Land clearing is not as simple as grabbing a chainsaw and getting to work. It is a complex process that requires the right equipment, experience, and expertise to ensure a successful outcome. Unfortunately, not all land-clearing companies are created equal, and making the wrong choice can lead to costly mistakes. In this article, we’ll explore some common mistakes people make when hiring a land-clearing company in Colorado.
Common Mistakes When Hiring a Land Clearing Company
1. Starting Too Fast
The planning and assessment stage of a land-clearing project is crucial because it lays the foundation for the entire project. The first step is to walk through the property and understand your land’s topography, tree density, and ecosystem before beginning any clearing work. Failure to do so can result in costly mistakes, damage to the environment, and even legal issues.
The slope of the land, the presence of water sources, and other factors must be considered when planning the clearing process. Failure to do so can result in soil erosion, drainage problems, and other issues that can have long-term consequences. You’ll also want to make sure to check with your local building ordinances to ensure that you have the necessary permits to begin clearing your land.
These are services we offer at Bear Claw. We will walk the lot with you and identify healthy and diseased trees, and identify a path into your property that removes minimal vegetation. We can also advise you on the best approach for clearing your land, taking into account factors like soil type, slope, and the presence of utilities.
2. Hiring The Wrong Type of Contractor
A qualified land-clearing contractor will have a blend of tree service, construction, and excavation expertise. They will also have the necessary equipment to efficiently and safely clear land. Excavation companies and tree services may be able to do some land-clearing work, but it’s not their primary focus, and they may not have the same level of experience and equipment as a dedicated land-clearing company.
Land clearing also often involves the removal of large amounts of debris, and a land clearing company will have the proper equipment and procedures to dispose of the debris safely and legally.
3. The DIY Mindset
While it may be tempting for landowners to try to clear their own land, clearing can be a hazardous task, and it requires specialized equipment and expertise to be done safely. A professional land-clearing company will have the proper safety protocols and equipment in place to ensure that the job is done safely and without injury or damage.
Land clearing can have a significant impact on your property and the local environment, but a professional land-clearing company will have the expertise to minimize that impact. They can advise you on which trees to remove and which to keep, as well as how to preserve the soil and prevent erosion.
4. Using The Wrong Equipment
Another common mistake is using the wrong equipment for land-clearing projects. When it comes to land clearing, using the wrong equipment can be a costly mistake. While renting a skid steer with a bucket may seem like a viable option for clearing your land, it can result in a significant waste of time and money.
Clearing land with the wrong equipment is a slow and labor-intensive process that can take significantly longer than necessary. It can also cause damage to your property. Heavy machines can leave deep ruts in the soil or damage underground utilities if not operated properly. Hiring a contractor with the correct equipment and attachments can save you time, money, and headaches.
5. Not Clearing A Large Enough Building Envelope
When removing trees in Colorado, it is crucial to have enough clearance to meet the wildfire ignition zone standards and to leave the right amount of space for your property goals. Trees that are too close to buildings or other structures can pose a significant risk if they fall or catch fire.
A good starting point is to clear all trees & vegetation a minimum of 10 feet wider than your building envelope. This will give contractors throughout the construction process plenty of room to navigate equipment like loaders, graders, skid steers, forklifts, and sky tracks.
6. Removing Too Many Trees
Trees are one of the best natural landscaping features the Earth has to offer. They provide natural beauty, visual appeal and even help reduce stress. The last thing you want, as a landowner, is to remove too many trees and end up with a bare and unattractive space. Bear Claw Land Services takes a unique approach to land clearing, as we aim to remove only the smallest number of trees possible while achieving the goals for your project.
7. Disturbing Your Soil
Soil health is a critical factor when it comes to maintaining healthy forests and promoting successful plant growth. The top several inches of soil, also known as topsoil, play a vital role in providing a healthy ecosystem for plants, trees, and vegetation to grow. The formation of topsoil can take thousands of years, and it is a valuable resource that must be protected.
Unfortunately, if not handled properly, land-clearing projects can lead to topsoil being disturbed or removed without proper care, resulting in a negative impact on the surrounding environment. If the topsoil is damaged or removed, it can take years to replenish, and the result may be a lack of vegetation or the inability to grow grass, plants, and flowers for landscaping purposes.
At Bear Claw, we take extra measures to preserve every aspect of your property, including the soil.
Let’s Get to Work
By avoiding the common mistakes discussed here, you can ensure that your land-clearing project is done safely, efficiently, and effectively. Take the time to thoroughly research and vet potential companies and make sure that they have the right equipment, experience, and expertise to get the job done right. With a little bit of effort upfront, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional landscape that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
