Whether you are preparing to build your first home or carve out a garden, the first thing you need to do is clear your land. Because you need to get rid of what you can see (trees, shrubs, and grass) as well as what you can’t see (rocks, roots, and other debris), you need to approach the land clearing process with a plan. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. This beginner’s guide to the land clearing process should give you the tips you need to complete your undertaking with confidence.
Step One: Evaluate the Area
First and foremost, you will need to evaluate the land in need of clearing. While it’s easy to guess the equipment you’ll need, the help you’ll need, and how long the project will take from a distance, there may be other critical factors that you will only notice up-close. Take the time to carefully inspect the area in need of clearing before you start the process.
Step Two: Formulate a Budget
Once you have a better idea of the ground you’ll need to clear, you’ll want to come up with a budget. How much are you willing to spend on purchased supplies? How much do you need to set aside for equipment rentals?
Step Three: Pull a Plan Together
Next up on the guide to land clearing is to decide which tasks you’ll do on which day or if you’re going to tackle the entire process in one day. If you expect the need to dig at any point, you will also want to call your local 811 center. They will send out workers who will mark where it’s safe for you to dig. You may also need to obtain permits before you begin any work.
Step Four: Clear the Land
Now it’s time for the fun part. Begin by getting rid of any structures on the land you need to clear. This could be an old outhouse, a broken-down shed, a chicken coop, or fencing. Next, you’ll want to cut down unwanted trees and shrubs. Once you have eliminated these items, remove any rocks and dig up any tree stumps. Once the land is clear, you can mow it. Brush cutters are often used for this part of the process—just be sure to choose the brush cutter that’s best for your project.
Step Five: Clean Up
The last step in our guide to land clearing is the clean-up process. You will likely have sorted piles of debris lying around, from miscellaneous found objects to tree branches, weeds, shrubs, and even structural materials. You can throw weeds in a yard waste bin or bags that will be picked up by the trash removal company. If any found objects are intact, consider cleaning them up and selling them. Keep any structural materials such as bricks, lumber, or stone to reuse or sell. Trees, branches, and shrubs can go through a woodchipper. Anything else can be thrown away in a dumpster.
