Frequently Asked Questions – Excavation, Concrete & More in Southeast Ohio
Answers about our services, free estimates and the towns we serve across Meigs, Athens, Gallia & Jackson Counties.
General Questions
Where is Little's Landscape & Excavation located?
We are based in Pomeroy, Ohio, in Meigs County. From there our crew serves homeowners, farms and businesses across Meigs, Athens, Gallia and Jackson Counties.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Little's Landscape & Excavation LLC is licensed and insured, and we call Ohio 811 (OUPS) before every dig so underground utilities are marked first.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Every project starts with a free, detailed estimate. We walk your property, look at the slope, soil, drainage and access, and give you a clear written price before any work begins.
What are your business hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
How do I request a quote?
Use the Free Quotes form on our contact page, or call us during business hours. Tell us a little about your property and the work you have in mind, and we will get back with you shortly.
What services do you offer?
We offer excavation services, concrete work, foundation repair and sealing, pond construction and repair, demolition, septic systems and landscape grading and drainage, including retaining walls.
Can one crew handle my whole project?
In most cases, yes. Because we do the excavation, concrete, septic, grading and demolition ourselves, your project has fewer handoffs and one point of contact from start to finish.
Do you build houses or do framing?
No. We do not build homes or do framing, and we do not build new foundations. We focus on site work, concrete, foundation repair and sealing, ponds, septic and demolition.
How long have you been in business?
Little's Landscape & Excavation has been serving Southeast Ohio for more than three years, working the same hills, clay and river bottoms our customers live on.
My town isn't listed. Do you still serve it?
Probably. If your property is in or near Meigs, Athens, Gallia or Jackson County, reach out through our contact page and we will let you know.
Excavation & Site Prep
What kinds of excavation work do you do?
Land clearing, site prep, building pads, grading, driveways, culvert installation, utility trenching and rock removal.
Do you call Ohio 811 before digging?
Yes. Every excavation job starts with an Ohio 811 (OUPS) call so underground utilities are marked before we dig.
Can you work on steep or rocky ground?
Yes. Hillsides, rock and clay are common in Southeast Ohio, and our equipment and crew are set up to handle them.
Do you clear land and haul away trees?
Yes. We clear brush and trees and can haul the debris away or mulch smaller material on site, depending on what works best for your property.
Can you build a driveway up a hillside?
Yes. We cut and grade driveways on hilly ground, set culverts where water crosses, and build a solid stone base so the drive holds up.
Do you install culverts?
Yes. We set culvert pipe under driveways and lanes so water passes underneath instead of washing out your drive.
Can you prepare a pad for a garage, pole barn or home site?
Yes. We clear, level and compact building pads so your builder or concrete crew starts on solid, properly graded ground.
Do you dig utility trenches?
Yes. We dig trenches for water, electric and other utility lines to homes, garages and outbuildings.
Can you fix drainage problems on my property?
Yes. Regrading, swales, culverts and drain pipe are part of our work. See our landscape grading and drainage page for more.
How much does excavation cost?
Every site is different, so we start with a free, detailed estimate after walking your property.
Visit our Excavation & Site Prep service page →
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Concrete
What concrete work do you do?
Driveways, driveway aprons, garage pads, slabs, sidewalks, patios and footers.
Do you prepare the ground before pouring?
Yes. We do our own excavation, grading and stone base, so the concrete sits on ground we know is right.
Do you remove old concrete?
Yes. We break out and haul away old driveways, sidewalks and slabs before pouring new.
Do you offer decorative concrete?
Yes. Decorative and stamped finishes are available for patios and walkways.
How soon can I drive on a new driveway?
We will give you a timeline for your specific pour, but most driveways need several days before vehicle traffic.
Do you pour garage and barn floors?
Yes. We pour garage pads, shop floors and barn floors on a properly compacted base.
Can you pour a driveway apron where my drive meets the road?
Yes. Concrete aprons are a common job for us, and we grade them so water drains off instead of pooling.
How do you keep concrete from cracking?
We start with a compacted stone base and proper slope, then plan reinforcement and control joints for each pour so it handles Ohio freeze-thaw cycles.
Can you pour a patio or sidewalk?
Yes. We pour patios, walkways and sidewalks in plain broom finish or decorative finishes.
Why hire one company for the digging and the concrete?
When the same crew does the grading and the pour, there is no gap between contractors where a bad base turns into a cracked slab, and your schedule stays tighter.
Foundation Repair & Sealing
Do you build new foundations?
No. We repair and seal existing foundations, so you get a crew that does this work every day.
What are signs my foundation needs repair?
Water in the basement, stair-step or horizontal cracks, bowing walls, sticking doors and damp, musty smells are all common signs.
Do you seal from the inside or outside?
We excavate along the wall and seal from the outside, which stops water before it reaches the wall.
Can you repair cracks in my foundation wall?
Yes. We dig along the affected wall, repair the cracks and seal the outside so water stays out.
What can be done about a bowing basement wall?
We excavate along the wall to relieve the soil pressure pushing on it and repair it. We will look at your wall and explain the options in your free estimate.
