You’ve finally snapped up that parcel of land you’ve been eyeing, and now you’re getting ready to build the home you’ve always longed for. The problem? Before you even think about breaking ground, you’ll need to do something about that thick tangle of trees. They’re pretty, that’s for sure, but you won’t be able to get started with that mess in the way.
If you’ve called around to get quotes for land clearing, you’ve probably realized that this project isn’t going to be cheap. Luckily, you can save a pretty penny by following these handy tips.
Don’t Jump in Without a Clear Plan
Land clearing seems simple enough: Just start whacking down trees, and don’t stop until you’re done. But before you dive in, you’ll need a solid plan. Without one, pitfalls and delays are almost inevitable.
For starters, determine what you want to do with the land and how many trees you’ll need to remove. Are you planning to build a house or turn the area into a wildlife preservation area? Pinpointing the land’s purpose will help you know just how big of a project this will be (and how much it’ll cost).
When making your plan, it’s helpful to create a drawing of how you want the land to look when you’re done with the project. This gives you a goal to shoot for so you’re not just removing trees at random.
Next, decide how much you’re willing to spend on the project. It’s important to have a budget because, without one, you could easily spend more than you intended. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for clearing a small to medium-sized plot.
You should also set a timeline for land clearing, which helps prevent the project from dragging on too long and costing a fortune when all is said and done.
Obtain the Right Equipment and Tools Ahead of Time
If you plan to handle land clearing yourself, you’ll need to stock up on tools and equipment. This includes smaller tools like chainsaws and axes, as well as heavy machinery for bulldozing and excavation.
While you can probably afford to buy a chainsaw, purchasing a bulldozer is another story. A small one costs around $30,000 to $60,000, while the biggest and most powerful will set you back anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000. It’s safe to say that you probably don’t have that much cash lying around.
A better option is to rent the equipment you need. You can rent a bulldozer for anywhere from $500 to $1,000 a day. This is still expensive, of course, but far cheaper than buying one. You can also consider leasing if you need a bulldozer for a longer period.
Hire the Right Contractors for Your Project
Don’t want the hassle or expense of clearing the land yourself? You’ll need to hire a land clearing company. However, as with any service provider, not all land clearing companies are built equally.
Look for experience first and foremost when you’re shopping for a land clearing company. The more experienced a company is in site preparation, grubbing, and erosion control, the faster it will be able to complete your project. Plus, you’ll be less likely to run into unexpected problems that cause delays, which means you’ll spend less overall.
And don’t just settle on the first land clearing company you find with a good sales pitch and a slick website. Shop around and request quotes from several different companies; you’ll find that prices vary widely. Be wary of a land clearing company that charges much less than others in your area. Although it may seem like a bargain, the company could be inexperienced or have other problems that end up costing you more in the long run.
Want to save big on land clearing? Consider hiring a land clearing company in the fall or winter instead of the warmer months. Spring and summer are the busy seasons for land clearing and debris removal, so you’ll pay top dollar. By scheduling land clearing when the weather’s colder, you could save 10% to 15%.
Reusing Or Disposing of Trees
Once you (or your land clearing company) cut down all those trees, you’ll have to decide what to do with them. If you’re working with a land clearing company, it will usually dispose of the trees for you, but not always.
Disposing of trees, especially large mature ones, can be quite expensive. The better option is to either repurpose the trees or sell them. Old trees make excellent firewood, and having a steady supply on hand will allow you to spend less on heating your home in the winter. If you don’t want to keep the firewood, you’ll likely have little trouble finding a buyer.
Need Help With Your Land Clearing Project? Call WR Land Development
If you’re looking for a land clearing company with fair rates, you’ll love working with WR Land Development. Call (407) 993-1439 to request an estimate today.
