Welcome!
If there is anything at all we can help with, feel free to reach out either via the contact form at the bottom of the page, or call Justin directly at (360) 410-9549
We look forward to hearing from you!
Welcome to Cholla Dirt Work
Cholla Dirt Work, pronounced CHOY-uh and named after Justin’s favorite cactus, is a locally owned excavation and tree service based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The company was founded by Justin Cooper, a physician assistant in urology at Christus St. Vincent who also brings years of hands-on experience in excavation, land development, and professional tree work.
Before entering medicine, Justin trained in dirt work in Washington State, where he learned road building, land shaping, and the installation of underground utilities including water, power, and gas lines. He operated full-size excavators capable of moving thousands of pounds of earth in a single scoop and hauled heavy equipment on low-boy trailers with loads exceeding 100,000 pounds. Justin was also trained in professional tree work by a certified arborist with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, where he learned safe techniques for removing large trees—even in difficult or hazardous locations.
While Justin loves practicing medicine and caring for patients, he never lost his passion for working outdoors and operating heavy equipment. Cholla Dirt Work was created as a way to bring those skills back into the community and help neighbors throughout Northern New Mexico with practical, hands-on projects that require the right tools and experience.
We offer a range of services that are detailed below. In addition to equipment work, we also offer flat-rate ground work at $50 per hour, which includes weed eating, landscaping, cleanup, and general labor around your property.
Whether the job involves stubborn roots, buried obstacles, or clearing the way for something new, the philosophy is simple:
Rooted or Buried — We Handle It.
WHAT WE DO
Every property is different, and many projects require the right equipment and experience to solve safely and efficiently. Here are some of the most common types of work Cholla Dirt Work helps homeowners and property owners with.
Excavation & Land Services
Cholla Dirt Work provides small-to-mid scale excavation services for property owners throughout the Santa Fe/Lamy area. Whether you need land cleared, trenches dug for utilities, debris removed, or terrain reshaped, we bring the right equipment and experience to the job.
Tree Removal & Land Clearing
Tree removal can be dangerous work, especially when large trees are close to structures, fences, or other obstacles. With training from a certified arborist through the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Cholla Dirt Work specializes in safely removing trees—even in tight or challenging locations. Let me tell you, the trees in NM are no match for the over 100 foot tall Douglas Fir Justin was trained to fell. We also offer brush clearing and property cleanup to help restore and maintain your land.
Property Cleanup & Ground Work
Not every job requires heavy equipment. Cholla Dirt Work also offers flat-rate ground work at $50 per hour, perfect for smaller property projects. This includes weed eating, landscaping, brush removal, cleanup, and general labor around your property. If you have a job that just needs strong hands and the right tools, we’re happy to help.
Underground Utility Repair & Installation
Buried utility lines occasionally fail or need replacement. We help with trenching, locating and exposing damaged lines, and installing or repairing underground utilities such as water, power, and gas lines. Proper backfilling and compaction are critical to preventing settling later. Cholla Dirt Work takes compaction seriously, using professional equipment such as jumping jack and plate compactors when needed to ensure trenches are solid and stable when the job is finished.
Concrete & Asphalt Tear-Out
Old concrete pads, driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt surfaces can be difficult to remove without the right equipment. We handle demolition, breaking, removal, and hauling away of concrete and asphalt so your property is ready for the next phase of work.
Large Junk & Debris Removal
Some cleanup projects involve heavy or bulky materials that can’t be moved by hand. Using excavation equipment, we can remove large debris, buried junk, old materials, and other difficult-to-handle items from your property.
Heavy Item Moving or Removal
Need help moving or removing something extremely heavy? Excavation equipment allows us to safely lift, relocate, or remove items that would otherwise require a large crew or specialized equipment.
Road Building & Expansion
Access roads, driveways, and property trails sometimes need to be built, widened, or improved. With experience in road building and land shaping, Cholla Dirt Work can help create or expand access roads that are stable and functional for long-term use.
WHy choose cholla dirt work
Experience You Can Trust
Cholla Dirt Work combines real-world excavation and tree work experience with a professional approach to every job. Justin’s background in heavy equipment operation, underground utility work, and professional tree removal ensures that projects are handled safely, efficiently, and with attention to detail.
Problem-Solving Mindset
As a physician assistant, Justin spends his professional life solving complex problems and helping people through difficult situations. That same mindset carries over into every project — carefully evaluating the job, planning the safest approach, and making sure the work is done right the first time.
Local and Community Focused
Cholla Dirt Work was started to serve the local community in and around Santa Fe. Whether it’s clearing land, removing a hazardous tree, repairing a buried utility line, or helping clean up a property, the goal is simple: help neighbors solve problems and improve their land.
bidding and payment
Cholla Dirt Work believes in simple, honest pricing and straightforward communication.
Before work begins, Justin Cooper will visit the property to evaluate the project and provide a fair and realistic bid. Once a project is agreed upon, the final invoice will not exceed ten percent (10%) above or below the original estimated bid amount unless a written change is agreed to by both parties.
No payment is required up front. Payment is collected only after the work has been completed.
Payment in full is due within ninety (90) days of project completion unless otherwise stated in writing. Payment is expected in cash unless another payment method is specifically agreed to in this document.
Execution of the Project Bid section indicates the customer’s acceptance of the scope of work, estimated project cost, and all terms described herein.
Execution of the Project Completion section confirms that the work has been completed as agreed, acknowledges the stated completion date, confirms the customer’s satisfaction with the work performed, and accepts the final invoice amount and payment terms.
legal disclosure / terms
Cholla Dirt Work is a private party operation conducted by Justin Cooper as a “Doing Business As” (DBA). It is not a licensed contracting company and is not insured or bonded. Work performed under the name Cholla Dirt Work represents Justin Cooper acting as an individual offering assistance to neighbors and property owners with excavation, land clearing, tree work, and related projects.
All work is negotiated directly with the customer. Materials procurement, equipment use, trucking costs, and other project-related expenses are managed by Justin Cooper / Cholla Dirt Work unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Justin Cooper / Cholla Dirt Work shall not be liable for any property damage, personal injury, or consequential damages except where such damage or injury is determined to be directly caused by the proven negligence of Justin Cooper / Cholla Dirt Work.
By entering into this agreement and signing the project bid, the customer assumes no liability for any damage to equipment used during the project or for any injury sustained by Justin Cooper while performing the work. Justin Cooper expressly waives and agrees not to pursue any claim, demand, or legal action against the customer for personal injury sustained during the course of the project.
