When you want to develop a piece of property that’s filled with thick trees and brush, hiring professionals to clear the lot is a smart starting point. However, this process is more challenging than it may appear at first glance. Learn how to avoid land clearing mistakes when preparing your parcel for its new purpose.
Not Creating a Plan and Property Assessment Before Starting
The first step when clearing land is not to just grab a chainsaw and start cutting, but rather to create a plan. Failing to do so can lead to errors, such as not clearing enough space or removing trees in the wrong area. Professionals will discuss the ideas you have for using the parcel, then create a plan that aligns with those ideas.
Simply creating a plan is not enough, though. Making an improper site assessment will also lead to errors. Before starting the work, professionals will study the parcel to determine which equipment is appropriate to use and which areas of the lot may be problematic.
People without land clearing experience will struggle during the planning phase. Hiring experienced professionals guarantees a strong start to the project.
Failing to Consider the Possibility of Erosion
Making errors in tree and vegetation removal during land clearing services can lead to problems with soil erosion control. Tree roots, brush, and weeds hold the soil in place. Removing this vegetation leaves the soil susceptible to erosion during the next thunderstorm. Erosion removes topsoil that you might need for planting a lawn or starting an agricultural project.
Anyone doing property clearing should attempt to anticipate these issues and grade the land to reduce the risk. However, it’s also a mistake to quickly grade the land after clearing it and assume the job is done. Workers will need to study the land over the next several weeks, watching for new erosion problems and fixing them as they arise.
Underestimating the Time Required
A common mistake that people make with land clearing is failing to realize how much time the work will take. Inexperienced professionals and property owners often believe the work should go much faster than it actually does.
Inaccurate time estimates for property clearing can delay subsequent project phases, resulting in additional costs. Only companies with experience clearing parcels can accurately predict when the work will be finished.
Seasoned professionals know that equipment will break down, muddy spots may slow the work, and large trees might not fall exactly as expected. You must account for these likely issues when creating an estimated project timeline.
Trying To DIY the Work
Property owners considering doing this work on their own will encounter numerous problems. Trying to do DIY land clearing is one of the most common mistakes people make.
Novices lack the experience necessary to successfully remove large trees or grade the land. They may have to rent heavy-duty equipment, arrange for its transport to the site, and learn to use it, all of which requires considerable time and money.
Common errors DIYers make while clearing the land include failing to remove enough vegetation or getting equipment stuck in the mud. Such mistakes increase the cost of the work. Novices might have to rent the equipment a second time, which would drive up expenses. Stuck equipment may require hiring professionals to tow it to safety, resulting in a large bill.
Removing trees and using large construction equipment is dangerous work, especially for a novice homeowner. A DIYer might knock a tree into an existing building or across overhead utility lines because of unfamiliarity with the equipment. Professionals know how to follow equipment safety practices that protect themselves, any bystanders, and the existing infrastructure on the lot.
Not Planning for Handling the Debris
One of the key steps that professionals offering land clearing services will perform is debris management. Depending on your plans for the property, you might need boulders and large downed trees moved to a remote location. However, this process can be expensive.
A cheaper option is to mulch the trees and leave the mulch on the property. Mulching is most efficient when it’s done at the same time as removing the vegetation, though.
Either way, failing to plan ahead for debris management can lead to added time and expense.
Count on ClearPath Land Management’s Expertise To Avoid Land Clearing Errors
DIY land clearing is a difficult task for multiple reasons. Rather than trying to tackle this big job yourself, count on ClearPath Land Management for the property preparation steps you need for a successful outcome. Our extensive experience with using heavy-duty equipment to clear parcels helps us avoid mistakes.
After our team discusses your plans for the parcel, we’ll recommend the right techniques to save you money and time. For a free price quote, contact us today at (412) 618-0432. We serve the entire Pittsburgh, PA, region.
