Forestry mulching offers several benefits for those seeking an eco-friendly approach to land clearing. Many places, like natural parks and hiking trails, rely on this method to nourish the soil while allowing visitors easy access.
How much can you expect this land clearing method to cost? Knowing the forestry mulching cost per acre in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, can help you set a budget.
Forestry Mulching Cost Factors
As with any land clearing project, the cost varies based on several aspects:
- How long the project will take
- The type of labor involved
- How much land you want to clear
- Nearby land features, like hills or water sites
- The cost of necessary equipment
- The density and extent of the vegetation needing removal
- The soil’s condition, such as whether there are a lot of rocks
One contractor may charge more per hour for labor than another. Others may have additional fees for working around water or on uneven ground.
Always ask for a detailed quote from prospective forestry mulchers. If you have a general idea of what you need done, you can give each company the same information. Then, compare prices between quotes to find the best crew for your needs.
Determining Your Baseline
What should you include on your list when approaching potential contractors?
Acreage
If possible, measure the length of your land and have the number of acres ready before receiving your quote. You can do this by using specialty apps, drones, or looking at property data from your local zoning office.
A responsible contractor will also conduct their own survey. With a number in mind, you can ballpark certain aspects of the project cost.
On average, the cost of forestry mulching per acre is $500 to $1,500. Rural areas tend to cost less than suburban areas, which cost less than urban ones.
Type of Underbrush
When creating your baseline, investigate what type of foliage you’re dealing with. After all, the company you choose may charge forestry mulching rates by the hour.
Here are different types of underbrush, ordered by the least expensive to clear (cutting underbrush and small trees) to most expensive (cutting heavy brush and larger mature trees).
- Cutting underbrush and small trees
- Cutting thicker brush, land grading needed
- Cutting thicker brush and mature trees
- Cutting heavy brush and larger mature trees
Forestry mulching projects tend to go by faster than general land clearing, as contractors don’t have to dispose of or burn leftover debris since they turn it into mulch as they work.
Terrain, Grading, and Leveling
Being up front about your property’s terrain can help you estimate the cost. The more rocks, hills, or divots in your property, the more you can expect to pay.
Grading land means making it slope the way you want, while leveling means making it flat. These processes help create a foundation for buildings, pathways, and more.
Putting It Into Practice
Let’s say you have a 1.5-acre plot that is relatively level, though it does have a few small divots. The foliage is about half underbrush and small trees and half thicker brush and mature trees.
How You Can Present It
“I’m interested in forestry mulching instead of traditional land clearing. I have a 1.5-acre plot that needs a little leveling in the front 640 square feet. Some of the brush is thin, but it gets thicker in the back. The land doesn’t seem to have a lot of rocks or stumps. I’m hoping to get this done around December.”
Repeat this to each contractor you work with. Although they should still conduct their own property evaluations, you’ll have given them a good idea of the project and its scope.
Budget Planning Calculations
When in doubt, use the most expensive average. Overpreparing your budget is always better than underpreparing.
The 1.5 acres in our above example could cost anywhere from $500 to $5000.
WR Land Development Makes Florida Beautiful
Because land clearing prices in Florida vary, guesswork can at least help you plan for your project. WR Land Development provides detailed quotes, explaining each part and price of the service. Contact us today to see how well the forestry mulching budget math works.
