(336) 988-7585 hunter-excavating.com
1904 Front St Suite 410, Durham, North Carolina 27705
Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder
Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Stump Removal
Credentials and Trust: Veteran Owned
Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included
Emergency and Storm: Quick Response
- Residential Landscaping - Commercial Landscaping - Grading - Excavating - Drainage - Driveways - Gravel - Stump Grinding - Sod Installation - Demolition - Tree Removal - Plant Installation - Snow Removal - De Icing Salt Application
5.0 from 149 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 0% of total ratings
Hunter Excavating is best suited for Durham-area homeowners who face sizeable, multi-faceted yard projects where tree work is only part of the equation. This is a company built for properties with significant vegetation, challenging elevations, or adjacent structures (barns, pools, foundations) that demand careful planning and precise execution. Any job involving large trees, stump grinding, drainage upgrades, French drains, driveway work, or substantial grading fits their wheelhouse. Budget-wise, these services skew higher than basic pruning, but the returns are substantial: durable results, a finished landscape, and a scalable plan that can evolve from simple removal to complete yard renovation. Urgency is a strength as well: when time or safety is a concern, Kendrick and team respond quickly with clear walk-throughs, detailed options, and firm timelines.
Safety and cleanup standards are a distinguishing priority for Hunter Excavating. Across the reviews, the crew is consistently described as meticulous about eliminating hazards and protecting the property. They remove heavy branches that overhang pools or structures, work around buried utilities and septic lines with evident caution, and deploy reach equipment to avoid collateral damage. Debris disappears from the job site with impressive thoroughness, stump grinding, rock and root removal, and reshaping the grade are followed by prescribed re-seeding or sod installation. Even when the project involves delicate landscapes or septic-area constraints, the crew demonstrates a methodical approach, leaving yards cleaner than found and often performing post-project touch-ups to ensure long-term soil stability and lawn health.
Communication and plan fidelity anchor the decision to hire Hunter Excavating. The owner, Kendrick, makes it a point to walk clients through every step, present multiple viable options, and then document the agreement in a written estimate quickly. Clients repeatedly praise his transparency, the absence of pressure, and the way he explains what to expect at each phase. This is not a one-off consult; it’s a collaborative process where questions are answered, adjustments are accommodated, and progress updates are supplied throughout. The best outcomes emerge when expectations are aligned from the outset, and the reviews show Kendrick delivering on promises with punctual, well-coordinated crews.
Value is consistently delivered, even when projects spill into the higher end of the price spectrum. Several reviewers note that Hunter Excavating provides competitive pricing, often at or below competing bids, while others acknowledge the long-term savings that come from thoughtful design and execution. A recurring theme is that the quoted price remains stable, with honesty about scope changes and materials. The company doesn’t rely on pushy upsells; instead, it emphasizes what truly improves the property and offers practical tradeoffs. The result is a strong sense of getting what was promised, sometimes with added improvements at no cost, such as optimizing drainage layouts or regrading beds after the main work is complete.
Project scope and capabilities span from tree removal to landscape-level renovations. Large oaks removed near barns, stumps ground with precision, and roots handled without compromising the yard base are highlights. Drainage work is a standout strength: trenching, French drains, pipe connections, and grading that redirects water away from foundations or wet zones. Driveway work, expansion, resurfacing, or grading, proceeds efficiently with attention to curb appeal and durable finishes. The team even extends to ancillary improvements like lawn repair, seed or sod installation, and in some cases, decorative or functional changes that tie the project together. The breadth of expertise makes Hunter Excavating a versatile partner for homeowners who prefer a single contractor to coordinate multiple trades.
The practical verdict favors Hunter Excavating for homeowners who want a trustworthy, highly capable partner to handle complex yard transformations. This is not a fit for those seeking a quick, low-cost pruning job or a minimal landscaping tweak; it’s for projects where safety margins, site protection, and lasting performance matter most. Their strengths, responsive communication, comprehensive safety practices, scrupulous cleanup, and transparent pricing, combine to reduce risk and deliver a finished product that meets or exceeds expectations. The owner’s personal involvement, coupled with a dependable crew and a demonstrated willingness to go beyond the call of duty, provides the confidence needed to invest in large-scale drainage, grading, or tree removal. For projects that demand expertise, integrity, and a coordinated approach, Hunter Excavating stands out as the practical, reliable top choice in the Durham market.
Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.
