Excavation & Recreational Trail Construction Maine
Experienced Excavation And Trail Construction Backed By Maine Certifications
OR GIVE US A CALL
why choose Trail & Earth?
Owner-Led Projects
I personally handle every project from start to finish, so when you call Trail & Earth, you’re speaking directly with the owner—and I’m the one showing up to do the work.
Straightforward Pricing
I believe in fair, honest pricing with clear expectations, providing accurate quotes without hidden costs or surprises along the way.
Certified, Proven Experience
With a robust background supported by state licenses and certifications, I bring the expertise needed to manage excavation, land work, and recreational trail projects of all sizes across Maine.
Easy to Work With
I take pride in being responsive, respectful, and easy to work with, making the entire process smooth and stress-free from the first conversation to final cleanup.
GET A FREE ESTIMATE
Contact Us
Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later.
ABOUT US
welcome to Trail & Earth
Trail & Earth is an owner-operated excavation and recreational trail construction company based in Richmond, ME, serving clients statewide. I provide excavation, land clearing, grading, drainage solutions, and custom trail construction for ATV, UTV, hiking, and private land use. Backed by Maine licenses and certifications, I deliver honest pricing, clear communication, and durable results. From initial planning through final cleanup, I personally manage each project to ensure quality workmanship and a smooth experience every time.
Transforming Land with Excavation & Recreational Trail Construction in Richmond, Maine
For over 30 years, I have been dedicated to shaping and managing land across Maine, providing expert excavation and recreational trail construction services. My work combines precision, safety, and sustainability, ensuring that every project—from residential foundations to expansive trail networks—is executed with care and skill. Specializing in core excavation services, I prepare and shape land for long-lasting functionality, addressing everything from grading and drainage to property line maintenance and septic systems. Trail & Earth stands for reliability, craftsmanship, and environmental respect. I approach each job with the same commitment I would give to my own land, ensuring every excavation, trail, or land management project in teh region enhances both property value and natural beauty.
Services We Offer
EXCAVATION
CONSTRUCTION
LAND MANAGEMENT
RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION
I provide precise residential excavation services for homes, ensuring proper grading, soil preparation, and foundation support. Every project is carefully executed, creating stable, long-lasting bases for construction while minimizing disruption, preserving surrounding landscapes, and ensuring functional and durable results for each property.
SITE PREPARATION & GRADING
I prepare construction sites with meticulous grading and leveling, improving drainage, stability, and accessibility. Proper site preparation ensures foundations, driveways, and landscaping projects have a durable, contoured surface that supports long-term functionality, reduces maintenance, and meets all project-specific requirements efficiently.
FOUNDATION & FOOTING EXCAVATION
I perform foundation and footing excavation for residential or commercial projects, ensuring accurate soil removal, trenching, and grading. Properly prepared foundations prevent settlement issues, provide structural stability, and create a reliable, long-lasting base that supports construction integrity and long-term durability.
DRAINAGE & WATER MANAGEMENT
I design and implement effective drainage solutions, including swales, ditches, and retention systems, controlling water flow across the property. Proper water management prevents erosion, protects structures, improves landscape health, and maintains functional land features while ensuring sustainable and long-lasting performance.
DRIVEWAY & ACCESS ROAD INSTALLATION
I construct durable driveways and access roads with precise grading, base preparation, and surface treatment. Each installation ensures smooth, long-lasting access, minimal maintenance, and functional usability while seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape, protecting land integrity and supporting heavy use efficiently.
LAND CLEARING & LOT PREP
I clear land for construction or recreational use, removing trees, brush, and debris while grading and prepping lots. This process ensures safe, accessible, and workable spaces for development, landscaping, or recreational purposes while preserving soil stability and property functionality.
PROPERTY LINE MAINTENANCE
I manage property line maintenance by clearing overgrowth, marking boundaries, and improving accessibility. Proper maintenance prevents encroachment, protects land value, ensures legal and functional separation between properties, and enhances visual appeal while providing safe, reliable access along property borders and edges.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
I prepare sites for septic systems with accurate excavation, grading, and soil compaction. Properly executed installations guarantee functional, long-lasting wastewater management that meets Maine’s health and safety requirements while ensuring minimal environmental impact, durability, and consistent performance over time.
RESIDENTIAL EXCAVATION
I provide precise residential excavation services for homes, ensuring proper grading, soil preparation, and foundation support. Every project is carefully executed, creating stable, long-lasting bases for construction while minimizing disruption, preserving surrounding landscapes, and ensuring functional and durable results for each property.
RECREATIONAL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
I build trails for recreational use, carefully grading, routing, and surfacing each pathway. Trails are designed to provide safe, durable, and environmentally sustainable experiences for walking, hiking, and recreational vehicles while preserving natural landscapes and minimizing ecological impact.
ATV & UTV TRAIL BUILDING
I design and construct ATV and UTV trails with safe turns, durable surfaces, and proper drainage. Each trail accommodates recreational off-road vehicles, maintains rider safety, and ensures long-term usability while preserving surrounding landscapes and minimizing erosion or damage.
HIKING & WALKING TRAIL DEVELOPMENT
I develop hiking and walking trails that highlight scenic views and natural terrain features. Each trail is sustainably routed, cleared, and stabilized, ensuring safety, enjoyment, and environmental responsibility while providing long-lasting, visually appealing, and accessible pathways for all users.
