Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Our Excavation and Land Services
Choosing the right excavation contractor is a big decision. Whether you're preparing a build site, clearing acreage, or cutting a trench through rocky soil, you deserve straight answers — without guesswork or vague details.
Below are real, practical answers to the questions we hear most often from clients across Blanco, Johnson City, Spring Branch, Fredericksburg, and surrounding Hill Country areas.
General Questions
What types of clients do you serve?
We work with homeowners, ranchers, general contractors, builders, and property developers. Whether you’re managing a single-lot build or clearing multiple acres of pasture, we can scale our services to match your project.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. De Leon’s Ranch Services is fully insured for all excavation, trenching, land clearing, and skid steer work. We take safety and liability seriously on every job site.
How do I schedule a consultation or estimate?
You can call (210) 422-9251 or email brandon@deleonsranchsvcs.com to set up a consultation. We’ll ask a few questions about your project, and if needed, schedule a site visit to prepare an accurate quote.
Land Clearing FAQs
What’s included in your land clearing service?
We remove brush, cedar, trees, rocks, and debris. Each job is customized to meet your goals — whether it’s full clearing for construction or selective clearing for pasture or fencing. We also handle cleanup and haul-away if needed.
Can you clear only specific areas or leave certain trees?
Yes. We provide selective land clearing to preserve trees, natural features, or buffer zones. We’ll walk the property with you before starting to identify what stays and what goes.
Do you offer mulching or just clearing?
Our primary service is clearing, not mulching. However, we ensure a clean finish by removing and consolidating material as needed. If you require mulching specifically, we can recommend partners in the area.
Trenching and Rock Saw FAQs
Can you trench through rock?
Yes. We specialize in rock saw trenching, which allows us to cut through Blanco County’s tough limestone and caliche. This is ideal for utility lines, water piping, electrical conduit, and propane gas lines.
How deep can you trench?
Standard trench depths vary depending on utility requirements, but we can typically trench between 12 and 36 inches deep. Deeper cuts may be available depending on the terrain and access.
Do you coordinate with utility installers?
Yes. We often work in tandem with plumbers, electricians, propane companies, and general contractors. We cut the trench to spec and can coordinate timing to reduce delays.
Grading and Pad Work
Do you offer house pad grading?
Yes. We prepare level, compacted pads for homes, barns, sheds, and mobile homes. We also handle rough grading for driveways, pastures, and water runoff management.
What’s the difference between rough and finish grading?
Rough grading sets the basic slope and elevation using heavier cuts. Finish grading smooths and levels the surface, typically before construction, landscaping, or final inspections.
Can you grade around existing structures?
Yes, if there’s proper clearance. Our equipment is compact enough to work around driveways, barns, fences, and houses, but we always assess the site first to avoid damage.
Skid Steer Work and General Services
What can a skid steer do for my property?
Skid steers are incredibly versatile. We use them for brush cleanup, debris removal, gravel spreading, fine grading, hauling materials, and light demolition. If it involves moving or shaping material, a skid steer can probably help.
Can I hire you for just a small cleanup job?
Yes. We take on small, single-day jobs if they fit into the schedule. These might include clearing a brush pile, prepping a driveway, or hauling and spreading gravel.
Backfilling Questions
Do you backfill propane tank holes and utility trenches?
Absolutely. We offer full backfill and compaction services for trenches, tank holes, and footings. We use appropriate fill material, compact in layers, and grade the surface when finished.
What kind of fill do you use?
Depending on the job, we use native soil, select fill, caliche, or engineered material. We choose based on compaction needs, drainage, and structural requirements.
Pricing and Scheduling
How much does excavation cost?
Every job is different. Cost depends on access, terrain, equipment required, and scope. We offer competitive pricing and clear, written estimates with no surprise fees.
How soon can you start?
We typically schedule projects 2 to 3 weeks out, though this can vary based on the season and job size. Contact us early to reserve your place.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk
If you didn’t see your question answered above, we’d be happy to speak with you directly. We know every property is different — and we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Call
(210) 422-9251
Email:
brandon@deleonsranchsvcs.com
You won’t get a scripted answer or call center — just honest answers from a professional who knows how to get the job done right the first time.
