Land Clearing

What is Land Clearing?

Land clearing refers to the process of uprooting and clearing vegetation to prepare a construction site for a project. This can be done before construction commences to clear the land for laying foundations and increase a property’s value, but it is not a part of regular maintenance and cleaning.

When land clearing is done, teams remove any vegetation and obstructions on the land. This can include trees, plants, rocks, brush, stumps, and anything that gets in the way of the construction project.

Why is It Necessary?

In construction projects, land clearing is absolutely necessary before construction can begin. When you purchase land or begin a project on a property, there will likely be many obstacles in the way of building the project. This includes any of the trees, vegetation, and rocks that are on the land, which need to be cleared before you can start building.

Clearing the land and removing obstacles allows you to get a better view of the property and make the right decisions on how to commence the project. Without clearing the land, it will be impossible to build a structure that will be stable and stay true to the original design.

Land clearing isn’t just necessary in construction (of structures or roads, for example), as it is also very important in the agriculture industry. The soil loses some of its nutrients over time. So, clearing the land will remove any excess vegetation that’s taking away the nutrients from the soil, making it much easier for new vegetation to grow and thrive.

So, before beginning an agriculture or construction project, keep in mind that land clearing is a necessary process. That way, you can ensure that the land is in the best condition possible for the project, and everything will run according to the land use plan.

Equipment Needed

You may have to use various pieces of equipment when clearing the land, depending on the type of vegetation you need to remove, the size of the property, and the exact technique you’re using. However, here are some of the most common pieces of equipment (e.g., light and heavy forestry equipment) and machinery people use for land clearing:

• Wheel loaders

• Bulldozers

• Compact track loaders

• Backhoe loaders

• Mowers

• Tractors

• Brush chippers

• Skid steer loaders

• Site prep tractors

Types of Land Clearing Methods

Different projects require different land-clearing methods. Teams can use multiple techniques when clearing the land to achieve the best possible results. Below are some of the most common methods used for ground clearing and site preparation for a construction or agriculture project.

Bulldozing

As the name suggests, this involves using a bulldozer to remove any and all obstructions on the land. This is also called the pushover method, as it pushes large amounts of plant growth and vegetation out of the way. It’s a quick and relatively easy method of land clearing that keeps the roots intact so that the vegetation can grow back after clearing.

This method is not the most recommended technique for agricultural and large construction projects because it can potentially damage the topsoil. However, for small and intermediate construction projects, this could be an ideal technique to clear the land. It’s quick, easy, and won’t take as much work as other techniques.

Cut and Grind

If you’re working on a property with fewer trees and vegetation, the cut-and-grind method may be ideal for you. This method involves cutting and removing vegetation before grinding it into mulch.

Typically, teams can use various tools to remove bushes and vegetation. Depending on the size of the vegetation and the property, you may need to use logging tools and equipment such as mulchers, brush mowers, wood plows, and even bulldozers.

Pulling

Also known as the pullover method, the pulling method works in the opposite way as the pushover method. Instead of using a bulldozer to push the vegetation away from the property, this method involves attaching chains to the vegetation and then attaching the chains to a tractor. This will pull off the vegetation and effectively clear the land.

Pile and Burn

The pile and burn method is one of the earliest forms of land clearing popular amongst farmers. This method involves clearing the land, piling everything that you removed, and then burning it. This can be a very cost-effective and quick land-clearing method, but if something goes wrong, you can incur high costs.

For example, if the fires get out of control and damage the property, you will have to conduct fire restoration. Additionally, certain plant materials and vegetation produce hazardous fumes when burned, which could have a negative impact on the environment.

Environmental Impacts

Land-clearing activities yield tons of waste every year, resulting in significant effects to the environment. In 2018, U.S. construction and demolition (C&D) activities generated 145 million tons of debris that were sent to landfills, emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

To keep projects sustainable, eco-friendly practices and alternatives are available to help minimize environmental damage. These strategies have helped many organizations complete construction and agricultural projects in compliance with land conservation regulations.