“Kevin, how do I know if I need that?”

This, above… I’ve heard it a lot when working in Lawrence County, Mercer County and Butler County as an excavator!

There are all of the excavating services you theoretically could use, and then there is the truth – there are only so many essential excavating services that your property needs.

Today, we are going to look at some specifics that make excavation challenging and successful. We will look at everything from preparation, to residential land clearing, to soil prep, to drainage concerns.

Finally, we are going to talk about choosing local, and why a local excavating company in Western Pennsylvania makes more sense than some bigger outfit from Pittsburgh, Youngstown or Erie.

The Western PA Landscape Challenge

So, here is a situation: a big excavating outfit shows up to the local Western Pennsylvania area (Lawrence, Butler, Mercer Counties, etc). The crew is from out of state and has never worked in Pennsylvania before.

What happens?

Usually they run into soil types they are not used to, drainage and erosion issues that they can’t fix with the machinery they brought. In the end, they tell you after working on your project that they want to bring in larger equipment “because you need it”.

Or, you could go local, with someone that understands the land types and needs in Western Pennsylvania, because they’ve been working in them for decades!

What are some common issues?

The biggest problems I see in working with homeowners in Western Pennsylvania is poor drainage, erosion, and uneven grading.

The other big problem is that the weather around here is just crazy. In 12 months we go from ten degrees below zero to 110 temperatures back down to negative temps in the Winter.

This all means that we are constantly dealing with thaws, freezing, heavy rains and agricultural stresses. Year after year, and these events make our lands have hidden issues that only seasoned pros will know how to deal with.

Introducing Stengel Excavating

When you are ready to create the perfect landscape, develop a hardscape with the right retaining wall and driveway, or need residential land clearing that makes sense, Stengel Excavating is the one to call.

Why?

First, we have a local focus (Western Pennsylvania: Lawrence, Mercer, Butler Counties, etc.). We don’t employ state-wide and national crews. We are also not affiliated with national companies as a local branch. I’ve lived here my whole life, got taught on machines on this land and I could probably tell you what city I’m near by the dirt!

Next, our main commitment. That commitment is to solving homeowner land problems safely and efficiently. We don’t cut corners, we only value speed when it is fast AND right, and we never promise what we cannot deliver.

Now, let’s get into the meat of an excavating company – let’s detail essential services for property improvement. Our focus is on residential land management and preparation using excavating services for Western Pennsylvania.

Solving Pennsylvania Residential Land Preparation Needs

“I just want a blank slate…”

Congratulations! You’ve just encapsulated what residential land preparation can be defined as!

What do we offer to solve your biggest excavating and land issues?

Land Preparation, Clearing, and Grubbing

These are primarily the “reset” buttons for your land.

For those looking for preparation for new construction, fresh landscaping, hardscaping foundations and new additions, residential land clearing is the best service for you.

Residential land clearing involves creating a blank slate for residential property. Stengel Excavating can clear debris, remove stumps, grubbing, brush removal and leveling and grading service.

While we use professional tools and machinery to get the job done, we also don’t use commercial machinery – what we call “the big boys”. No land destruction, no worries about escalating and hidden costs. We use the right tool for the right job.

That is an important point about hiring the right local excavating company: receive professional land preparation services for stability and future project success.

Water Control and Drainage Solutions

Some would call water control and drainage the Pennsylvania essentials for residential excavating. These are the main problems we run into as an excavating company, and as a local homeowner as well!

Really, the biggest benefit of turning to a professional water control solution is protecting your basement and foundations, as well as landscaping and hardscaping, from water damage. And, in Western Pennsylvania, there is a LOT of water damage!

Proper Grading Services

The single goal for grading is simple: to redirect surface water away from structures. But, we take that a step further. We grade to prevent road and walkway erosion. We also take into account your landscaping and hardscaping needs on your property.

French Drain Installation

Installation of subsurface water management is key in any drainage solution. We offer many choices for your French Drain needs.

Piping and Trenches (digging)

We can install culverts, dig trenching for piping and drainage material and other drainage systems.

Brush Clearing and Site Cleanup

Residential land preparation in Western Pennsylvania is fairly similar. While many projects have specific needs and unique challenges to complete, for the majority, there are the following elements:

• Overgrown brush and trees
• Leveling land to the point of able to built upon
• Natural foliage and soil being cleared for future uses

We also use a mixture of mechanical clearing with heavy machinery and vehicles, while also using a chainsaw and a rake.

When choosing brush clearing and site cleanup services, you need to ask yourself ‘what is the main benefit of choosing this and not doing it myself?’

The largest benefits exclusive to brush clearing and various site cleanup in the area is for mainly increasing usable yard space and improving property aesthetics. When you need your yard to be cleaned up, brush clearing is not something we would suggest. When you need your property cleared, cleaned and have debris removed, choosing this service from Stengel Excavating makes sense.

Specialized Site Work and Property Improvement

While specialized residential excavating services can start with land preparation, brush clearing and water control, there are more services that can be added to meet your needs. Every property’s project will need specific actions to complete, and with specialized services.

At Stengel Excavating, we don’t only perform the main services mentioned above, but we also offer extended services.

Small Site Demolition and Debris Removal

For homeowners and property owners in Lawrence County, Mercer County and Butler County, we offer small / residential demolition. This can include, but is not limited to the following:

• Small home tear downs
• Barn demos
• Shed tear downs
• Garage demos and removal
• Mobile home demolition

Included in this service is not only tear down in the demolition, but also new lot preparation available.

Soil Conditioning and Preparation

On the finish side of building a house or clearing land for pasture or even just more yard amount, you have additional tasks. These additional actions likely include finish grade, probably spread topsoil, and in most cases, we use a Harley Rake or “soil conditioner” – these can seed and add straw to the yard and finish the yard fully.

Conclusion & What’s Next

From initial grading and land clearing to final cleanup, excavating services can help your project for your property. At Stengel Excavating, we’ve helped many landowners and homeowners meet their project goals.

When you are ready to have your project’s excavating problems solved, and your land prepared the right way, contact Stengel Excavating today at (412)973-9327.