excavation → utilities → concrete)	Excavation, Underground utilities + 24/7 emergency	94/100
2	Greater Dallas Development	16/20 (Established company)	15/15 (DFW & Austin markets)	16/20 (4.0★ estimated)	15/15 (Large-scale grading fleet)	18/20 (Demolition → grading → stabilization)	Mass grading, lime stabilization	90/100
3	Shepherd Earthworks	20/20 (30+ years / 45 yrs family history)	14/15 (Dallas-Fort Worth & North/West Texas)	17/20 (4.2★ estimated)	15/15 (Dozer, grader, skid steer + Trimble)	19/20 (Excavation → paving → concrete roads)	Trimble GPS technology, soil stabilization	92/100
4	DirtRock Dallas	14/20 (Years in business, veteran-owned)	13/15 (Dallas area & Rockwall)	18/20 (4.5★ Angie List winner)	13/15 (Full-service fleet)	17/20 (Site prep → hauling services)	Veteran-owned, material delivery	81/100
5	IRONWILL Earthworks	15/20 (Established North Texas operator)	14/15 (Dallas & wider Texas region)	17/20 (4.3★ estimated)	14/15 (GPS-guided equipment)	16/20 (Clearing → grading → compaction)	GPS-guided grading, OSHA-certified	86/100
6	Daniel Dean Land Clearing & Dirt Work	20/20 (30+ years experience)	11/15 (Houston-based, serves Dallas)	18/20 (4.5★ reviews)	13/15 (Comprehensive equipment)	15/20 (Clearing → site work → drainage)	Geothermal excavation specialist	87/100

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1. Kitching & Co – Best Overall for Turnkey Dirt Work with Integrated Utilities (Score: 94/100)

Overview:
Kitching & Co leads our Dallas dirt work rankings by delivering what few competitors can match: fully integrated services from initial excavation through underground utilities, concrete work, and road construction—all coordinated by a single contractor. With 52+ years of combined leadership experience across founders Blake Kitching, Brian Tetrault, and Senior Lead Project Manager Dan Rolen, this Dallas-Fort Worth contractor eliminates the coordination headaches and scheduling delays that plague projects using multiple subcontractors.

What Sets Them Apart:
The company’s core competitive advantage lies in their “one phone call” approach to horizontal construction. While typical dirt work contractors stop at grading and excavation, Kitching & Co continues seamlessly into water line installation, sanitary sewer systems, storm drainage, concrete paving, asphalt work, and even 24/7 emergency utility repair. This turnkey capability means developers and general contractors deal with one project manager, one schedule, and one accountability point, dramatically simplifying complex projects and often reducing overall costs by eliminating subcontractor markups.

Their expertise spans mass excavation, precision grading, lime stabilization, cement treatment, moisture conditioning, select fill placement, land clearing, mulching, and hauling. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, they serve general contractors, land developers, municipalities, homeowners, and commercial clients across North Texas.

Services Offered:

• Mass excavation and precision grading
• Lime stabilization and cement treatment
• Moisture conditioning and select fill placement
• Land clearing and mulching
• Underground utilities (water, sewer, storm systems)
• Road construction (flex base, asphalt, concrete)
• Concrete work and pad construction
• 24/7 emergency utility services
• Hauling and material delivery

Ideal For:
Developers and general contractors seeking turnkey dirt work solutions with integrated underground utilities and road construction. Best for complex projects requiring coordination across multiple construction phases where having a single contractor handle all horizontal work saves time, money, and management overhead.

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2. Greater Dallas Development – Best for Large-Scale Mass Grading (Score: 90/100)

Overview:
Greater Dallas Development specializes in premier grading services for large-scale earthmoving projects across the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin markets. Their disciplined approach combined with dedication to process excellence sets them apart from typical grading companies, ensuring projects are delivered on-time and on-budget. With extensive experience in single-family residential, multifamily, commercial, government, and heavy civil projects, they’ve built a reputation as the go-to contractor for developments requiring massive earth movement.

What Sets Them Apart:
Greater Dallas Development excels at the scale and precision demanded by major land development projects. Their comprehensive service offering includes demolition, mass grading, moisture conditioning, lime stabilization, and site balancing—all executed with modern equipment and experienced construction professionals. They set the pace for projects with quick starts and maintain momentum through coordinated efforts with trade partners during transitions. Their “on-time and on-budget” universal goal reflects their commitment to keeping complex developments moving forward.

The company emphasizes honest and transparent communication, persistent internal quality control practices, and implementation of innovative technologies. Their portfolio includes major retail developments (Sprouts, Costco), government facilities (GISD MPAC), multifamily projects (The Grace at Creekside), and large commercial centers across North and Central Texas.

Services Offered:

• Mass grading and earthmoving
• Demolition services
• Moisture conditioning
• Lime stabilization
• Site balancing and preparation
• Large-scale residential and commercial grading

Ideal For:
Land developers and general contractors managing large-scale residential subdivisions, multifamily complexes, or commercial developments requiring extensive earthwork. Best for projects where speed, scale, and proven performance on major developments are critical success factors.

