Stuck Between a Fence and a Hard Place? There’s a Smarter Way to Trench

In a recent video from Justin Richards, aka SprinklerDude, (worth a quick watch -check it out here), runs into a problem we’re sure you’ve had as a contractor – tight backyard, fence line, zero chance of squeezing in a walk-behind trencher. Sound familiar?  

Let’s break down the reality.  Tight Access? Big Machines Need Not Apply. 

You roll up to a job and go to the backyard. Fence on one side, landscaping on the other; maybe a patio. Definitely no room for a walk-behind trencher. Even if you manage to squeeze a larger machine in there, you would be dealing with torn-up turf, angry homeowners, and cleanup that eats into your day. That machine just became more trouble than it’s worth.  

So now what? 

The “Old School” Option: Grab a Shovel and Suffer  

Hand digging always sounds simple…until you’re halfway through. What starts as “just a quick trench” turns into: 

And let’s talk real cost – not the $30 shovel, but the actual expense: 

You’re not just digging dirt – you’re digging into your margins.  And It Gets Worse… 

Think your soil is bad? Clay? Rocky? “Basically concrete”? 

Congrats – you just doubled the misery. Hand trenching in tough soil isn’t just slow – it’s brutal. It drags the job out, burns out your crew, and turns what should be a quick install into an all-day grind. 

Or…You Could Work Smarter 

Here’s where GeoRipper flips the script. Instead of accepting the shovel life, Justin grabbed a GeoRipper and got it done – fast, clean, and without wrecking the yard. 

Why it hits different: 

• Built for tight spaces – fences, side yards, backyards – no problem 

• One-person operation – no need to throw five guys at a trench 

• Handles tough soil – yes, even the stuff everyone swears is “all rock” 

• Way faster than hand digging – minutes, not hours 

The Bottom Line 

You’ve got three options: 

When you’re stuck between a fence and a hard place, the choice is pretty obvious.  

Stop digging like it’s 1920, switch to the tool that is helping contractors dig in less time, for less work, and increasing profits.