The cost per acre varies depending on vegetation, terrain, location, heavily forested land, and more.
Whether you have an empty lot or a plot of overgrown grass, trees, and bushes, land clearing services are a necessity. Land clearing removes any brush, debris, and overgrowth, levels the ground, and prepares the land for building. That’s why land clearing is an essential first step when constructing a new home or business.
Land clearing is not only beneficial for new builds, but it can also help ready your land for other projects. Utilizing a professional land clearing service can ensure the job is done efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, if you own a large plot of land and a portion of it is filled with overgrowth, rendering it unusable, land clearing services can help. You can use it for new plant growth or simply to clean up your property.
At First Due Site Services, we know that land clearing is a significant investment, and choosing the right land clearing company is an important decision. Whether you’re an Ohio homeowner looking to clear a small plot or an Ohio developer seeking to clear a larger tract to build a new residental community or commercial buiding, understanding the expenses involved is crucial. So, how much does land clearing cost in Ohio? Let’s explore the factors that influence land clearing prices in Ohio.
All of our projects begin with a free, thorough, in-person estimate. Every land clearing project is unique, and the cost per acre varies depending on several factors, including vegetation type, terrain and accessibility, equipment needed, type of clearing requested, and whether special permits are required.
Factors That Affect Land Clearing Project Costs
Type of Vegetation
One of the most significant factors affecting the cost of land clearing is the type and amount of vegetation that needs to be cleared from the land. Different types of vegetation require varying levels of effort, equipment, and expertise to remove effectively.
The Columbus region of Ohio is relatively flat, with a mixture of oak, hickory, and of course, Ohio buckeye trees in wooded land.
Clearing lightly forested land, which has fewer trees and less dense vegetation, is generally less expensive compared to heavily forested areas.
Land with shrubs, brush, and trees of smaller size are generally easier to clear compared to dense forests, but still require specialized equipment and techniques. Brush clearing involves the use of mulching machines or brush mowers to grind vegetation into mulch, which can be left on-site or removed depending on your preference.
If the project involves clearing dense, heavily wooded land on a wooded lot, the cost increases, especially if tree stump and debris removal equipment and tree removal equipment is required.
Terrain and Accessibility
Land clearing costs are directly affected by land condition and the terrain and accessibility of the site. Flat and obstacle-free land is easier and less costly to clear compared to hilly or uneven terrain. Hilly terrain may require specialized equipment or extra manpower to navigate safely and efficiently. Rocky or stony soil may require specific machinery such as rock crushers or hydraulic breakers for effective clearing.
Wetlands and swampy areas present unique challenges due to waterlogged soil and delicate ecosystems. Special precautions must be taken to minimize disturbance to the environment and prevent erosion or sedimentation of waterways.
Furthermore, the accessibility of the site significantly impacts the cost of land clearing. Remote or hard-to-reach areas may require additional time and resources for transportation of equipment and materials, as well as increased labor costs. Factors such as road access, proximity to underground utilities and, and availability of staging areas can all affect the efficiency and cost of the clearing process.
Clearing vs. Mulching
Forestry mulching is a method of land clearing that uses specialized equipment to grind trees, brush, and other vegetation into mulch. This mulch is then spread across the cleared area to provide nutrients to the soil and prevent erosion. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional land clearing methods, as it does not require burning or hauling away debris.
Additionally, forestry mulching can promote the growth of native plants and improve wildlife habitats. Compared to traditional land clearing methods, forestry mulching typically requires fewer pieces of heavy equipment. It combines clearing, hauling, and disposing of debris into a single process, reducing equipment and operational costs.
While DIY land clearing and brush removal can be a cost-saving option, it requires significant effort, equipment, and expertise to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
However, depending on how you intend to use the land, traditional land clearing might be more ideal for your needs. Forestry mulching should generally be avoided in areas where a foundation will be constructed atop the cleared land. Mulching doesn’t fully eliminate stumps or root systems in dense land, which may decay over time, creating empty spaces that could potentially compromise the foundation.
As part of our on-site evaluation before giving you an estimate, we’ll discuss whether forestry mulching or land clearing is the right choice for you.
Land Clearing Permits Needed
Sites located in proximity to waterways, protected habitats, or environmentally sensitive areas may necessitate land clearing permits and compliance with regulatory requirements. Obtaining these land survey permits and following environmental regulations can increase the time and cost of the project, especially if mitigation measures like erosion control or habitat restoration are needed. Obtaining a land clearing permit can increase both the time and cost of the project, especially if mitigation measures such as erosion control or habitat restoration are necessary.
The Professional Land Clearing Process
1. Survey The Land
Before we begin, we will take a walk through the property, taking note of any large objects, rocks, or trees to determine if they can be kept or how they should be removed. We’ll also analyze the overgrown vegetation to determine what tools and equipment we may need for your project. We’ll also check that it’s safe to dig if needed.
2. Collect The Proper Permits
After creating a plan, we’ll collect the proper permits for the project to ensure everything is up to code.
3. Remove And Dispose Of Overgrown Vegetation And Other Obstacles
Once all the paperwork is in order, we can get started on your project. We’ll follow the plan we created when we initially surveyed your land. This may include removing large rocks and trees, collecting brush and debris, and cutting down vegetation. Bushes and plants with extensive root systems may require specialty tools and equipment to remove.
4. Clean Up Debris
Once we have everything collected, we’ll properly dispose of it. If the project requires it, we also have a mulcher so that we can turn vegetation into mulch. Mulching is beneficial since it is an environmentally friendly way of disposing of any waste. Plus, it provides necessary nutrients to the soil.
5. Grading The Land
The final step is to land grading. This will provide you with a level, even surface, to start your new build.
Average Land Clearing Cost per Acre
Considering all of the factors above, the state average cost of clearing land in Ohio ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 per acre. In some cases, the cost may also be calculated per square foot, especially for smaller projects or specific tasks within the land clearing process.
No matter your need for land clearing services in Columbus, OH, First Due Site Services is here. We have the necessary equipment, including a forestry mulcher, to clear your land efficiently and effectively. Our team also has plenty of experience on various projects, big and small. We’re also experts in sustainable land management so that we can oversee the use of natural spaces for projects. Furthermore, if you plan on building on the land cleared, we can provide you with site preparation services so you can start building as soon as our work is complete.
Our team at First Due Site Services is committed to providing competitive pricing and exceptional value to our clients. We have the experience and equipment to clear your land, no matter the vegetation type, terrain, or intended development. We will work with you to create a plan that accomplishes your goals and fits your budget. Contact us today for a free estimate.