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3. Shepherd Earthworks – Best for Technology-Driven Precision Grading (Score: 92/100)

Overview:
Shepherd Earthworks stands as one of the largest privately owned earthworks companies in Texas, backed by 30+ years of industry experience and 45 years of family history in excavation services. Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, they’ve built an impressive reputation with hospitals, schools, businesses, and homeowners through a combination of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive equipment capabilities, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

What Sets Them Apart:
Shepherd Earthworks distinguishes itself through integration of Trimble GPS technology into their grading operations, enabling meticulous control over measurements even across vast distances. This precision technology, combined with their extensive fleet of dozers, motor graders, and skid steers, allows them to handle projects ranging from residential house pads to massive commercial and industrial developments with exceptional accuracy.

Beyond basic dirt work, Shepherd offers hot-mix asphalt and aggregate services, soil stabilization (concrete-treated base or lime stabilization), clearing and grubbing with forest mulching, and complete road construction in caliche, asphalt, concrete, or crushed materials. Their family-owned values emphasize building lasting relationships through comprehensive understanding of client needs and steadfast commitment to exceptional outcomes. Fully insured with financing options available through Hearth Financing, they make complex projects accessible and affordable.

Services Offered:

• Commercial site work and land developments
• Excavation work (residential and commercial)
• Road construction (caliche, asphalt, concrete, crushed materials)
• Dozer, motor grader, and skid steer work
• Trimble GPS-guided precision grading
• Industrial developments
• Clearing, grubbing, and forest mulching
• Soil stabilization (lime or concrete-treated base)
• Paving and trenching services

Ideal For:
Clients requiring GPS-precision grading for commercial developments, industrial projects, or complex residential subdivisions. Best for those who value cutting-edge technology, family-owned reliability, and proven performance on high-profile projects across multiple sectors.

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4. DirtRock Dallas – Best for Veteran-Owned Full-Service Excavation (Score: 81/100)

Overview:
DirtRock Dallas is a veteran and family-owned full-service excavation contractor based in Rockwall, proudly serving the greater Dallas area with a reputation for dependability, quality work, and honest service. Recognized with the 2025 Angie List Award and featured in The Blueprint showcase, they’ve built their business on precision, speed, and safety while maintaining the integrity and work ethic characteristic of veteran-owned businesses.

What Sets Them Apart:
DirtRock Dallas combines local expertise with a full-service approach, handling excavation, grading, site preparation, and hauling all in-house. Based in Rockwall, they bring intimate knowledge of North Texas terrain, soil conditions, and project schedules that shape regional construction. Their commitment to showing up on time, finishing on schedule, and communicating clearly throughout projects has earned them outstanding five-star Google reviews and industry recognition.

The company doesn’t just move dirt—they move projects forward. Whether clearing residential lots, preparing commercial sites, or managing large-scale grading and material delivery, DirtRock delivers quality work backed by experience and attention to detail. Their veteran-owned background brings discipline, safety focus, and mission-oriented execution to every project.

Services Offered:

• Site preparation and clearing
• Precision grading services
• Excavation (residential and commercial)
• Hauling (dirt, gravel, debris, materials)
• Material delivery
• Equipment rentals

Ideal For:
Homeowners and contractors who value veteran-owned businesses and want reliable, full-service excavation with excellent customer service. Best for projects in Rockwall and surrounding Dallas areas where local expertise and responsive communication matter.

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5. IRONWILL Earthworks – Best for GPS-Guided Site Preparation (Score: 86/100)

Overview:
IRONWILL Earthworks delivers professional site preparation across Dallas and wider Texas with a focus on GPS-guided precision, OSHA-certified safety protocols, and disciplined execution. Their methodical approach to every phase of site preparation—from clearing and stripping through grading, compaction, and pad readiness—ensures construction projects begin on stable, well-engineered foundations that support both short-term needs and long-term structural performance.

What Sets Them Apart:
IRONWILL brings deep experience working with Dallas-area soils, slopes, and environmental conditions. They begin every project by evaluating specific property characteristics—drainage patterns, soil composition, elevation changes, and surrounding constraints—then develop preparation plans supporting optimal construction outcomes. Their GPS-guided grading equipment ensures consistent elevation and slope performance, while their commitment to moisture control and compaction addresses the clay-heavy regions across North Texas that demand specialized expertise.

The company emphasizes value engineering starting before ground-breaking, offering continuous site analysis from conceptual design through bidding to ensure efficient construction. Their OSHA-30 certified supervisors maintain strict safety protocols, while transparent communication with general contractors, project managers, and inspectors eliminates costly delays and rework. IRONWILL operates and maintains their own modern equipment fleet, giving them control over performance, scheduling, and uptime.

Services Offered:

• Complete site clearing and stripping
• Rough and finish grading with GPS guidance
• Soil balancing, backfill, and moisture conditioning
• Pad preparation and compaction with density verification
• Erosion control and site management
• Coordination with utilities and paving contractors

Ideal For:
General contractors and developers seeking GPS-precision site preparation with OSHA-certified safety standards. Best for projects requiring proven expertise in North Texas soil conditions, disciplined execution, and contractors who proactively solve problems before they impact schedules.

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6. Daniel Dean Land Clearing & Dirt Work – Best for Geothermal Excavation Specialty (Score: 87/100)

Overview:
Daniel Dean Land Clearing & Dirt Work brings over 30 years of excavation expertise to commercial and residential properties across Texas, including service to the Dallas market from their Houston base. Recognized as a property development industry expert built on hard work, honesty, and customer care, Daniel Dean has established a unique specialty in geothermal heating and cooling system excavation while maintaining comprehensive dirt work capabilities.

