The Steps of the Land Clearing Process
If you’re looking to build a new property or make an addition to a current one, land clearing is one of the first steps you need to take. Ridding your lot of large rocks, trees or stumps, vegetation, or other debris is a lot of work but also necessary. It can be a large task, but taking it on one step at a time makes it manageable.
While some people choose to clear their lots on their own, it's sometimes necessary to hire professionals. Finding contractors with the right know-how and experience will make sure the job is completed successfully. Even if you're planning to hire a land clearing company to help, it’s smart to learn the different steps of the land clearing process, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Determine If You Need Help
Deciding if you need outside help is the first step when starting the land clearing process. If you have a small area that needs to be cultivated, you may be fine on your own. You can rent a chainsaw and a stump grinder from a local hardware store and take care of it yourself. If you own a large plot of land with a significant amount of debris, or have hills and slopes that pose a challenge, it's in your best interest to hire a local contractor to assist you instead of attempting to do it yourself. It's safer that way and the project will be completed in days instead of weeks.
Step 2: Research Whether a Permit is Required
The second step is finding out if you need a permit. Depending on where you live, land clearing can be a delicate process. Factors such as soil erosion, protections for different species and vegetation, or even historical significance may prevent you from being able to clear your land. Contact your local land planning agency to find out if you need a permit. Or, if you happen to hire a contractor, that company may be able to take care of this step for you.
Step 3: Establish a Budget
Whether you're working with a land clearing company or handling the project on your own, establishing a budget will ensure you don’t overspend. Some commercial tree cutters charge a fixed price for each square foot, but it varies according to your location and the equipment they use.
If you choose to clear land by yourself, determine how much you are willing to spend on equipment rental, the cost of running the equipment, and purchasing any other required supplies. You will also need to find a roll-off dumpster rental or haul away company who can remove the debris you accumulate during the process.
Step 4: Secure Multiple Estimates
If you decide to hire a contractor, shop around for different estimates within your budget range. In addition to finding the right price, be sure to look online for customer reviews to make sure the deal you think you’re getting isn’t too good to be true. It's also wise to check company reviews to see the previous work that was done. Factors like the size of your land, the time frame in which it needs to be cleared, terrain such as hills, distance, type of soil, etc., and the time of year all contribute towards the cost of land clearing and will vary from company to company.
Step 5: Mark and Fence Off Protected Areas
If there are specific trees, vegetation, or structures that can’t be moved or disposed of for some reason, fence them off with brightly colored fencing to protect them, and let others know not to remove them.
Step 6: Remove Existing Buildings and Structures
Once you have completed the previous steps, it’s time to get started on the actual land clearing process. First, tear down and haul away any existing structures like sheds, stables, etc. Next, dig out and remove any concrete foundations that remain. Renting a construction dumpster from your local sanitation company will make the disposal process much easier.
Step 7: Clear All Trees, Shrubs, and Vegetation
After getting rid of all buildings are structures, begin removing all trees, bushes, shrubs, logs, fallen branches, and rocks. This is a time-consuming process because each of the trees will need to be cut down one by one. Commercial tree services use forest mulching equipment that can safely fell a tree in a matter of minutes, which is one of the reasons why we recommend outsourcing this type of work. Afterwards, if you're feeling entrepreneurial, you can sell the felled trees to a lumber company, chop it for firewood, or mulch it.
There are multiple ways you can clear out any excess vegetation on your land. Depending on the size of your lot and the amount of leftover brush, you can use a hand trimmer or even use a machine to clear large areas in a short amount of time quickly. Once you have collected the debris, you can dispose of it either by burning, composting, or shredding it.
Step 8: Begin Grubbing and Remove the Stumps
After cutting down the trees, the next thing to do is to remove the stumps. This process is called grubbing. Dig to the roots with a shovel, wrap a strong, durable chain around the stump, and use a tractor or a truck to pull it out of the ground.
Step 9: Fill in the Holes and Grade the Land
Next, fill in the holes made by stumps and boulders with dirt. Then, tamp the dirt until it is compact and level. If you are using a contractor, they will most likely use a professional grader to smooth the land at this point.
If you are planning on farming or landscaping, using a plow to turn the soil will help make sure the area is even. Not only that, but plowing is environmentally conscious and releases much-needed nutrients back into the soil by mixing the different grasses and leaves back into the ground. Avoid plowing land that is wet or steep and instead choose to let native vegetation grow in order to prevent harmful soil erosion from occurring.