Stump grinding is a core capability for Hunter Excavating, demonstrated in Durham, NC by fast, thorough removal of stumps after tree work. They can stump grind two fallen trees, tackle large stumps, and remove roots below ground, often followed by grading and seeding or sod installation to restore the landscape. Work sites are repeatedly left clean and tidy, with crews performing thorough cleanup and returning the area to a neat condition. Clients report clear communication, transparent pricing, and walk-throughs that ensure the stump work aligns with their goals and constraints.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
Close-quarters work is a core strength, with customers consistently noting tree removal and limb clearance performed up to buildings, pools, barns, and other structures without causing damage. They have successfully felled tall trees leaning toward barns and cleared branches over pools, often working in tight spaces with the home or driveway nearby. Foundational safety is evident as reviewers mention checking septic lines and protecting foundations while regrading, installing drains (French drains, drain pipes) and rerouting water away from structures. Cleanup and site restoration are emphasized—crews leave yards neat, sometimes reseeding or laying sod after work, and driveways or paths are returned ready for use. Overall, Durham-area clients describe a responsive, honest team that explains options, follows through, and delivers near-structure projects with care.
Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.
Large-tree work is a core capability, with crews removing very tall trees—one job involved an 80-foot specimen—safely near barns, pools, and other structures on residential properties around Durham. Feedback consistently highlights a careful, consultative process: walk-throughs, questions answered, and plans adjusted to protect landscaping and structures while leveraging reach-enabled equipment to reach high limbs. Cleanup is repeatedly praised; branches and debris are removed and the site left immaculate, even when work occurs over pools or in tight spaces. The large-tree work is often paired with drainage, grading, and stump grinding to ensure safety and long-term health of the property. Notes about honest estimates, fair pricing, reliable communication, and veteran-owned pride reinforce that large-tree removals are performed with care for neighbors and the Durham area.
Full stump extraction, root and all - not just grinding. Ideal when you need the area completely cleared for construction, landscaping, or replanting.
Stump removal and root grinding are a core capability, with evidence they can handle large stumps and stubborn root systems. Turnarounds are fast when stumps need grinding, even on tight timelines. Customers consistently report clear communication, thorough walkthroughs, and careful, tidy cleanup after stump work. Pricing is fair and often stays within the original quote, even when the stump job proves tougher. In Durham, North Carolina, they frequently integrate stump removal into broader yard projects like tree removal, grading, drainage, and sod, delivering a ready-to-go site.
Founded or operated by a military veteran. Many customers choose to support veteran-owned businesses, and these companies often bring discipline and reliability to their work.
A veteran-owned ethos informs Kendrick and his Durham-based team, delivering disciplined, dependable service across residential and commercial landscaping, drainage, grading, and excavation. Customers consistently praise on-time arrival, thorough walkthroughs, direct communication, and careful, tidy work with a strong emphasis on safety and respect for property. Their scope includes drainage improvements, French drains, trenching, driveways and gravel pads, stump grinding and tree removal, sod installation, and even demolitions, all with fair pricing and clear option discussions rather than upselling. The owner’s hands-on involvement—explaining steps, answering questions, and tailoring approaches to client needs—along with a reputation for honesty and accountability, reinforces the trust placed in a veteran-owned contractor serving the Durham area.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
In Durham, NC, Hunter Excavating offers a broad mix of services—drainage improvements, grading, driveways and gravel, sod installation, demolition, and extensive tree work—delivered with affordability at the forefront. Patterned feedback shows pricing described as fair, reasonable, or the best price in town, with many projects staying within the original quote. They regularly handle demanding tasks such as large-tree removals, stump grinding, trenching and backfilling, French drains, and driveway or yard grading, all without sacrificing value. Clients also value transparent consults and walk-throughs, with Kendrick explaining options, answering questions, and adjusting plans to fit budgets. Taken together, affordability, responsive service, and high-quality execution make Hunter Excavating a go-to choice for residential and commercial needs in Durham.
All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.
Cleanup is a core capability, with crews consistently clearing debris, branches, and brush and tidying the site after tree removals, stump grinding, and grading projects. Customers repeatedly note that the job site is left immaculate, with no stray debris and with areas swept and ready for the next phase. After drainage and grading work, they backfill trenches, level surfaces, reseed lawns or lay sod, and remove leftover materials so the yard looks and functions well right away. The feedback patterns also highlight thorough cleanup around tricky areas—around pools, driveways, barns, and other structures—where debris is removed and surfaces are left neat. In Durham, North Carolina, this cleanup-focused approach is paired with clear communication and walk-throughs to confirm satisfaction and ensure the property is left in good condition.
Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.
Rapid responsiveness is a hallmark of this service in Durham, NC, with quotes and site assessments often provided within 24–48 hours and projects scheduled quickly to keep momentum moving. Clients experience on-time arrivals and fast mobilization, from quickly trenching and backfilling in a day to handling urgent tree removal needs, all while maintaining quality work. Kendrick personally walks the site, answers questions promptly, and adjusts plans to fit customer preferences, reflecting a highly responsive, customer-focused approach. The team even demonstrates weekend and after-hours responsiveness, prioritizing drainage, grading, and driveway needs when time is of the essence. Across drainage, grading, driveways, stump grinding, and tree work, the pattern shows clear communication, efficient execution, and tidy cleanup, building a reputation for dependable quick-response service in the Durham area.