The groundwork side of a utility pole: we drill the hole deep and set the pole solid and plumb, so the electrician or utility can handle the rest.
Utility Pole Installation
Groundwork for poles
A Shallow Hole Makes a Leaning Pole
Putting in a utility pole starts with a hole, and not a shallow one. A power pole, a light pole, or a private service pole has to go deep enough to stand up to wind and weight and stay plumb for good. That’s groundwork, and it comes before anyone runs a wire to it.
We’re the earthworks side of it. We drill the pole hole to depth with an auger, stand the pole plumb, and backfill and compact around it so it sits solid and stays put. We don’t do the wiring or the connections, that’s for a licensed electrician or the utility, but the hole and the set, the part that has to be right for the pole to last, is ours.
Victoria ground makes a pole hole harder than it looks. Rock near the surface can stop a hole short, which leaves a pole set too shallow to trust. We auger to full depth and break out any rock that’s in the way, so the pole ends up set at the depth it needs, not the depth the ground allowed.
Get the hole and the set right and the pole stands straight for good, ready for whoever finishes the job.
Start to finish
From the Quote to a Pole That's Set
- We look at the site and quote it straight. We check where the pole goes, its size, the access, and the ground, then give you a written price and timeline.
- We drill the pole hole. An auger puts the hole in at the depth the pole needs, and we break out rock where it’s in the way, so the hole isn’t cut short by what’s under the surface.
- We set the pole and backfill. The pole goes in plumb, and we lock it in: backfilled and compacted for most poles, or set in a concrete collar for lighter metal ones like light and camera poles. Either way it sits solid and won’t lean or work loose later.
- We leave it set and ready.
With the pole in solid, the site’s tidied and ready for the electrician or utility to finish, and we walk it with you.
Got a pole to put in? Call (250) 885-2213 and we’ll take a look at the spot.
What our clients have to say
EXCELLENT
Based on 13 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Cameron HollidayTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Really impressed with the service , I have been in construction over 20 years, working with and operating equipment myself , Chris is a natural , fast and efficient, no mistakes and no damage to the property, extremely good guy, made instant friends with the local material yard and saved me a tonne of money on dump fees, highly recommend him to anybody interested ????Posted on Google![]()
Nolan MayrhoferTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Grant is an exceptional human and an incredible craftsman to work with. He genuinely loves what he does, and his mile-wide smile says it all. His passion for life shines through in his work, and it shows in every detail. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.Posted on Google![]()
Lorne RobertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Chris and his team did an outstanding job! They were professional, efficient, and really knew their stuff. The excavation work was done on time and with great attention to detail. Communication was excellent throughout the entire process, and they left the site clean and ready for the next stage of the project. If you’re looking for a reliable excavation company here on the Saanich Peninsula, I highly recommend Chris and his crew!Posted on Google![]()
Owen BainTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We've hired Auzzie a few times to expand our yard and worked with him on some other projects as well. Top notch operator and easy to work with, always friendly, knowledgeable and efficient! Will definitely be having him backPosted on Google![]()
Chris BrunnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Auzzie to put in a gravel driveway extension for us and are absolutely thrilled with the result! He is as masterful on the excavator as a surgeon is with a scalpel, and is thoroughly knowledgeable on all the little details that are often overlooked in getting the job done right. Also worth mentioning is that he made the whole job a lot of fun. Most importantly, however, is that he had the job done for us on time and on budget - and the outcome exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend Auzzie for any excavation project!Posted on Google![]()
Freddy MazereeuwTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When we needed to expand and level our yard for washroom trailer storage, Auzzie’s Earthworks was our first call, and they did a fantastic job. Chris quickly tore out bushes, regraded the area, spread gravel, and compacted everything down in just a few hours. The yard is now perfectly level and ready for our trailers. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for anyone needing efficient, professional site prep!Posted on Google![]()
Dynamic Fencing & DecksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Auzzie’s Earthworks to help with a challenging fencing project through Dynamic Fencing, and the experience was fantastic. We initially discovered that under the thick ivy was nothing but rock, roots, and loose dirt—no stable ground for a fence. Auzzie came out for an estimate, and right away, he had a clear plan to remove the ivy, rock, and debris, creating a 2'x24' trench so we could put in a retaining wall. Despite having limited space to work in and being surrounded by raised garden beds, he completed the job efficiently and without disturbing the vegetable garden. His speed, precision, and skill were top-notch. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for any tricky site work!Posted on Google![]()
Christopher AldridgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We recently worked with Auzzie from Auzzie’s Earthworks and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Communication was clear and fast from the start, which made planning a breeze. Despite our tight schedule, Auzzie was able to fit us in and arrived punctually, ready to go. The equipment he used was top-notch, and his skill in operating it quickly and efficiently was immediately evident. Highly recommend Auzzie’s Earthworks for anyone looking for a reliable, professional servicePosted on Google![]()
Bill PeckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Auzzie gives a master class in customer service and quality work with every project. He is very skilled and vitally, very knowledgeable of local district bylaws. An absolute pleasure to work with. I have no reservations recommending him for your project. You will end up with a fine product and have a bunch of fun along the way.
The hole and the set
Why Auzzie's Earthworx for Utility Poles
The hole and the set are what keep a pole plumb, and that’s earthworks, not electrical.
- We drill to full depth. We drill the hole as deep as the pole needs, and break rock where it’s in the way, so the pole isn’t set short.
- We set it plumb and solid. The pole goes in straight and backfilled tight, so it doesn’t lean or work loose over time.
- We stick to the groundwork. The wiring and connections are the electrician’s and the utility’s; we do the drilling and setting, and do it right.
Straight Answers
Common Questions About Utility Poles
Putting in a pole, people usually ask what it costs, whether we handle the electrical, and whether we can drill through the rock.
How much does utility pole installation cost in Victoria, BC?
How long does it take to put in a pole?
Can you drill a pole hole through rock?
Do you do the electrical, or just set the pole?
What kinds of poles do you set?
Do you supply the pole, or do I?
Have questions? Get in touch!
Get the Pole in the Ground Right
We handle utility pole groundwork across Victoria and the surrounding communities, for residential and small commercial jobs. If you’ve got a pole to set, the quickest way to sort it is a look at the spot and the ground.
Call (250) 885-2213 to go over the job, or send a few photos and a description through the free quote form for a faster, more accurate number.
Auzzie’s Earthworx is insured, with documentation available on request.
“Pole hole hitting rock? See our rock breaking service.” or “Setting fence posts on the same property? See our fencing service.”