Forestry mulching clears land by using one machine to shred trees and vegetation into mulch. Landowners often use this method for its clearing efficiency because it requires less manpower to do the job. If you need clearing services in New Smyrna, FL, contact WR Land Development and let our experts prepare your site.
Forestry mulching is a great way to clear land because it leaves behind natural ground cover. A layer of mulch discourages future vegetation from sprouting on your site. It also provides erosion control and soil stabilization.
Mulching can be more affordable than other clearing methods. The labor costs are generally lower than clear-cutting because it only needs one machine and one operator at a time.
Six Factors That Determine Cost
Landowners should be aware of several factors that may affect the cost of their project. The biggest things to look out for include:
1. Size and Time
Naturally, larger pieces of land cost more to clear. Some developers charge by acreage, while others charge by the hour. Typically, you’ll pay for smaller residential projects by the hour, whereas larger commercial projects are on a cost-per-acre basis.
2. Type of Vegetation
When mulching, the type of material growing on the land can affect the timeline and cost. Mature trees and brush are harder to clear than smaller materials, so they’ll cost more. Denser vegetation is also harder to access, so it will be more expensive to work on than spread-out trees.
3. Mulching Equipment
The cost of a mulching project also depends on the kind of equipment needed. A mulching attachment on a skid steer or tractor can sometimes clear smaller areas. Large or dense sites will require heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators, which adds to the cost.
4. Terrain
If your land is easy to navigate and mainly flat, you won’t spend as much on mulching it. However, steep hills or rocks will make the job more expensive.
5. Permits
You’ll need a permit to begin any big mulching project. These can vary in price but are usually between $100 and $500 from your local building authority. Contractors or developers will often handle the permits for you, but the added cost is something to consider.
6. Land Surveys
Some projects require a land survey before mulching to ensure you stay within your property. The price of these surveys varies depending on the size of the site, but you can expect to spend between $400 and $1,200.
Cost of the Average Forestry Mulching Project
The cost of forestry mulching varies widely, but the average is between $400 and $1500 per acre. This is dependent on the above factors and can vary seasonally.
There aren’t many ongoing costs to worry about, though. Remulching is only necessary if you aren’t building on the land and vegetation management is a priority. Maintenance is more frequent in yards and recreational spaces with heavy traffic, where the mulch gets kicked up.
Additional services can increase the price, such as:
- Removing the mulch instead of using it as a groundcover
- Removing large trees and boulders
- Grinding stumps
These services can add hundreds to thousands to the price of your project, so it’s best to find ways around them.
How To Save Money
Consider making a few changes to your plans to make forestry mulching more affordable. First, be flexible when scheduling work and determine when your developers are in their slow season. They may offer cheaper rates when they have fewer projects lined up.
Also, try to leave as many large trees and boulders behind as possible. Removing these large obstacles is costly, so it can benefit you to incorporate them into your landscaping.
Finally, while it may be tempting to DIY, renting equipment can be very expensive. The average daily price to borrow a skid steer with a mulcher is around $1200- $3000. This can add up quickly, especially because inexperienced landowners lack the expertise to clear the area efficiently.
Leave land clearing to the professionals to save time and ensure your site looks as pristine as possible.
How WR Land Development Can Help
Start your next forestry mulching project confidently with WR Land Development. Proudly serving New Smyrna, FL, our team offers a range of clearing services. No matter the size of your project, we have the skills and equipment to get the job done.
As one of the most trusted developers in New Smyrna, FL, we carefully plan each project to keep costs low and avoid delays. Whether you need tree removal or total site clearing, we’ve got your back. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and enduring quality make trusting us with your land easy.
We always aim to outperform your expectations.
Call (407) 993-1439 for a free quote to get started on your dream development today.