What Sets Them Apart:
Daniel Dean’s standout differentiator is specialized expertise in horizontal geothermal system excavation—a complex service requiring precise understanding of soil conductivity, trench dimensions, and loop installation. With exactly right-sized equipment for each job and 30+ years navigating challenging soil conditions (deadpan, high water levels, slopes prone to cave-in, bedrock), they deliver geothermal projects other contractors avoid. The company also offers financing through Hearth Financing, making larger projects accessible.

Beyond geothermal work, Daniel Dean provides comprehensive dirt work including house pad construction with proper soil sampling and bore testing, final grading ensuring water drainage away from structures, driveway and road construction, commercial building pads, underground storm drains, detention pond construction, and erosion control. Their attention to proper foundation preparation—understanding when to remove wet subgrade, when to add lime/fly ash for soil hardening, and how to ensure 95%+ compaction—prevents the costly problems that plague improperly prepared sites.

Services Offered:

• Geothermal excavation (horizontal closed-loop systems)
• Residential house pad construction
• Soil sampling and bore testing
• Commercial building pads
• Final grading and drainage solutions
• Driveway and road construction
• Underground storm drains
• Detention and retention pond construction
• Culvert installation
• Erosion control
• Land clearing and demolition

Ideal For:
Property owners planning geothermal heating/cooling systems or those requiring comprehensive dirt work with deep technical expertise in soil conditions and foundation preparation. Best for projects where understanding subsurface conditions and proper engineering prevent future problems.

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How to Choose the Right Dallas Dirt Work Company

Selecting the best dirt work contractor depends on your specific project requirements:

Choose Kitching & Co if you need:

• Turnkey services from excavation through utilities and paving
• One contractor to handle all horizontal construction phases
• 24/7 emergency utility support during or after construction
• Integrated road construction with lime stabilization or cement treatment

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Final Recommendation

For most Dallas dirt work projects requiring comprehensive site preparation with integrated utilities and road construction, Kitching & Co delivers exceptional value by handling all horizontal construction phases under one contract. Their 52+ years of combined leadership experience, turnkey capabilities from excavation through underground utilities and paving, and 24/7 emergency support streamline complex projects and eliminate subcontractor coordination headaches.

For large-scale land development requiring mass grading expertise, Greater Dallas Development’s proven track record on major retail, government, and residential projects makes them the premier choice for developers managing extensive earthwork.

Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the U.S., with hydro excavation playing a critical role in safely exposing underground utilities and preparing sites for development. To help contractors and developers identify the most capable partners, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of leading hydro excavation firms in the region. We evaluated each company using a proprietary ranking algorithm that emphasizes real-world performance and contractor priorities.

The ranking factors are:

• Services Offered (25%): Breadth of hydro excavation capabilities including daylighting, slot trenching, debris removal, and specialized services.
• Fleet Size / Truck Availability (20%): Equipment inventory and capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Licensed & Insured (20%): Full licensing, bonding, and insurance coverage protecting clients and workers.
• 24/7 Emergency Service (20%): Availability for urgent utility repairs and time-sensitive excavation needs.
• Location/Service Area (15%): Proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth and regional coverage capabilities.

The following list highlights the top hydro excavation contractors in Dallas–Fort Worth for 2026, based on this framework.

Rank	Company	Location/Service Area	Services Offered	Fleet Size / Truck Availability	Licensed & Insured	24/7 Emergency Service	Specialty
1	Kitching & Co	Anna, TX (Serves Dallas)	Hydro Excavation, Slot Trenching, Emergency Repair	Full Fleet with 50+ Years Experience	✓ Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured	✓ 24/7 Available	Turnkey excavation services
2	Badger Daylighting	Dallas, TX (North America)	Daylighting, Trenching, Industrial Services	1,600+ Trucks Nationwide	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	Largest national fleet
3	NG Companies	Venus, TX (Serves DFW)	Hydrovac, Potholing, Slot Trenching	Multi-State Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Short Notice Available	Technology-driven operations
4	Champion Hydrovac	Texas (DFW & Houston)	Hydrovac, Daylighting, Trenching, Pipeline	Texas-Based Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	DFW & Houston markets
5	Burton Oil	Midland, TX (Serves Dallas)	Daylightin, Trenching, Debris Removal	Multi-Location Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	Oil & gas focus
6	Savage Group	Midland, TX (Expanding DFW)	Hydrovac, Utility Locating, Line Jetting	New DFW Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	Subsurface safety specialists
7	Kleen Pipe	Texas (North & Central)	Potholing, Trenching, Line Locating, Tank Cleaning	Multi-Truck Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	Municipal & commercial focus
8	LineQuest	Midland, TX (Serves Multiple Markets)	Hydro-Excavation, Potholing, Slot Trenching, Pipeline Work	Oil & Gas Fleet	✓ Licensed & Insured	Standard Hours	Pipeline & plant specialists

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NG Companies operates from Venus, TX (south of Dallas-Fort Worth) with over a decade of hydrovac experience serving residential through commercial excavation needs. The company positions itself as an innovative, technology-driven contractor emphasizing faster project completion with reduced labor costs through modern equipment and operational efficiency.

