Excavation contractors can create a level surface for a new lawn in an area full of stumps, brush and trees. Professionals can also level or grade existing lawns to help them drain properly, creating a surface that won’t allow rain or sprinkler water to pool. In addition, excavators can help homeowners achieve flat or sloped landscapes for aesthetic purposes. Hartloff of Hartloff Property Restoration uses a mini-excavator for lawn excavation projects. Here’s how he breaks down costs:
New 1,000-square-foot lawn: $1,750, or $1.75 per square foot
Topsoil excavation—scraping off two inches of existing topsoil or lawn to level area and hauling away debris
50 cents per square foot to clear the 1,000-square-foot lawn: $500
8 yards of new topsoil at $30 per yard: $240
Labor and materials for installation of new sod: $1,010