POND EXCAVATION
Pond Excavation Services in the Hudson Valley
Whether you want a scenic water feature, a functional farm pond, or stormwater management, Chad Davis Contracting provides expert pond excavation services throughout the Hudson Valley. We handle every step from site evaluation to final grading.
Custom Pond Excavation for Residential and Agricultural Projects
Chad Davis Contracting provides professional pond excavation services throughout the Hudson Valley, including Ulster, Greene, Sullivan and Delaware counties. Whether you are looking to create a decorative pond, a functional farm pond or a drainage basin, we bring over 25 years of excavation experience to your project. Our team handles every phase from design layout and land clearing to precision digging and final grading — ensuring your pond is built to last.
Ponds can add beauty, property value and environmental function to your land, but only when they are properly excavated and drained. We take the time to understand your goals and match them with the right equipment, approach and soil preparation.
Why Proper Pond Excavation Matters
Digging a pond is not just about removing soil — it requires thoughtful planning, safe sloping and careful attention to water flow. Improperly built ponds may leak, collapse or collect stagnant water, leading to long-term drainage and erosion problems.
With Chad Davis Contracting, you get a pond that:
Holds water consistently without leakage
Has safe banks and erosion-resistant grading
Manages overflow and runoff properly
Is deep enough for its intended use (aesthetic, fish, livestock, irrigation, etc.)
Complies with local regulations and permitting
Our knowledge of the Hudson Valley’s terrain, seasonal water tables and soil composition allows us to plan each pond excavation for reliable long-term performance.
Our Pond Excavation Services
We offer full-service excavation and site work for new pond construction, pond expansions and restorations.
New Pond Construction
Starting from a raw site, we evaluate drainage patterns, design the pond layout and excavate to the desired depth. We shape the basin, compact the bottom and grade banks for safety and stability.
Agricultural and Livestock Ponds
Farm ponds serve livestock, irrigation or drainage purposes. We build durable agricultural ponds with proper inlet/outlet controls, livestock-safe grading and long-term erosion protection.
Decorative and Landscape Ponds
For homeowners who want a peaceful water feature or backyard pond, we excavate clean, aesthetic basins ready for liners, plantings, waterfalls or fish stocking.
Pond Expansion and Deepening
If you have an existing pond that is too shallow, overgrown or no longer functioning, we can re-excavate and reshape it. This includes removing silt, reshaping the floor and improving water control.
Drainage Basins and Stormwater Ponds
We dig retention or detention ponds to manage stormwater runoff in residential and commercial developments. These ponds are designed with precise slope control and outlet structures for regulated flow.
Our Process for Excavating a Pond
Site Evaluation
We assess your property’s layout, drainage patterns, soil type and access. We help determine the ideal pond size and location.
Planning and Layout
We create a pond design with dimensions, depth targets, slope plans and overflow paths. We also check if permits are required for your location.
Excavation and Grading
Using excavators, bulldozers and compactors, we dig the basin, remove unsuitable soil, and shape the banks and bottom for water retention.
Finishing and Overflow Management
We complete grading, install overflow systems or berms, and prepare the site for final landscaping, liner installation or seeding.
Every pond is different. We adapt our process based on water source (spring-fed, surface runoff, well), intended use and topography.
Why Choose Chad Davis Contracting
With 25+ years of excavation and grading experience, we bring local expertise in seasonal water tables and terrain, operate as a fully insured and safety-conscious team, maintain clean job sites with complete removal of excavated material, provide custom design for every pond project, and offer fair pricing with clear communication throughout the process. We proudly work with private homeowners, farmers, builders, and landowners across the Hudson Valley who want dependable pond installation done right from the very first dig.
Service Area
Whether you're planning a peaceful garden pond or a working farm reservoir, our team has the tools and experience to deliver. We provide pond excavation services throughout:
Ulster County
Greene County
Sullivan County
Delaware County
Surrounding Hudson Valley communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to dig a pond in New York?
In many cases, yes — especially for ponds over a certain size or connected to natural streams. We help guide you through local requirements and permitting processes.
How deep should a pond be?
It depends on your use. Fish ponds typically require 6–8 feet. Decorative ponds may only be 2–4 feet. Agricultural ponds vary based on volume and location.
Can you fix an old pond that does not hold water?
Yes. We can re-excavate, reseal or deepen ponds that have compacted over time or were poorly constructed.
What happens to the excavated soil?
We can haul away excess material or redistribute it onsite for berms, grading or fill. We leave your property clean and ready.
Start Your Pond Project Today
If you are ready to add a pond to your property or fix an existing one, Chad Davis Contracting is ready to help. We provide expert pond excavation with a commitment to quality and long-term results.