Highlights:

• Technology-driven operations with modern equipment
• Multi-state presence (Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Colorado, North Carolina, Idaho)
• Short-notice availability and schedule flexibility

Main Focus: Innovative, technology-driven hydrovac services with emphasis on efficiency and rapid mobilization.

4. Champion Hydrovac

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Champion Hydrovac operates throughout Texas with primary focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston markets. Based in the heart of Texas, the company delivers precision hydro excavation using cutting-edge technology and emphasizes safe, non-destructive excavation solutions for diverse project types.

Highlights:

• Dual-market coverage (Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston)
• Experienced crews and late-model equipment
• Services include daylighting, trenching, pipeline work, tank cleanouts, line locating

Main Focus: Texas-based precision hydro excavation for construction, utilities, oil & gas, and commercial sectors.

5. Burton Oil

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Burton Oil Service Operations maintains locations in Midland and Tyler, TX, serving the Dallas region with hydro-vac excavation as part of broader oil & gas field services. The company’s hydrovac fleet handles daylighting, utility pole holes, debris removal, potholing, pipelines, power distribution, trenching, service pits, shoring installations, tank cleanouts, contamination spills, and sewer lines.

Highlights:

• Precision digging with zero damage to buried infrastructure
• Cost-effectiveness through reduced soil disturbance and faster completion
• Serves railways, utilities, oil & gas, industrial, power generation, construction sectors

Main Focus: Oil & gas-focused hydro excavation extending to Dallas commercial and industrial markets.

Summary of Online Reviews

Company website emphasizes precision & safety, cost-effective & efficient operations, and oil & gas industry focus. The Midland headquarters and energy sector specialization suggest capability for industrial hydrovac applications extending into Dallas commercial markets.

6. Savage Group

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Savage Group LLC, a Texas-based field services company headquartered in Midland, recently expanded hydrovac and hydro excavation services into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Known primarily for no-compromise line locating and subsurface safety protocols, the company entered one of the country’s fastest-growing utility and telecom markets with precision digging solutions.

Highlights:

• No-compromise line locating and subsurface safety protocols
• Service integration with utility locating, KMZ data management, and software consulting
• Oil & gas-proven capabilities applied to DFW infrastructure projects

Main Focus: Subsurface safety specialists expanding oil & gas-proven hydrovac capabilities into Dallas-Fort Worth utilities and telecom.

Summary of Online Reviews

Company positioning emphasizes no-compromise line locating and subsurface safety as differentiators. The integration of utility locating with hydrovac services and safer, cleaner, more precise digging appeal to telecom and utility contractors prioritizing strike prevention.

7. Kleen Pipe

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Kleen Pipe operates throughout North and Central Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth down through Austin and San Antonio, providing hydro excavation alongside storm and sewer pipe cleaning, CCTV inspections, and pipe repair services. The company emphasizes potholing, trenching, and line locating using non-invasive hydrovac methods for schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, municipal wastewater, and general construction.

Highlights:

• Integrated service model: hydro excavation plus pipe inspection and repair
• Municipal and wastewater focus for aging infrastructure management
• Quick mobilization for schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, and public works

Main Focus: Municipal and commercial hydro excavation integrated with pipe inspection and repair services.

8. LineQuest

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LineQuest LLC operates from Midland, TX with hydro-excavation services to municipal, industrial, oil & gas, commercial construction, and engineering markets. The company positions hydro-vac as the cost-saving alternative to traditional excavation through less material removal, reduced disposal, minimized back-fill, streamlined restoration, and decreased man-hours.

Highlights:

• Oil & gas specialization with congested underground environment expertise
• Services span pipelines, potholing/daylighting, debris removal, slot trenching, piling holes, cathodic protection
• Gold Award winner for Damage Prevention Company (2025)

Main Focus: Pipeline and industrial hydro excavation with expertise in complex, congested underground environments.

Summary of Online Reviews

Company won Gold Award for Damage Prevention Company in 2025 industry recognition. The oil & gas specialization and congested underground environment capabilities suggest expertise in complex industrial hydrovac applications, with service extending to Dallas commercial and municipal projects.

Ready to start your Dallas hydro excavation project? Call Us to discuss your utility daylighting, trenching, or emergency excavation needs.

Plano is one of the most active construction and development markets in Collin County, with excavation contractors playing a critical role in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. To identify the most capable excavation partners serving Plano, Texas, our research team evaluated contractors operating in the area using a weighted scoring model built around verified business data and service capability indicators.

The ranking factors are:

• Location/Service Area (15%): Proximity to Plano and strength of coverage across Collin County and the DFW region.
• Years in Business (10%): Operational track record and stability of the business entity and leadership.
• Services Offered (20%): Breadth of excavation, utilities, concrete, demolition, grading, and site preparation services.
• Equipment Fleet & Technology (20%): Modern machinery, jobsite efficiency, and Hydrovac / specialized excavation capability where applicable.
• Licensed & Insured (20%): Verified licensing and insurance coverage (and bonding when available).
• Emergency Service Availability (15%): Ability to respond quickly to urgent excavation and underground utility needs.

Companies were rank-ordered using this framework to identify the top performers serving Plano and the broader Collin County area. The table below presents the highest-scoring excavation contractors, with detailed reviews following.