Do you install drain tile?
Yes. We add drainage at the footer so water is carried away from the foundation instead of building up against it.
What causes a wet basement?
Most often it is water held against the wall by clay soil, poor grading or clogged drainage. Southeast Ohio clay holds a lot of water, which adds pressure on basement walls.
Will you regrade around my house?
Yes. We backfill and regrade so the ground slopes away from your home. Our landscape grading and drainage work helps with water problems farther out in the yard.
Will my yard be torn up?
There will be digging along the wall, but we backfill, compact and regrade when we finish so your yard is ready for seed.
Is the estimate for foundation work free?
Yes. We look at the wall, the drainage and the grade around your home and give you a free, detailed estimate.
Visit our Foundation Repair & Sealing service page →
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Ponds
How do you know if my land will hold a pond?
We look at the soil, the watershed and where water naturally collects before we dig.
How big should my pond be?
It depends on the watershed feeding it and what you want it for. We size it so it fills without overtopping.
How deep will my pond be?
Depth depends on the site and how you plan to use the pond. We plan it with you during the estimate.
Can you build a pond for livestock, fishing or swimming?
Yes. We plan the shape, depth and banks around how you want to use the water.
How do you build the dam?
We key the dam into solid ground and compact it in layers, then shape the banks so they are safe to walk and easy to mow.
Do you put in an overflow or spillway?
Yes. Every pond needs a way to handle heavy rain, and we size the overflow so the dam is protected in a storm.
Can you fix a leaking pond?
Yes. We find and repair leaks in dams and pond bottoms.
Do you clean out old ponds?
Yes. We remove built-up silt and muck and reshape the banks.
I have a wet spot or spring. Could it be a pond?
Often, yes. Wet spots and springs can be good pond sites. We will walk it with you and tell you honestly whether it will work.
When is the best time to build a pond?
Drier weather usually makes pond work easier. We will plan timing around your site and give you a start date with your estimate.
Demolition
What can you tear down?
Houses, mobile homes, barns, garages, sheds and other outbuildings.
Do you remove old mobile homes?
Yes. We take down and haul away old mobile homes and clean up the site.
Can you take down an old barn?
Yes. We safely bring down old or collapsing barns and outbuildings and clear the debris.
Do you handle permits?
We help you understand the permits your demolition needs before work begins.
What about utilities?
We coordinate utility disconnections so the structure is safe to take down.
Do you haul away the debris?
Yes. We load and haul the debris and leave the site clean and graded.
Do you recycle materials?
We separate materials where we can to keep what we can out of the landfill.
Can you remove old footings and slabs?
Yes. We break out and remove old footings, slabs and concrete when needed.
Can you fill an old basement or cistern?
Yes. We fill and compact old basements and cisterns so the ground is safe and buildable.
Can you prep the site for something new?
Yes. We grade the site and can prep a building pad, driveway or concrete work as part of the same project.
Septic Systems
Do you install new septic systems?
Yes. We install complete systems following the approved design for your property.
Can you replace just the tank?
Yes. If your leach field is working, we can replace a failing tank and reconnect it to the existing field.
Do you repair leach fields?
Yes. We repair and replace leach fields that are no longer draining properly.
What does a failing septic system look like?
Wet, soggy ground or standing water over the field, odors, slow drains and gurgling plumbing are common signs.
What causes a septic system to fail?
Age, heavy water use, tight clay soils and roots are common causes. We look at the whole system before recommending a fix.
Do I need a permit for a septic system?
In Ohio, septic systems are permitted through your county health department. We install to the approved design for your property.
Can you install a septic system on hilly ground?
Yes. Hillsides are common here, and we lay out the tank and field to work with the slope of your property.
Can you do the septic along with my site prep?
Yes. We can clear the land, prep the site and install the septic as one project. See our excavation services.
Will my yard be torn up?
We restore the yard when the job is done with backfill and final grading so it is ready for seed.
What should I do if I think my system is failing?
Cut back on water use and contact us through our contact page or by phone for a free estimate.
Landscape Grading & Retaining Walls
Can you fix a yard that stays wet?
Yes. We regrade and install swales or French drains to move water off your yard and away from your home.
Do you build retaining walls?
Yes. We build block retaining walls with proper drainage behind them so they last.
Can you level a sloped yard?
Yes. We cut and fill to create level areas for lawns, patios, gardens and play areas.
Do you save the topsoil?
Yes. We strip and stockpile topsoil before heavy work and spread it back when the grade is set.
Do you seed and straw after grading?
Yes. We can spread topsoil and seed and straw disturbed areas to control erosion.
Can you stop erosion and gullies?
Yes. We regrade and add swales, culverts or drain pipe so runoff stops cutting through your yard or driveway.
Can you stop a creek bank from washing out?
Yes. We shape the bank and line it with rock riprap to protect it from erosion.
Can you prepare the base for a patio or walkway?
Yes. We grade and compact the base so patios and walkways stay level. We can also pour them as part of our concrete work.
Is water around my house a grading problem?
