What is land clearing? Land clearing refers to removing native vegetation, like very large and small trees, stumps, huge rocks, and other objects, so you have land to build on. It is usually done for real estate development or agricultural reasons.
Therefore, if you own a plot of land that's been idle for some time or if you've recently bought a piece of land and plan to develop the property or tidy it up, you might wonder, "What is the process of land clearing?"
When clearing land, it's important to consider the type of vegetation, the condition of the soil, the topography, and the size of the land you plan to clear so you can follow the correct process and not complete the clearing in the wrong order.
Land clearing can be done for many reasons. Some individuals need land cleared because they plan to construct buildings, like houses or other kinds of structures. Some want land clearing done so wide-scale developmental projects can be completed, such as housing construction projects, commercial buildings, or other big structures.
Land clearing happens because purchasing land that hasn't been cleared is cheaper than purchasing land that has already been cleared and is ready for immediate use. Nevertheless, uncleared land is still a popular choice to buy since people can build on the part of the land they want to use first while leaving other areas uncleared for future uses or developments.
To clear the land properly, the first step is to remove all vegetation present on the surface of the ground.
Then, you must move and transport the vegetation to arrange it into windrows. The vegetation can then be burnt, leaving the roots to decay or be removed in the future.
After the natural vegetation is removed, stumps, trees, and any plants found need to be removed. You must ensure that every part, including the roots, is removed. Like natural vegetation, the trees and stumps are gathered and arranged in windrows for burning.
You have to plow and mix the other vegetation into the soil, about 20 cm deep, to let it decompose.
You can also eliminate any leftover stumps and trees or stop small trees from growing further by chopping them off at the roots below ground level, leaving them to rot, or burning them when needed.
You can clear a small piece of land using power tools like a chainsaw and a few wheelbarrows. However, you have a large piece of land. In that case, hiring professionals, such as a specialized land clearing service like us at Shilling Excavation, who possess the proper tools, machinery, and expertise to clear the land effectively and efficiently is best.
Land clearing can be dangerous and complicated if you need help figuring out what to do. It can also be time-consuming, so for land and lot clearing projects, you need the services of professionals with field experience and knowledge of how to use the right equipment.
Even if you plan to buy heavy equipment, hiring a land-clearing company that has been in the business is the best choice. Choose a company with the right tools and machinery and professionals specially trained to do the job.
1. Examine and assess the land carefully in every single area. Get a team to look at every part of the land to list things that must be removed. Search for large objects, steep slopes, or how many trees must be managed.
2. Research building and zoning permits and make sure you follow the right permit process. Before doing any large projects, check with your local government, as your land may be under some environmental protection. The land may also not be allowed for the structure you plan to build.
3. Establish a budget before you start so you won't overspend on unexpected costs when you start your project.
4. Get price estimates from your land clearing service company and, if possible, estimates from different companies to get the price you want.
5. Factors include the size of your land, the time it needs to be cleared, terrain such as hills, distance, the type of soil, etc. The time of year or specific season can affect the land clearing expenses, and price quotes may vary for each company.
6. Hire professionals and a reputable company with experience and credibility to do the job properly. To achieve this, search for customer reviews about previous projects completed by the company to check if clients were happy with the results.
7. Establish the right land area where you wish to clear. It's bad news if you accidentally move a part of the land that is not yours, so mark or fence off the right area. If there are certain trees or specific areas of land you prefer not to disrupt, make sure they have noticeable markings so they aren't accidentally cleared away.
8. Finally, adhere to all rules and guidelines regarding soil erosion control. Water runoff could occur, so take necessary precautions to prevent it and avoid any fines. If you're clearing land close to public areas or roads, do not drag large quantities of mud or soil from your property.
Below are a few reasons why clearing the site is essential:
Whether building a commercial or residential structure, land clearing opens up your property's layout. If you want to extend the usability of an uninhabited land area, clearing the site is the first step. Once you clear land, you can use it for residential and commercial purposes.
Many people and authorities clear land for safety reasons. A land full of dead plants and rotten wood poses health hazards for people nearby. If you have a business, clearing your land will ensure the safety of your employees.
Clearing land is vital because it allows new growth to flourish. If you want trees, grasses, and flowers on your property, they must have sufficient sunlight. Removing old plants also helps the soil accumulate nutrients for healthy root development in newly planted flora.
When old, decaying vegetation is removed from an area, pests and rodents that live off this plant material can no longer survive on your property. Eliminating these creatures provides landowners with a natural way of pest control without requiring chemicals or traps.
Clearing land is a task that is better left to professionals. The challenges of land clearing mean an untrained team risks destroying the entire property. If you need dependable land clearing services, please reach out to us today!