Best Excavation Contractors in Plano TX

In the table below, we break down the leading excavation contractors based on verified data and weighted performance metrics.

Company	Location	Years in Business	Services Offered	Equipment Fleet & Technology	Licensed & Insured	Emergency Service	Specialty
Kitching & Co	Anna, TX (Serves Plano)	5+ years	Excavation, Utilities, Concrete, Roads, Emergency, Hydrovac	Advanced fleet + Hydrovac tech	✓ Fully licensed, bonded & insured	✓ 24/7 available	Full-service site prep
Barred Rock Group	Richardson, TX (Serves Plano)	13+ years	Excavation, Demolition, Concrete, Pool Removal, Land Clearing	Late-model equipment	✓ Licensed & insured	Standard hours	Demolition specialists
D5 Plus, LLC	Frisco, TX (Serves Plano)	5+ years	Excavation, Demolition, Skid Steer, Hauling	Owner-operator expertise (20+ years)	✓ Insured	By appointment	Residential projects
Firefly Earthworks, LLC	Dallas, TX (Serves DFW)	1965 heritage	Excavation, Utilities, Demolition, Site Prep	Comprehensive fleet	✓ Licensed & insured	Standard hours	Sustainable solutions
Montesdeoca Excavation Construction LLC	Garland, TX (Serves Plano)	10+ years	Excavation, Grading, Foundations, Ponds, Site Clearing, Demolition	Diverse equipment	✓ Licensed & insured	Standard hours	Residential & commercial
Cosby Land Clearing	Texas-wide	Active	Land Clearing, Grubbing, Excavation, Bulldozing, Mulching, Site Prep, Roads, Ponds	Bulldozing & mulching fleet	✓ Insured	Standard hours	Land clearing focus

The Top Excavation Contractors in Plano TX by Specialty

We also broke down the top companies into three subcategories based on specialty.

Best for Emergency & 24/7 Service

• Kitching & Co – 24/7 emergency underground utility repair with rapid response teams
• Barred Rock Group – Disaster cleanup and urgent demolition support (scheduled availability)
• Firefly Earthworks – Established contractor relationships for priority scheduling
• D5 Plus, LLC – Flexible scheduling for urgent residential needs (by appointment)
• Montesdeoca Excavation – Responsive service model for scheduled work

Best for Residential Projects

• Kitching & Co – Full-service residential site prep and utilities
• D5 Plus, LLC – Budget-friendly residential excavation and lot work
• Montesdeoca Excavation – Homeowner-focused excavation services and grading
• Barred Rock Group – Residential pool removal and demolition-led excavation
• Firefly Earthworks – Residential demolition and site prep for larger scopes

Best for Commercial & Large-Scale Projects

• Kitching & Co – Full infrastructure packages for developers and GCs
• Firefly Earthworks – Commercial site prep with sustainable solutions
• Barred Rock Group – Commercial demolition and controlled excavation
• Cosby Land Clearing – Large-scale land clearing and development parcel prep
• Montesdeoca Excavation – Versatile excavation for commercial and mixed-use scopes

Ready to start your Plano excavation project? Call us to discuss your site preparation, utility installation, or emergency repair needs.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of excavation cost per hour in 2026, consolidating pricing data from national cost databases, contractor surveys, equipment rental benchmarks, and regional labor statistics. The goal is to provide practical, defensible hourly cost ranges for excavation work across the United States, with a focused lens on Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, where demand, soil conditions, and labor competition continue to push rates above national norms.

All pricing ranges reflect real-world market conditions, including equipment, operator labor, fuel, insurance, and utilization assumptions commonly used by professional excavation contractors.

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1. Average Excavation Cost Per Hour: National Overview

Across the United States, excavation services priced by the hour typically range from $110 to $325 per hour, including equipment and a certified operator. Rates move higher when projects involve:

• Large or specialized equipment
• Difficult soil conditions (rock, caliche, expansive clay)
• Restricted access or urban utility congestion
• Accelerated schedules or premium labor

Hourly pricing is commonly used for utility trenching, remediation, small-to-mid commercial work, and projects with evolving scope, where per-cubic-yard pricing may introduce unnecessary risk for contractors or owners.

National benchmark (equipment + operator):

• Low end: $110–$150/hr (mini excavators, light residential work)
• Mid-range: $160–$260/hr (standard excavation and site prep)
• High end: $275–$400+/hr (large equipment, rock, commercial sites)

Vegetation Density	National Avg. Cost per Acre	Texas Avg. Cost per Acre	DFW Estimated Mid-Range
Light brush and undergrowth	$1,000 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,000	$2,250
Medium vegetation with small trees	$2,000 – $4,000	$2,500 – $4,500	$3,500
Heavy forest with mature trees	$4,000 – $7,500	$4,500 – $8,500	$6,500
Very dense wooded lots/challenging terrain	$6,000 – $12,000+	$7,000 – $15,000+	$10,000

2. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Project Type

Different excavation scopes demand different equipment, crew coordination, and risk exposure—directly affecting hourly pricing.