While some people choose to clear their lots on their own, it's sometimes necessary to hire professionals. Finding contractors with the right know-how and experience will make sure the job is completed successfully. Even if you're planning to hire a land clearing company to help, it’s smart to learn the different steps of the land clearing process, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Determine If You Need Help
Deciding if you need outside help is the first step when starting the land clearing process. If you have a small area that needs to be cultivated, you may be fine on your own. You can rent a chainsaw and a stump grinder from a local hardware store and take care of it yourself. If you own a large plot of land with a significant amount of debris, or have hills and slopes that pose a challenge, it's in your best interest to hire a local contractor to assist you instead of attempting to do it yourself. It's safer that way and the project will be completed in days instead of weeks.
Step 2: Research Whether a Permit is Required
The second step is finding out if you need a permit. Depending on where you live, land clearing can be a delicate process. Factors such as soil erosion, protections for different species and vegetation, or even historical significance may prevent you from being able to clear your land. Contact your local land planning agency to find out if you need a permit. Or, if you happen to hire a contractor, that company may be able to take care of this step for you.
Step 3: Establish a Budget
Whether you're working with a land clearing company or handling the project on your own, establishing a budget will ensure you don’t overspend. Some commercial tree cutters charge a fixed price for each square foot, but it varies according to your location and the equipment they use.
If you choose to clear land by yourself, determine how much you are willing to spend on equipment rental, the cost of running the equipment, and purchasing any other required supplies. You will also need to find a roll-off dumpster rental or haul away company who can remove the debris you accumulate during the process.
Step 4: Secure Multiple Estimates
If you decide to hire a contractor, shop around for different estimates within your budget range. In addition to finding the right price, be sure to look online for customer reviews to make sure the deal you think you’re getting isn’t too good to be true. It's also wise to check company reviews to see the previous work that was done. Factors like the size of your land, the time frame in which it needs to be cleared, terrain such as hills, distance, type of soil, etc., and the time of year all contribute towards the cost of land clearing and will vary from company to company.
Step 5: Mark and Fence Off Protected Areas
If there are specific trees, vegetation, or structures that can’t be moved or disposed of for some reason, fence them off with brightly colored fencing to protect them, and let others know not to remove them.
Step 6: Remove Existing Buildings and Structures
Once you have completed the previous steps, it’s time to get started on the actual land clearing process. First, tear down and haul away any existing structures like sheds, stables, etc. Next, dig out and remove any concrete foundations that remain. Renting a construction dumpster from your local sanitation company will make the disposal process much easier.
Step 7: Clear All Trees, Shrubs, and Vegetation
After getting rid of all buildings are structures, begin removing all trees, bushes, shrubs, logs, fallen branches, and rocks. This is a time-consuming process because each of the trees will need to be cut down one by one. Commercial tree services use forest mulching equipment that can safely fell a tree in a matter of minutes, which is one of the reasons why we recommend outsourcing this type of work. Afterwards, if you're feeling entrepreneurial, you can sell the felled trees to a lumber company, chop it for firewood, or mulch it.
There are multiple ways you can clear out any excess vegetation on your land. Depending on the size of your lot and the amount of leftover brush, you can use a hand trimmer or even use a machine to clear large areas in a short amount of time quickly. Once you have collected the debris, you can dispose of it either by burning, composting, or shredding it.
Step 8: Begin Grubbing and Remove the Stumps
After cutting down the trees, the next thing to do is to remove the stumps. This process is called grubbing. Dig to the roots with a shovel, wrap a strong, durable chain around the stump, and use a tractor or a truck to pull it out of the ground.
Step 9: Fill in the Holes and Grade the Land
Next, fill in the holes made by stumps and boulders with dirt. Then, tamp the dirt until it is compact and level. If you are using a contractor, they will most likely use a professional grader to smooth the land at this point.
If you are planning on farming or landscaping, using a plow to turn the soil will help make sure the area is even. Not only that, but plowing is environmentally conscious and releases much-needed nutrients back into the soil by mixing the different grasses and leaves back into the ground. Avoid plowing land that is wet or steep and instead choose to let native vegetation grow in order to prevent harmful soil erosion from occurring.
Land Clearing Done Right
Land clearing might seem like a tedious process, but it is well worth it in the end.
Remember to follow any regulations and rules about erosion control and water runoff to avoid fines. You also want to make sure not to track a large amount of mud and soil onto public roads. If you plan on starting a land clearing project during the rainy season, make sure to take special precautions like silt fencing or retainment ponds to keep the land from flooding. |