The Real Cost of Digging Up Your Backyard

The True Cost of Digging Up Your Backyard (And What Surprises to Avoid)

Let’s say you’re planning to tear up a chunk of your backyard. Maybe you want to run a water line to the garage. Maybe it’s time to install a new septic tank or fix that drainage problem that’s turned your lawn into a swamp every spring. Or maybe you just want to level things out and finally build that patio.

Whatever the reason, here’s the reality: backyard excavation seems simple—but it’s rarely as cheap or straightforward as it sounds.

We’re Chris Dirt Excavating, and we’ve been digging across West Michigan for years—Ottawa, Kent, Allegan, Muskegon, Montcalm, Barry, and Ionia Counties. We’ve seen the clean digs, the complicated ones, and the backyard disasters that could’ve been avoided with better info up front.

So, if you’re wondering what it really costs to dig up your backyard—and what kind of surprises can pop up—you’re in the right place.

How Much Does Backyard Excavation Actually Cost?

That big of a spread might seem frustrating, but it’s based on what we find once we’re onsite. A flat, open yard with sandy soil? Easy day. Tight access with clay soil and buried stumps? That’s a whole different story.

Hidden Factors That Affect the Cost

Here’s what can add to your bill—most of which homeowners don’t see coming:

1. Soil Conditions

Clay is heavy and sticky. Rocky soil requires heavier equipment. Wet ground collapses while digging. All of these slow things down.

2. Access to the Site

If we can’t drive equipment right up to the dig spot—say, we’re squeezing between two fences or hauling through your garage—it means more time and often smaller (slower) machines.

3. Underground Surprises

Buried electrical lines, tree stumps, old concrete, septic tanks you didn’t know were there… Michigan yards are full of mysteries. And yes, we’ve hit them all.

4. Hauling & Disposal

Digging creates a lot of dirt. And not all of it can be reused. If it needs to be hauled off, that’s another truck, driver, and disposal fee.

5. Permits & Inspections

Some townships (especially near Grand Rapids) require permits for backyard excavation, particularly for septic, drainage, or utility work. We help with this, but it can cost you extra time and money.

What About DIY? Can I Save Money Digging It Myself?

Maybe. But also maybe not.

Here’s what you’ll need to think about if you go DIY:

- Renting the right equipment (and learning how to use it)

- Pulling any required permits

- Calling 811 for utility locates

- Disposing of dirt and debris

- Fixing it if something goes wrong

We’ve been called in more than once after someone tried the “cheap route” and ended up with a mess—or worse, a fine for hitting a utility line.

If your project is small and shallow (like planting trees or installing a fence), DIY might be doable. Anything deeper or near utilities? Call someone.

Common Backyard Digging Mistakes (We See These All the Time)

- Not calling for utility locates

- Assuming all dirt is reusable (it’s not)

- Starting without a clear plan or depth

- Digging too close to structures or fences

- Hiring a “guy with a machine” who isn’t insured

If you’re putting in a trench or septic tank and skip steps, the fix can cost more than the dig itself. We’ve had to redo sites that failed inspection simply because the depth was off by a few inches.

How to Prepare Your Yard (And Save Money)

If you want to keep costs in check, here are a few ways to help your contractor—and your wallet:

- Clear the access path (move trailers, trim bushes, unlock gates)

- Mark where you want the work done

- Know what you’re digging for and how deep

- Ask for a detailed estimate—itemized if possible

- Be upfront about your budget and timeline

We love when homeowners are ready for us—it saves everyone time and avoids unnecessary equipment rental hours.

Local Tip: Soil Varies Across West Michigan

Ottawa County has a lot of sandy soil. Kent County is more clay. Montcalm and Ionia have rocky patches in places.

What that means: just because your neighbor’s dig was “easy,” doesn’t mean yours will be.

We bring equipment sized for your yard—not just whatever’s available. That’s one benefit of working with a local excavation company that knows the terrain.

Final Thoughts: The Dirt on Digging

Digging up your backyard doesn’t have to be a nightmare—or a budget buster. But it does take some planning, local know-how, and realistic expectations.

If you’re in West Michigan and thinking about a backyard dig, septic install, trench, or grading project, give us a call at Chris Dirt Excavating. We’ll walk the site with you, talk through the options, and make sure you know exactly what you're paying for before any dirt moves.

Let’s make your yard work—without tearing up your budget.