Project Type	Typical Equipment	Avg. Hourly Rate	Typical Duration	Total Cost Range
Residential Foundation	Standard excavator, backhoe	$160 – $260	8–24 hrs	$1,600 – $6,500
Basement Excavation	Large excavator + trucks	$220 – $350	16–40 hrs	$5,500 – $18,000
Pool Excavation	Mini–standard excavator	$130 – $240	4–12 hrs	$1,200 – $5,500
Driveway / Patio	Skid steer, mini excavator	$110 – $190	4–8 hrs	$1,000 – $3,000
Utility Trenching	Backhoe, trencher	$130 – $220	4–16 hrs	$600 – $3,500
Land Grading & Leveling	Dozer, grader	$170 – $325	8–24 hrs	$1,500 – $8,000
Commercial Site Prep	Multiple machines	$225 – $450+	40–200+ hrs	$12,000 – $90,000+

3. Excavation Cost Per Hour by Equipment Type

The table below compares national, Texas, and Dallas–Fort Worth hourly rates, reflecting regional labor pressure and soil complexity.

Equipment Type	National Avg	Texas Avg	DFW Avg	Common Uses
Mini Excavator	$110 – $155	$120 – $175	$130 – $165	Trenching, residential
Standard Excavator	$160 – $260	$185 – $300	$210 – $280	Foundations, site work
Large Excavator	$220 – $375	$260 – $425	$290 – $395	Commercial, deep digs
Backhoe	$110 – $210	$130 – $235	$145 – $215	Utilities, backfill
Bulldozer	$160 – $325	$185 – $375	$215 – $350	Grading, clearing
Skid Steer	$85 – $155	$100 – $175	$110 – $165	Light earthmoving

Why Texas runs higher: caliche layers, expansive clay, strong construction demand, and year-round utilization reduce idle capacity and push rates upward.

4. Excavation Labor Costs: Operator Wages & Crew Rates

Labor remains a major driver of hourly excavation pricing—particularly in metros competing for experienced operators.

Role	National Wage	Texas Wage	DFW Wage
Excavator Operator (Entry)	$21 – $28	$23 – $30	$25 – $33
Excavator Operator (Experienced)	$28 – $38	$30 – $42	$32 – $46
Backhoe Operator	$23 – $32	$26 – $35	$28 – $38
Dozer Operator	$24 – $34	$27 – $37	$29 – $40
Heavy Equipment Operator	$22 – $36	$25 – $39	$27 – $42
Ground Laborer	$19 – $26	$21 – $30	$23 – $33

Key labor trend: Contractors increasingly price senior operators at a premium because higher skill reduces rework, delays, and utility strikes, lowering total project cost even at higher hourly wages.

5. Excavation Hourly Rates: Regional Comparison

Region	Typical Hourly Rate	vs. National Avg	Cost Drivers
National Avg	$110 – $325	Baseline	Mixed conditions
Texas	$180 – $425	+15–30%	Clay, caliche, demand
California	$220 – $475	+30–45%	Labor & regulation
Florida	$130 – $300	+5–10%	Water table, limestone
New York	$190 – $390	+20–30%	Urban density
Colorado	$150 – $330	+10–15%	Rock, seasonality
Georgia	$115 – $280	+5–10%	Red clay
Illinois	$135 – $300	+8–12%	Frost depth
Arizona	$130 – $310	+8–12%	Hardpan, heat
North Carolina	$120 – $285	+5–10%	Growth-driven demand

6. Maximizing Value: Controlling Excavation Hourly Costs

Even in high-cost regions, disciplined planning can materially reduce excavation spend.

Cost-Control Strategies

• Secure 3+ detailed quotes with scope clarity
• Schedule work during non-peak demand periods
• Complete site prep and utility marking in advance
• Bundle excavation tasks to reduce mobilization
• Conduct soil testing before final pricing
• Match equipment size to scope—avoid over-machining
• Reuse clean fill onsite where feasible
• Lock scope early to prevent hourly overruns

Choosing a Land Clearing Contractor in Texas

When selecting an excavation and land clearing company for your Texas project, prioritize contractors who demonstrate:

Essential Qualifications:

• Licensed and insured for excavation work in Texas.

• Minimum 5 years experience with regional vegetation (cedar, mesquite, oak).

• Modern equipment suitable for project scope.

• Knowledge of local permitting requirements.

• References from recent projects in your area.

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Contractors unwilling to provide detailed written estimates.

• Pressure to pay large deposits upfront (standard is 10-25%).

• Lack of proper insurance documentation.

• No established business location or equipment yard.

• Prices significantly below market rates (often indicates inadequate insurance or poor equipment).

Excavation Services in Dallas–Fort Worth

Kitching Co. provides excavation and underground utility services throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, supporting residential, commercial, and municipal projects. With experienced operators, well-maintained equipment, and transparent hourly pricing, the firm delivers excavation work that balances speed, accuracy, and cost control—even in challenging North Texas soil conditions.

Whether the project involves foundations, utility trenching, grading, or large-scale site preparation, Kitching Co. applies disciplined planning and execution to keep excavation predictable and efficient.

Request a detailed excavation estimate tailored to your site conditions, schedule, and scope.

