Sometimes, it will be necessary to clear a large area of land of trees, stones, brush, and other things in the way. This is something that professionals call field or land clearing. There are a wide array of different reasons to do land clearing. Whatever the case may be, there are some things to know about land clearing before beginning it. Continue reading below to find out the key factors to consider about land clearing.
The Reasons for Land Clearing
As mentioned above, there can be several reasons for land clearing. For some, it may just be a cluttered piece of land that they would like to use. In other cases, it is necessary to clear a piece of land to construct a home or a building. Farmers will clear land to make it ready for crops or get rid of obstacles. Whatever the reason, field clearing can be time consuming and take a lot of effort, so it is important to know what you are getting into.
Methods of Land Clearing
There are several methods that professionals use when clearing the land. Each method depends on what particular obstacles need to be cleared. The common methods used are:
Cut and Grind
For properties that only have a smaller amount of trees, then the cut and grind method may be the ideal option. The beginning phase of this method involves clearing brush, trees, and weeds using various pieces of equipment. Afterward, stumps can be ground down using a stump grinder and everything cut down can be turned into mulch.
Pushover or Pull
While these are technically two different methods, they involve similar principles of force. One involves pushing various types of vegetation over using heavy equipment and the other involves pulling them out with heavy equipment. Both of these methods can leave significant holes in the ground. To prevent accidents, it is crucial to fill in such holes.
Burning Vs. Mulching
There are two common methods of disposing of the material that accumulates during land clearing. Some people opt for making a big pile and lighting it on fire. However, burning some of this material can be difficult if it is wet or covered in soil. Keep in mind that if you are clearing a lot of trees and brush, then this kind of fire can become quite large. The other method is mulching, which is just as it sounds, turning the accumulated material into mulch. A mulcher will usually be able to easily chip up the vegetation that is gathered during clearing and mulch can be helpful when trying to grow new vegetation on the cleared land.
Considering the Environmental Impacts and Restrictions of Land Clearing
It is important to consider the environmental impacts and restrictions regarding land clearing. In fact, certain areas or types of land are protected because of their particular classification. Due to the way that clearing land can affect the areas around it, these restrictions help to protect several types of vegetation and land. In some circumstances, a permit or environmental impact test may be required before any land clearing will be approved. Those looking to land clear should make sure that all of these fine details are in place before engaging in clearing. When using a general contractor for building, they will typically take care of this step. The contractor will be required to get the necessary permits or file the right paperwork before they are even able to begin land clearing. If the land is not going to be built on and is just being cleared, then the field clearing professionals will address this step.
The Equipment Used During Land Clearing
There are multiple types of heavy equipment that professionals use when clearing land. It all depends on what particular method is necessary to clear the field and what obstacles you need to clear up. This can include equipment like a chainsaw, stump grinder, backhoe, bulldozer, and more.
Do It Yourself Methods May be Tempting, but They are Not Ideal
While some people may have the ambitious idea to clear their land DIY style, this is not the greatest idea. Not only do most people not have the equipment necessary for easy land clearing, but they likely do not have the time. Without the right equipment and tools, land clearing will be an arduous and long task. It is far from easy, as it will require cutting down trees, removing or grinding stumps, removing and hauling large rocks, filling in huge holes, smoothing out landscapes, and much more. DIY is a valiant idea, but it is far from recommended for land clearing.
Why Hiring a Professional Land Clearing Service is the Best Idea
The best thing one can do when it comes to land clearing is hiring a professional land clearing service. A professional will be able to bring in the right equipment and complete the job as fast and easy as possible. This will enable the land owner to utilize the land much more quickly. Furthermore, hiring a professional will ensure the right permits are pulled and that the job is environmentally approved. As mentioned above, DIY can be tempting, but hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a good job that meets all the regulations. Sure, it will cost more to have the job done professionally, but it is an investment in the land.
Are You Seeking Land Clearing Services in Pennsylvania?
If you are looking for professional field clearing services in Pennsylvania, then look no further than Reliable Tree Service. You have probably been searching “land clearing PA” and finding several results, but not all clearing services are the same. We offer professional land clearing for new construction, site prep, and to help extend your yard. We can also help clear and prepare large areas without you having to burn accumulated brush. Our arborist can ensure to do all land clearing properly. Give us a call today with any questions that you may have and to discuss how we can help you with your land clearing project.