Precise Footing & Slope Excavation for Long-Lasting Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is only as strong as the ground it’s built on. At SoIL Excavating, we provide professional retaining wall excavation services throughout Carbondale, Murphysboro, Marion, Carterville, and surrounding areas in Southern Illinois.
We prepare stable footings, level base trenches, and graded slopes to ensure your wall is properly supported and positioned to hold — for years to come.
Retaining Wall Excavation Services Offered by SoIL Excavating
Retaining Wall Excavation Services Offered by SoIL Excavating
Base Trench Excavation– Digging flat-bottomed trenches to spec for block or timber walls
Footing & Overdig Prep – Creating space for compacted gravel or concrete footings
Backcutting & Slope Control – Ensuring proper soil retention and drainage behind wall face
Terrace Wall Site Prep – Stepped excavation for tiered or multi-level retaining systems
Site Clearing for Wall Builds – Vegetation and obstacle removal in tight build zones
Drainage Prep Behind Wall – Digging space for pipe installation, backfill, or fabric
Our Retaining Wall Excavation Process
Site Evaluation– Assess slope, soil type, and design layout
Layout & Marking – Mark dig lines for wall alignment and elevation
Excavation to Plan – Dig trench to precise depth and width per material needs
Backcutting & Compaction – Shape and stabilize soil behind wall face
Drainage Setup (Optional) – Prepare trenches for drainage rock or pipe
Final Prep – Ensure ready-to-build conditions for contractor or wall installer
Common Projects We Support
Retaining walls for hillside stabilization
Raised planting beds and landscape walls
Walls supporting driveways or foundations
Tiered terraces on sloped yards
Structural walls for walkout basements or patios
We do light structural demolition only — not full-scale multi-story commercial demolition.
Cost of Retaining Wall Excavation in Southern Illinois
Costs depend on:
Linear footage and height of the wall
Soil conditions and slope severity
Access for excavation
Drainage prep and haul-off needs
We provide detailed estimates that match your wall design and site requirements.
Too many retaining walls fail because of poor base prep, incorrect trench depth, or skipped drainage. Our excavation ensures a proper foundation, clean lines, and support that lasts — whether you’re using block, timber, or poured concrete.
When to Schedule Retaining Wall Excavation
During the early phase of a new landscape or structural project
Before installing a retaining wall near driveways or foundations
When correcting erosion or slope collapse on your property
After engineering or wall design plans are approved