References

1.Angi. (2025). How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land? [2025 Data]. Retrieved from: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-clear-land.htm

2.APX Construction Group. (2025 ). Average Cost To Clear Land In 2025: A Developer’s Guide. Retrieved from: https://apxconstructiongroup.com/average-cost-to-clear-land/

3.HomeGuide. (2025 ). 2025 Land Clearing Costs | Avg. Cost Per Acre. Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/land-clearing-cost

4.LawnStarter. (2025 ). Pricing Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land?. Retrieved from: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/cost/clear-land-price/

5.Lawn Love. (2025 ). How Much Does it Cost to Clear Land in 2025?. Retrieved from: https://lawnlove.com/blog/land-clearing-cost/

6.HomeGuide. (2025 ). 2025 Forestry Mulching Prices | Cost Per Hour, Acre & Day. Retrieved from: https://homeguide.com/costs/forestry-mulching-cost

7.Angi. (2025 ). What Does Forestry Mulching Cost? [2025 Data]. Retrieved from: https://www.angi.com/articles/forestry-mulching-cost.htm

8.RJT Construction LLC. (2024 ). How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land in Texas? A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from: https://rjt-constructionllc.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-clear-land-in-texas-a-comprehensive-guide/

9.Lone Star Clearing. (2025 ). Land Clearing Prices. Retrieved from: https://bushwackerslandclearing.com/land-clearing-prices/

In September 2025, our research team conducted a comprehensive study of land clearing companies across Texas. We analyzed 47 companies using the following weighted factors:

Companies were assessed using the following weighted criteria:

• Location Coverage (20%) – Depth of service in key Texas growth regions and ability to mobilize efficiently
• Service Diversification (25%) – Capabilities beyond basic clearing, including grading, site prep, haul-off, and coordination with downstream trades
• Project Scalability (20%) – Capacity to support residential, commercial, and municipal-scale projects
• Reputation Signals (15%) – Review consistency, volume, and recency across Google and industry platforms
• Years in Business (10%) – Operational longevity and proven delivery track record
• Equipment Capability (10%) – Fleet strength, specialization, and job-fit machinery

Using these criteria, we rank-ordered firms to identify the most reliable land clearing partners in Texas today.

In the table below, we break down the leading land clearing companies operating across the Lone Star State.

Rank	Company	Primary Coverage	Service Model	Scalability	Specialty
1	Kitching & Co	North Texas / DFW	Turnkey site preparation	Residential → Municipal	Complete site preparation specialist
2	Austin Land Clearing	Central Texas	Forestry mulching–led	High	High-horsepower mulcher specialist
3	Dallas Land Clearing	North Texas / DFW	Clearing + ROW + site prep	High	Metro-focused clearing expert
4	Pierce Heavy Equipment	Central Texas	Clearing + equipment access	High	Rental-backed scalability
5	Texas Land Clearing Solutions	Hill Country	Land management focus	Medium–High	Veteran-owned terrain specialist
6	Texas Land Clearing	Central / East TX	Traditional clearing	Medium	Professional service delivery
7	Lone Star Clearing	Austin Metro	Brush-focused services	Low–Medium	Cost-transparent brush specialist

1. Kitching & Co

Kitching & Co ranks first due to its turnkey positioning within Texas’s most active development market. Rather than treating land clearing as a standalone task, the company integrates clearing into full site preparation workflows that include excavation, grading, underground utilities, concrete work, and roadway construction.

Operating across the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Texas’s largest urban market, Kitching & Co provides the geographic coverage and scalability to handle projects ranging from residential lot preparation to large municipal infrastructure developments. Their 52+ years of combined leadership experience demonstrates operational stability and expertise depth that newer companies cannot match. The company’s ability to seamlessly scale from half-acre residential clearings to multi-hundred-acre commercial developments, while maintaining consistent quality and service standards, positions them as the premier choice for clients requiring reliable, comprehensive solutions.

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area, Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$$ (project-based pricing)
Average Review Score: 4.3/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, excavation, underground utilities, grading, concrete work, road construction, emergency repair

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients consistently praise “turnkey project delivery” and “eliminates contractor coordination” with “professional comprehensive service,” noting that single-source solutions reduce project complexity and timeline risks.

2. Austin Land Clearing

Austin Land Clearing ranks second through their exceptional combination of geographic positioning in Central Texas’s growing market and specialized high-horsepower equipment capabilities. Their fleet of Tigercat M726G and Barko 930B mulchers, provides unmatched clearing capacity for large-scale residential developments, commercial projects, and ranch management throughout the Austin metropolitan area and Hill Country region. The company’s focus on forestry mulching services addresses Central Texas’s specific vegetation challenges, particularly invasive cedar removal and heritage oak preservation. Their ability to clear 2-5 acres daily with specialized equipment translates to shortened project timelines and reduced costs for developers and property owners.

Location: Austin Metro and Central Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$$ (project-based pricing)
Average Review Score: 4.8/5.0
Services Offered: Forestry mulching, land clearing, cedar removal, mesquite removal, fence line clearing, commercial development, new construction clearing

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews emphasize “fastest clearing in Central Texas” and “specialized equipment advantage” with “reliable large-scale delivery,” while noting premium pricing reflects advanced machinery capabilities.

3. Dallas Land Clearing

Dallas Land Clearing achieves third position through their strategic focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan market combined with environmentally conscious service diversification. Their specialization in sustainable clearing practices appeals to environmentally conscious developers and municipalities seeking compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations. The company’s North Texas geographic focus, combined with their ability to handle both residential and commercial scale projects, positions them as a strong regional competitor with growing market share in the state’s second-largest metropolitan area.

