Ditch Witch Trencher at Work Site
Photo Details
- Date: December 18, 2025
- Time: 4:43 PM EST
- Weather: Cloudy, 50°F. Unusually warm December day causing ground thaw near structures.
- Phase: Electrical Service Installation – Trenching Equipment
- View: Work site overview showing Ditch Witch and trench progress
Description
Site overview showing the Ditch Witch walk-behind trencher used to excavate the electrical trench along the house foundation. The trencher successfully completed this section where ground conditions were favorable due to heat transfer from the house foundation. Wire has been buried in the completed section.
Visible Elements
- Ditch Witch walk-behind trencher (white/cream colored unit)
- Wire emerging from buried section — spool stored nearby for spring completion
- Backfilled trench section along house
- Yellow fiberglass shovel for cleanup work
- House foundation and vinyl siding
- Electrical meter and service panel area visible on house
- Wet, muddy ground conditions from thaw
- Snow patches at work area edges
- Equipment positioned at trench terminus
Context
The Ditch Witch performed well in the thawed soil near the house foundation. However, once the trench route moved away from the building’s thermal influence into the open yard, the frozen ground (approximately 10 inches deep frost layer) stopped progress. A larger rental backhoe was attempted but made only 3 feet of progress in 30 minutes before the decision was made to wait until spring.