Land clearing is a critical part of the construction process that should be handled by a professional site clearing crew. The process involves taking a raw piece of land and converting it into something that can be built on, so it’s typically the first step during any commercial development project. As such, it sets the foundation for the rest of the job.
Here are some of the reasons why professional land clearing is important, including:
- Removal of any vegetation, rocks or debris that may interfere with construction
- Identifying the location and nature of any utility lines on site
- Ensuring the soil is ready for construction
- Surveying the site and confirming the build plan
- Grading the site for better drainage
The land clearing process is an irreplaceable part of the construction process and should be trusted to an experienced land clearing crew.
Four Reasons to Consider Professional Land Clearing Services
Land clearing professionals are site preparation experts and may be the first people to begin development on your property. Here Is why you need a reputable team on the job:
- Thoroughness is key – When clearing a commercial site for development, it’s important to remove as many obstacles as possible. It only takes a single tree root to ruin a new stretch of pavement or foundation. It only takes a single rock to damage a piece of heavy equipment. It only takes a single utility line to bring development to a standstill. If time and cost are priorities, then thorough land clearing is a must.
- It’s a big, complex project – Depending on the size and layout of your property, it may take a fleet of dozers and extractors to get the job done. If the property has seen prior use, there may be additional considerations, such as the presence of existing structures or utility lines. Other potential challenges include poor site access, the presence of heavy traffic or nearby neighbors, unstable soil composition, a high risk of flooding, and any environmental concerns. These types of issues may require additional planning to work around.
- Engineering expertise may be needed – Extensive commercial development raises questions that can often only be answered by an engineer. Is the site structurally sound enough for the proposed buildings? How can the site be shaped for optimal drainage? Is the proposed site plan feasible? It is critical that these questions are answered prior to development, and a structural engineer can provide the needed insight.
- The work is done properly and quality is guaranteed – Reputable land clearing services stake their reputation on quality work. As such, they are motivated to provide long-lasting work that is done safely and according to best practices. Reputable land clearing companies are also insured and offer liability protection for their clients.
What the Professional Land Clearing Process Looks Like
There are several reasons to target a reputable professional for your land clearing needs, but how do the professionals get the job done? Here is what land clearing services typically include:
- Tree and vegetation removal – Trees, shrubs and any vegetation that may interfere with construction is removed early in the process. The topsoil may be removed, as well, though this is often replaced when site development is nearly complete.
- Grubbing – During grubbing, the dirt work team will use a combination of skid steer loaders, dozers, and excavators to remove vegetation roots. This is the only way to ensure plants don’t grow back and threaten foundations.
- Demolition – If there are existing structures, or the remains of structures at the site, your land clearing team will need to demolish them. Demolition requires a specialized set of skills that include hazardous material handling and disposal.
- Site survey – Your land clearing crew will confirm that the site’s plan is feasible given the condition and layout of your site. Your land clearing service will need an engineer to make the final determinations on your site plan.
- Site grading – While grading the site, your land clearing service will shape the site for efficient drainage and to meet the site plan’s specifications. Grading is done in several passes, so it is a precise but gradual process.
- Pad clearing – Once the site is clear, it will need to be prepared for the buildings’ pads. This includes soil stabilization and compaction, as well as additional excavation to accommodate concrete foundations.
What to Look for in a Professional Land Clearing Company
If the land clearing process sets the foundation for the rest of the project, then selecting a reputable land clearing crew will get your site’s development started right. Here is what to look for in a land clearing service to ensure your organization partners with the right contractor:
- Experience in your area – Every geographical area poses its own land clearing and site development challenges. If your land clearing service has performed jobs in your area, they will be better equipped to deal with any complications that may arise, such as high clay soils found throughout Houston. Risks and potential delays are minimized with a knowledgeable crew.
- Experience with projects like yours – Every project comes with its own obstacles. Limited site access, detailed demolition, and environmental concerns are just a few examples. If your land clearing service has a project portfolio that lines up with your job, it should mitigate any risks of delays.
- Experience that extends beyond land clearing and site development – Experience is clearly the major consideration in your land clearing service. Ideally, though, your land clearing service can do more than clear land. If they are familiar with other aspects of site development or construction, they will be able to provide a larger range of services and better work quality.
- Adequate equipment and manpower resources – Land clearing is a major undertaking that requires significant labor and equipment resources. Your land clearing company should be able to provide both.
- Engineering expertise on staff – Many parts of the land clearing and site development process require an engineer for safety or work efficiency reasons. An engineer can verify that important project elements like drainage construction and any structural concerns are addressed.
- Strong organization and communication skills – Land clearing projects require attention to detail and organizational capabilities that only an experienced professional can provide. If your land clearing team communicates promptly and plans in extensive detail, they will have the advantage when it comes to project management and execution.
Let the Professionals Clear the Way When Breaking Ground on Commercial Development
Professional land clearing services ensure your development site is ready for safe, efficient construction. To get a raw piece of land ready for development requires thoroughness, organization, and a resolve to do the job right. A reputable site development team can check these boxes and get your project moving in the right direction from the start.
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