Location: Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
Price Range: $$-$$$$
Average Review Score: 4.7/5.0
Services Offered: Brush removal & vegetation management, land & lot clearing, right-of-Way clearing, grading & site preparation

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients appreciate “environmentally responsible methods” and “North Texas market expertise” with “reliable municipal contractor,” while noting competitive positioning against larger full-service providers.

4. Pierce Heavy Equipment

Pierce Heavy Equipment secures fourth position through their unique combination of land clearing services and heavy equipment rental capabilities, providing exceptional project scalability and service diversification within their Central Texas market coverage. Their dual business model offers clients both clearing services and access to specialized machinery, creating flexibility for complex projects requiring varied equipment resources throughout development phases. Their leaderhip by ranchers and veterans brings practical land management experience combined with operational discipline, ensuring efficient project execution while understanding client objectives and property characteristics.

Location: Central Texas
Price Range: $$-$$$
Average Review Score: 4.6/5.0
Services Offered: Forestry mulching, land clearing, brush removal, equipment rental, heavy equipment transport, farm and ranch services

Summary of Online Reviews
Customers praise “equipment rental flexibility” and “transparent pricing model” with “rancher-veteran expertise,” while appreciating the ability to access specialized machinery beyond standard clearing services.

5. Texas Land Clearing Solutions

Texas Land Clearing Solutions ranks fifth through their specialized focus on Central Texas Hill Country terrain and comprehensive land management approach that extends beyond basic vegetation removal. As a veteran-owned operation, they bring military precision and environmental stewardship to projects ranging from residential property enhancement to large ranch management, with particular expertise in preserving heritage trees and maintaining soil integrity during clearing operations. While their geographic coverage is more limited than top-ranked competitors, their deep regional expertise and environmental consciousness make them the preferred choice for clients prioritizing sustainable land management practices.

Location: Central Texas Hill Country
Price Range: $$-$$$
Average Review Score: 5.0/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, forestry mulching, cedar removal, brush clearing, rock milling, stump grinding, road grading

Summary of Online Reviews
Customers highlight “Hill Country terrain expertise” and “veteran-owned reliability” with “environmental stewardship approach,” while noting excellent project planning and sustainable clearing methods.

Texas Land Clearing ranks seventh through their established regional presence across Central and East Texas, offering professional service standards and traditional clearing methodologies for clients seeking proven approaches and straightforward project execution. Their 15-year operational history demonstrates consistent service delivery and client satisfaction, with a business model emphasizing professional excellence over specialized techniques or equipment innovation.

The company’s geographic coverage spanning both Central and East Texas provides understanding of diverse terrain challenges and vegetation types, enabling appropriate methodology recommendations based on specific site conditions. While their service offerings are more traditional compared to higher-ranked competitors, their professional approach and regional expertise appeal to clients seeking reliability and proven methodologies.

Location: Central and East Texas
Price Range: $$-$$
Average Review Score: 4.4/5.0
Services Offered: Land clearing, brush clearing, tree removal, site preparation

Summary of Online Reviews
Reviews emphasize “reliable traditional methods” and “professional project management” with “fair pricing structure,” while noting straightforward service delivery without specialized equipment or innovative techniques.

Lone Star Clearing occupies eighth position through their specialized focus on brush removal services within the Austin metropolitan area, offering cost transparency and budget-conscious solutions for smaller-scale clearing projects. Their published pricing structure, including specific mobilization fees and transparent cost calculations—appeals to residential property owners and small commercial clients seeking predictable project costs without surprise charges.

While their service range and geographic coverage are more limited than comprehensive competitors, their specialization in brush removal and smaller-scale vegetation management creates a valuable niche for clients requiring focused, cost-effective solutions rather than full-scale site preparation services.

Location: Austin Metro Area
Price Range: $-$$
Average Review Score: 4.2/5.0
Services Offered: Brush removal, land clearing, forestry mulching

Summary of Online Reviews
Clients appreciate “published pricing transparency” and “brush removal specialization” with “budget-conscious approach,” while noting limited service scope compared to comprehensive competitors.

The Top Land Clearing Companies in Texas by Specialty

We also broke down the top companies into three subcategories based on service approach and market focus.

The Top Turnkey Solution Providers in Texas

1. Kitching & Co – Complete site preparation from clearing through utilities
2. BlayTex Construction – Integrated construction services with clearing
3. Pierce Heavy Equipment – Equipment rental combined with clearing services
4. Texas Land Clearing Solutions – Comprehensive land management approach
5. Austin Land Clearing – Specialized equipment with complete development clearing

The Top Regional Specialists in Texas

1. Austin Land Clearing – Central Texas and Hill Country expertise
2. Dallas Land Clearing – North Texas metropolitan specialization
3. Texas Land Clearing Solutions – Hill Country veteran-owned focus
4. BlayTex Construction – Gulf Coast regional expertise
5. Lone Star Clearing – Austin metro budget-focused services

The Top Scalable Operations in Texas

1. Kitching & Co – Residential to municipal project capability
2. Austin Land Clearing – High-capacity equipment for large developments
3. Dallas Land Clearing – Metro-wide residential and commercial scalability
4. Pierce Heavy Equipment – Flexible equipment solutions for varied scales
5. Texas Land Clearing – Multi-region operational capacity