Excavation & grading services
Rock & caliche removal
Hit a layer that feels like concrete? That is probably caliche. We break it up, dig it out, and remove boulders and rock so your project can keep moving.
What to expect
Caliche is a natural layer of soil cemented together by calcium carbonate. It is common in the Southwest and can be so hard that a shovel just bounces off it. It also blocks drainage and roots, which is why plants and trees often struggle above it.
We use excavators with rippers and hydraulic hammers to break caliche and rock, then haul it away or reuse it on site.
Good for
- Foundations and footings in hard ground
- Trenches through rock
- Pools and ponds
- Tree planting and landscaping
What's included
- Caliche breaking and removal
- Rock excavation
- Boulder removal or relocation
- Ripping hard ground
- Planting holes through caliche
- Haul-off or on-site reuse
Every job is quoted after a free on-site walk-through. Your written quote lists exactly what is included.
Why the estimate matters here
Caliche depth and hardness vary from lot to lot, and sometimes within the same yard. Rocky ground is common in the foothills and East Mountains. When we can, we dig a test hole during the estimate so your quote reflects real conditions.
As always, we request a New Mexico 811 locate before we break or dig.
How the job works
Same process on every property, from a quarter-acre lot to a ranch.
- 1
Free on-site estimate
We walk the property with you, talk through what you want, and note anything that affects the job.
- 2
Written quote
You get a clear written quote with the scope, haul-off and timeline spelled out. No surprises.
- 3
We do the work
Our crew shows up with the right equipment, does the job, and leaves a clean site.
Common questions
How do I know if I have caliche?
If you hit a hard, whitish, chalky layer that will not dig, it is likely caliche. We can confirm it during the estimate.
Does caliche affect drainage?
Yes. Water often cannot soak through it, which can cause pooling and poor plant growth. Breaking through it can help.
Related services
Let's walk your property. The estimate is free.
We come out, look at the lot with you, and hand you a written quote. No pressure, no obligation.