Often, yes. Ground should slope away from your home. If water is already getting in, see our foundation repair and sealing page.
Do you do landscape design?
We handle the earthwork side: grading, drainage, retaining walls and prep for landscape features, so your finished landscape lasts.
Visit our Landscape Grading & Retaining Walls service page →
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Meigs County
Do you serve Meigs County, Ohio?
Yes. Meigs County is our home county. We are based in Pomeroy, the county seat. Learn more on our Meigs County page.
Which towns in Meigs County do you serve?
We serve Pomeroy, Middleport, Racine, Rutland, Syracuse and Tuppers Plains, plus the townships and rural roads in between.
Is Pomeroy your home base?
Yes. We are based in Pomeroy. See our homepage for everything we do in Pomeroy.
Do you work in Middleport?
Yes. Middleport is right next door to Pomeroy. See our Middleport page.
Do you work in Racine?
Yes. We serve Racine and Sutton Township. See our Racine page.
Do you work in Syracuse?
Yes. Syracuse is a short drive up the river from Pomeroy. See our Syracuse page.
Do you work in Rutland?
Yes. We serve Rutland and the Leading Creek area. See our Rutland page.
Do you work in Tuppers Plains?
Yes. We serve Tuppers Plains and northern Meigs County. See our Tuppers Plains page.
Do you work along the Ohio River?
Yes. In the river towns, lots often sit on low bottomland with a high water table, and we plan drainage around it.
How quickly can you get to a Meigs County job?
Because we are local, travel time is short. We will give you a start date along with your free estimate.
Athens County
Do you serve Athens County, Ohio?
Yes. Athens County sits just north of our Pomeroy home base. Learn more on our Athens County page.
Which towns in Athens County do you serve?
We serve Albany, Amesville, Athens, Chauncey, Coolville, Glouster, Hockingport, Jacksonville, Millfield, Nelsonville, New Marshfield, Shade, Stewart, The Plains and Trimble, plus the townships in between.
Do you work in the city of Athens?
Yes. See our Athens page.
Do you work in Nelsonville, Glouster, Trimble and Jacksonville?
Yes. We serve the northern Athens County communities. See Nelsonville, Glouster, Trimble and Jacksonville.
Do you work in The Plains, Chauncey and Millfield?
Yes. See our pages for The Plains, Chauncey and Millfield.
Do you work in Albany, New Marshfield and Shade?
Yes. We serve western and southern Athens County. See Albany, New Marshfield and Shade.
Do you work in Coolville, Hockingport and Stewart?
Yes. We serve eastern Athens County. See Coolville, Hockingport and Stewart.
Do you work in Amesville?
Yes. See our Amesville page.
Can you work on wooded, hilly lots in Athens County?
Yes. Much of the county is steep and wooded, and we regularly clear, grade and cut driveways on hillside ground.
Are estimates free in Athens County?
Yes. Estimates are free everywhere we work, including all of Athens County.
Gallia County
Do you serve Gallia County, Ohio?
Yes. Gallia County is just down the Ohio River from Pomeroy. Learn more on our Gallia County page.
Which towns in Gallia County do you serve?
We serve Bidwell, Cheshire, Crown City, Gallipolis, Rio Grande, Thurman and Vinton, plus the rural townships in between.
Do you work in Gallipolis?
Yes. See our Gallipolis page.
Do you work in Bidwell and Rio Grande?
Yes. See our Bidwell and Rio Grande pages.
Do you work in Cheshire?
Yes. See our Cheshire page.
Do you work in Crown City?
Yes. See our Crown City page.
Do you work in Vinton?
Yes. See our Vinton page.
Do you work in Thurman?
Yes. See our Thurman page.
Do you handle drainage on river-bottom lots?
Yes. Low ground near the Ohio River can hold water, so we plan grading and drainage before any concrete or septic work.
Are estimates free in Gallia County?
Yes. Estimates are free everywhere we work, including all of Gallia County.
Jackson County
Do you serve Jackson County, Ohio?
Yes. Learn more on our Jackson County page.
Which towns in Jackson County do you serve?
We serve Coalton, Jackson, Oak Hill and Wellston, plus the townships and rural roads in between.
Do you work in the city of Jackson?
Yes. See our Jackson page.
Do you work in Wellston?
Yes. See our Wellston page.
Do you work in Oak Hill?
Yes. See our Oak Hill page.
Do you work in Coalton?
Yes. See our Coalton page.
Can you work on rocky or hilly ground in Jackson County?
Yes. Rock, shale and steep slopes are common here, and we plan for them from the start.
Do you build ponds in Jackson County?
Yes. See our pond construction and repair page for how we plan and build ponds.
Do you install septic systems in rural Jackson County?
Yes. See our septic systems page.
Are estimates free in Jackson County?
Yes. Estimates are free everywhere we work, including all of Jackson County.
Ready to Get Started? Get Your Free Quote Today
Whether it's a new pond, a concrete driveway, a wet basement or a lot that needs clearing, we're ready to help. Office hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm, Saturday 10am–2pm.
