Could your overgrown North Florida property use some TLC? If so, you need land clearing professionals you can trust. Learn more about the steps involved in this guide.
What Is Land Clearing?
When you have an unkempt piece of property that you want to develop for a new purpose, you should consider land clearing. A professional contractor specializing in clearing property will use heavy-duty equipment and manual power tools to remove debris. Some of the items professionals will remove or adjust include:
- Large old trees
- Small trees
- Underbrush
- Noxious weeds
- Boulders
- Marshy areas
- Wildlife pests
By removing these items from the parcel, you’re free to use the land for another purpose. Some people might remake the property for business ventures, recreation, or agricultural purposes.
Developing a Plan for the Property
Before starting a land clearing project, you should have a plan in mind for the parcel. Knowing how you want to handle the parcel after the work finishes can guide you when selecting services for clearing the land. You won’t pay for services you don’t need or clear sections of the property that aren’t part of the plan, saving you money on the final bill.
Discuss your vision with the land clearing company, whose experts can recommend the appropriate services while devising an accurate cost estimate. Experienced professionals might suggest some adjustments to your plan to make it more efficient.
Steps for Clearing Property
The professionals may suggest a few different land clearing services and steps to prepare the lot.
Obtaining Permits for the Work
If the parcel has protected trees or wildlife, you might need permits from local authorities in North Florida to remove them. Some locations require permits to start any land clearing project, especially if wetlands are present.
Clearing experts can determine whether you need permits and help you obtain them.
Forestry Mulching To Enrich the Soil
Forestry mulching services offer a cost-effective means of doing lot clearing. The contractor will use a mulching machine to chew up weeds, brush, downed trees, and small upright trees. Creating mulch from the vegetation and leaving it on-site enriches the soil.
Forestry mulching saves labor hours for the contractor, reducing the cost of the work.
Cutting Down Larger Trees
When a mulching machine or bulldozer can’t safely knock down large trees, the professionals may use chainsaws to cut them down. In a tight space, it’s important to drop the trees in a controlled manner.
Managing Erosion and Waterways
If your property has natural waterways or wetlands, you may need guidance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to protect certain wildlife or plant species while clearing the land.
After vegetation removal, the flow of rainwater on the property may change, requiring earth-moving equipment to adjust drainage and minimize erosion.
Removing Debris From the Property
The land clearing company can provide a few options for managing debris. If you don’t mulch the vegetation, you could burn it after obtaining a permit from the local fire department.
Some people pay the land clearing company to haul boulders and large tree trunks to a remote site.
At Full Scale Services Inc., We Can Answer All Your Questions About Land Clearing
Determining the types of land clearing services you need doesn’t have to be a chore. When you work with our professionals at Full Scale Services Inc., we’ll listen to your plans for the project and suggest only the services you need.
If you are unsure whether your project requires permits for land clearing or want an estimate for the cost to clear land, we can help. For a free price quote, call us today at (386) 284-3022. We serve the entire North Florida region from our base of operations in Lake City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our property clearing experts always take the time to answer any questions our clients have about the process.
What Are the Steps for Choosing a Land clearing Contractor?
The steps to choose a land clearing contractor begin with discussing detailed site plans. Request a written cost estimate and verify that the contractor has licenses and insurance.
What Are Some Hazards for Land Clearing in North Florida?
One of the biggest hazards in the land clearing process in North Florida is water flow management. Because Florida receives a lot of rain, contractors must successfully manage creeks and low spots.
How Much Land Can a Bulldozer Clear?
In one day, a bulldozer could clear as much as 15 acres of land. However, if the property has large trees and uneven ground, the bulldozer’s work will go much more slowly.
Can I DIY Land Clearing?
We would never suggest DIY-ing a land clearing project. Property owners rarely have the equipment or experience required to do the work safely while adhering to local regulations.
