Did you know that over the last five years, the number of vacant land transactions has grown by nearly 60% in secondary markets? As it turns out, ensuring that vacant land is completely empty before the start of construction is no simple undertaking.
Clearing and grubbing is how it’s done, and it is perhaps the most important step for laying a reliable foundation. So it’s often one of the first actions taken by any new land developers, and for good reason. Here is a brief rundown of the process and how it works.
Clearing and Grubbing 101
After all surveying and demolition occur within a site, the land clearing can begin. Clearing refers to ridding the site of any above-ground material, such as surface detritus and vegetation. You can do this with handheld tools such as shovels, backhoes, and saws, or the occasional high-powered device, such as a chainsaw.
Grubbing, on the other hand, can only happen after the surface has been cleared. It involves the unearthing and removal of all roots, stumps, boulders, old structures, and foundations that remain in the soil. As such, it is a much harder job, requiring heavy machinery like bulldozers, scrapers, compactors, and dump trucks, among others.
Once both the land clearing and grubbing are complete, the site will then be ready for grading, pipelines, and further development.
Things to Consider in the Clearing and Grubbing Process
Throughout the clearing and grubbing process, there is no shortage of additional complications to keep in mind.
For one, trees of varying sizes may need to be cut down to a meter-high stump before being dozed from the ground, and brush will need to be ground and chipped. You may also need certain permits to clear and grub, as well as to dispose of or save the usable timber left over.
In addition, you must also be aware of any possible lines on the property before using any machinery beneath the soil. You can make sure of this by checking with local utility companies.
Furthermore, once the land is officially clear and the tree and stump removal complete, the development project should then begin as soon as possible. Otherwise, the exposed layer of topsoil will be vulnerable to weather and erosion. Even if it also requires removal at a later date, grass may need to be planted for a brief period, solely to protect the cleared land in the meantime.
Leave It to the Professionals
Clearing and grubbing is hard work that no developer should put on themselves to spearhead on their own. It is always important to bring on experienced experts with the right equipment who can complete the job safely, for both your own sake and the long-term posterity of your project.
Are you ready to find a company to provide your clearing and grubbing needs? Contact us today and we can work out a plan to get the job done!