PRIVATE LAND TRAIL SYSTEMS
I create custom trail systems for private properties, balancing recreation and functional land use. Trails are designed for vehicles, foot traffic, and unique landscapes, ensuring safety, durability, and environmental responsibility while enhancing usability, property value, and long-term enjoyment of the land.
TRAIL REPAIR & RESTORATION
I repair and restore trails impacted by erosion, weather, or heavy use. Work includes grading, surface stabilization, vegetation management, and restoration of natural drainage patterns to maintain safe, functional, and visually appealing trails for recreational vehicles and pedestrians.
RECREATIONAL TRAIL CONSTRUCTION
I build trails for recreational use, carefully grading, routing, and surfacing each pathway. Trails are designed to provide safe, durable, and environmentally sustainable experiences for walking, hiking, and recreational vehicles while preserving natural landscapes and minimizing ecological impact.
TREE REMOVAL & FORESTRY CLEARING
I remove trees and clear forests to improve land usability, including safe felling, debris management, and site preparation. This work creates functional, accessible spaces for construction or recreation while protecting property and maintaining ecological balance on the land.
BRUSH CUTTING & UNDERBRUSH REMOVAL
I clear dense brush and undergrowth to reduce fire risk, improve access, and enhance land aesthetics. Careful removal preserves soil health, supports ecological balance, and ensures safe, usable areas for development, recreational use, or sustainable land management practices over time.
HERBICIDE & VEGETATION CONTROL
I apply herbicide and vegetation control to manage invasive species, overgrowth, and unwanted plants safely. Treatments are precise, environmentally responsible, and effective, ensuring long-term control while protecting beneficial plants, maintaining landscape stability, and enhancing property usability and aesthetics.
EROSION CONTROL & SLOPE STABILIZATION
I implement erosion control and slope stabilization through grading, retention, and vegetation techniques. This prevents soil loss, protects structures, maintains landscape integrity, and ensures safe, durable land conditions that support construction, recreational use, and long-term environmental sustainability on the property.
TREE REMOVAL & FORESTRY CLEARING
I remove trees and clear forests to improve land usability, including safe felling, debris management, and site preparation. This work creates functional, accessible spaces for construction or recreation while protecting property and maintaining ecological balance on the land.
Maximizing Property Value Through Thoughtful Land Management
Trail & Earth is committed to delivering superior excavation, land management, and recreational trail construction services throughout Richmond, Maine. Every project reflects my dedication to accuracy, safety, and sustainable land use. I approach each site personally, from planning to completion, ensuring that every driveway, foundation, trail, and cleared lot meets high standards. With over 30 years of experience, I continue to enhance Maine’s landscapes, supporting both recreational and residential land use. Clients can trust that every effort is made to protect natural resources, promote safety, and create long-lasting improvements that increase property value while maintaining ecological integrity.
Testimonials
John has done many landscaping jobs for us over the years--regrading, hardscaping, transplanting, and material delivery. He is a joy to work with and I can rely on him to always follow through. I especially appreciate his attention to detail and ability to work with us to get the best outcome possible. Trail & Earth is a great resource for those with landscaping needs in the Richmond area!
Hanna B.
Large project - multiple things needed done at my camp. My experience was fast: Quote was done up within a weeks time, project was done two days prior to what was estimated, very easy communicating, was thorough, licensed & insured.
I had questions that were answered in great detail, very nice to have that!
I would highly recommend Trail & Earth for your projects.
I am already thinking of projects for the house.
* * Make sure to get your project in before summer because he books up FAST! * *
J. A. P.
Trail & Earth, LLC was wonderful to work with. John showed up when he said he would, completed the work in an extremely reasonable amount of time, and did a great job. The project was a 1/4 mile scenic trail towards the water, winding around three steep ledges with challenging turns. John worked with us to assess possible routes and use of materials. Following our initial meeting, he quickly supplied a thorough quote detailing the scope of the work.
John was personable, a wealth of information, and a pleasure to work with. He also treated our invasive plants. The final result exceeded our expectations.
We highly recommend Trail & Earth and look forward to working with John in the future.
John K.
OR GIVE US A CALL
SOCIAL threads
State of Maine Licensed Master Herbicide Applicator
Certified Logging Professional (CLP), State of Maine
State-Approved Erosion Control Certification
Maine-Certified Forester
State of Maine Licensed Arborist
frequently asked questions
What areas do you serve in Maine?
Trail & Earth is based in Richmond, ME and provides excavation and recreational trail construction services throughout the entire state of Maine. I work with residential property owners, landowners, and private clients across coastal, central, and rural areas.
What types of projects do you handle?
I specialize in excavation, land clearing, grading, drainage work, and recreational trail construction, including ATV, UTV, hiking, and private trail systems. Each project is tailored to the land, intended use, and long-term durability.
Are you licensed and certified for this type of work?
Yes. I hold multiple State of Maine licenses and certifications, including herbicide application, forestry, logging, arborist services, and erosion control. This background allows me to properly manage land, vegetation, and environmental considerations on every project.
What should I expect during the project process?
From the first call through completion, I personally manage the work and communicate clearly at every stage. You can expect honest pricing, realistic timelines, professional workmanship, and a clean jobsite once the project is complete.
SERVICE AREA
Proudly Serving THE Richmond, Maine
- Richmond, ME
- Augusta, ME
- Auburn, ME
- Bath, ME
- Biddeford, ME
- Brunswick, ME
- Ellsworth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Gorham, ME
- Lewiston, ME
- Portland, ME
- Rockland, ME