What Types of Projects Require Excavation in Tucson? A Contractor’s Take with Stories from the Dirt

So, you’re thinking of breaking ground in Tucson, and you’re wondering, "Is excavation really necessary?" Well, if you’re planning to do more than put up a mailbox, chances are, the answer is yes. Excavation is pretty much step one for any major project here in Tucson. From the rocky terrain to that infamous caliche (seriously, we Tucson contractors have a love-hate relationship with this stuff), excavation is the foundation—literally—for everything. So let’s dive into the types of projects that usually call for an excavator and some sturdy shovels around these parts.

1. Building Foundations – The "Big One" in Excavation

If you’re building a house, a garage, or even a sizeable shed, you’re going to need a solid foundation. And, trust me, Tucson’s soil doesn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for builders. It’s more like, "Here, deal with my hard-packed layers of dirt, sand, and caliche." Getting that foundation right is crucial because our desert soil expands and contracts with the weather. A solid foundation dug deep into the right layers prevents future cracking and shifting.

I’ve seen what happens when people try to skip on foundation depth. A few years ago, I helped a family with a cracked foundation because the initial builder didn’t dig deep enough. That little "shortcut" cost them thousands in repairs. Lesson here? A deep foundation done right saves you a headache later on.

2. Swimming Pools – A Tucson Essential (with a Caliche Twist)

What’s Tucson without a pool to cool off in? Pool projects are some of the most common excavation jobs around here, but they’re also some of the trickiest. Tucson has layers upon layers of hard-packed soil, and caliche can show up at just the wrong depth—right where the bottom of your pool is supposed to be.

I remember working on a pool where we hit a foot-thick layer of caliche about halfway down. We had to bring in extra equipment, break it up bit by bit, and haul out what felt like half the desert. That pool took an extra week and quite a bit more cash to complete, but the result? One happy (and much cooler) family. Pools are great, but they’re not for the faint of heart—or budget—when it comes to excavation.

3. Utility Trenches – The Necessary Nuisance

If you’re setting up plumbing, electrical, or gas lines, you’ll need some trench work done. Utility trenches are necessary for pretty much any construction project, from residential builds to commercial sites. Digging these trenches may not sound glamorous, but they’re essential for bringing all the comforts of modern life to a new building.

Once, while digging a trench for some utility lines, we hit a surprise boulder—massive, and right in the path of the trench. We tried to dig around it, but there was no way around it. We ended up having to break it down, piece by piece. That trench took twice as long as planned, but hey, what’s a little extra Tucson "character" on the job?

4. Driveways and Road Access – Making Sure You Can Get In and Out

Grading for driveways or private roadways is a surprisingly common excavation project in Tucson. With our rugged terrain, making a smooth, stable path to a property is essential. Driveways have to be properly graded and leveled, and sometimes you even need to lay a bit of gravel or paving on top to keep everything intact. And if you’re dealing with a sloped property, excavation is the only way to make sure you’re not driving up a mini mountain every day.

On one job, a client wanted a super smooth driveway up to their house on a small hill. This meant hours of careful grading, followed by some serious compacting. They were thrilled with the end result, and every time I see a nicely graded driveway in Tucson, I can’t help but smile a little—because I know how much work goes into it!

5. Landscaping and Retaining Walls – Desert Beauty Comes with Effort

Tucson might be a desert, but that doesn’t mean people don’t want lush landscaping or hardscapes like retaining walls. Excavation for landscaping is more about precision than depth, but it’s still no small feat. If you’re planting trees, adding a pond, or setting up a raised garden, some excavation is going to be part of the process.

Retaining walls are a popular project, too, especially on sloped properties. They require some serious excavation to ensure they don’t shift or collapse over time. I once worked on a property with three levels of retaining walls—by the time we were done, it looked incredible, but it took some very strategic digging to get everything just right. Landscaping may look easy, but it’s some of the most detail-oriented excavation work you can do.

The Bottom Line: If You’re Digging in Tucson, Hire the Pros

So, what types of projects require excavation in Tucson? Just about everything that involves moving dirt or creating a foundation. Tucson’s terrain doesn’t make excavation easy, but when done right, the results speak for themselves. Whether it’s a pool to beat the heat, a foundation for a new home, or a trench for utilities, having an experienced crew with the right equipment makes all the difference.

If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that excavation is as much about problem-solving as it is about digging. Each project has its own quirks and challenges, especially here in Tucson, but with the right crew, a bit of patience, and a whole lot of humor, we can get it done. Just be ready for a few surprises—because in Tucson, the desert always has a few up its sleeve.

Joy Bradie, a seasoned payroll accountant, has dedicated her career to the meticulous art of financial management.