Developing an overgrown piece of property entails various costs. Foremost among them is paying for land clearing, which is a process that removes old trees, brush, and vegetation. To set the project budget, you need to understand the hidden costs of land clearing.
Many homeowners assume the price depends solely on the number of acres being cleared. Although the parcel’s size is a starting point for the price estimate, several other factors also influence the cost. Learn about the most important factors property owners often overlook when scheduling this type of work.
Obtaining Permits and Following Regulations
Before the property clearing crew arrives on site, they’ll need to have the required permits in hand. Depending on the local regulations, permits may be required to remove large sections of trees or grade soil on the property. You might need to follow additional regulations if the site has protected trees or animals.
Some rural areas don’t require permits for this kind of work. Land clearing experts can provide advice and assist with obtaining permits.
Thickness of the Trees and Vegetation
One of the key factors influencing clearing project costs is the thickness of trees and vegetation. If your site consists mostly of grass and weeds, the work will take less time, meaning you’ll receive a lower estimate. However, if the parcel has many large trees tightly packed together, it will take longer to remove them, which will increase what you’ll pay.
Property clearing companies should inspect your site to determine the density of the vegetation before providing an estimate.
Terrain and Features on the Property
Land clearing services may require specialized equipment to remove vegetation and trees when your property has steep hills. If the soil is also muddy from recent rains, expect to pay more since the work will take longer.
Sites that have creeks, ponds, and lakes will need careful clearing. The property clearing crew might need to follow local regulations to keep vegetation and tree branches out of the water. Working around these waterways will take more time.
Proximity to Infrastructure and Neighboring Properties
If the space being cleared is close to your neighbor’s land, the workers will need to work with precision. They don’t want to drop trees over the property line and risk causing damage that could leave you or the land clearing company liable.
When trees and brush are close to fences or existing buildings, the crew members must work slowly. They might need to use manual tools to protect the infrastructure, which increases the cost of the work.
Necessity of Grading the Site
After clearing vegetation and brush, water from rainstorms will flow differently across the ground. Vegetation holds the topsoil in place and manages water flow. After removing these plants, the workers might need to use a bulldozer to move soil to eliminate low spots and prevent erosion.
Understanding how water will move across the property can be difficult for novices. Experienced land clearing experts can anticipate erosion problems and grade the land to protect the topsoil.
Choices for Handling Debris
After clearing a parcel, the landowner has to decide how to handle the remaining debris. Using forestry mulching techniques and leaving mulch behind on the topsoil is the least expensive option.
However, if you need tree trunks, boulders, and large limbs moved to a remote site on the property or off site, costs will go up accordingly. Moving these heavy items requires cranes and trailers, which increases fuel consumption and prolongs the process.
Some property owners may need tree stumps removed, which often requires an excavator or a stump grinding machine and takes more time and manpower. Some companies will agree to cut the branches into firewood for you, but you’ll pay extra for this service.
To keep expectations realistic, discuss your options for clearing the debris with the land clearing company and find a process that fits your budget and plans for the site.
Location of the Parcel Being Cleared
Another hidden cost for land clearing services is the location of the site. If your property is in a rural area that’s difficult to reach, you might have to pay fuel or mileage surcharges, as the company may have to run fuel trucks to the site. Workers will spend more time in transit, which increases the overall estimate.
If You Want an Accurate Estimate for Land Clearing, Contact the Experts at The Yard Force Today
Rather than guessing at how much your property clearing work will cost, ask the professionals at The Yard Force for a free estimate. Our team can explain the pricing considerations for property clearing, helping you set an accurate budget.
To learn more about the cost factors for Tennessee land clearing, call us today at (865) 290-8815.
