It is doable if you take it step-by-step.To figure out how much of a job you can handle yourself, start by figuring out which parts of the project you need outside help with.If you decide you need the help of a contractor or other expert, just take it easy.Remove any standing debris, then fell any trees that were left, and cut down remaining vegetation.It will be ready to go after you smooth out the land and patch up any holes.
Step 1: Do you need outside help?
It can take a lot of time to work on a large plot.If there are large trees or steep hillsides on your land, it may be difficult to clear them.If you don't have the time, tools, or know-how, you should get a contractor or other expert to help out.Depending on the complexity of your project, you can hire a contractor to clear the land for you.You could hire people to take care of certain aspects of the clearing.If you feel prepared to clear brush and fell small trees, you could hire a logging company to do the work.
Step 2: You should check to see if you need a permit.
Depending on where you live, there might be protected vegetation, concern about soil erosion, or other factors that impact land clearing.If you need permits, check with your local land planning agency.The permit process may be handled by a contractor if you hire them.
Step 3: A budget needs to be set.
It is possible for contractors to work on a fixed price.The cost can rise quickly if you have a large plot.If you are going to clear the land yourself, you will need to pay for the removal or dumping of debris, as well as running and maintaining your equipment.Depending on your location and equipment, contractor costs can vary.Depending on the size of the project and whether the parcel is on a hillside, demolition, haul away, and excavation can be done in many different ways.Part of the work might have to be done by hand.
Step 4: If you're going to use one, get an estimate from the contractor.
You should shop around before you hire a contractor.Ask a few to give you an estimated price for clearing your land, then choose the best contractor you can within your budget.Contractor costs will be based on the size of the plot, how quickly the land needs to be cleared, and any features that make clearing difficult.Subcontractors will need to be hired during the year.
Step 5: Allow any existing structures to be destroyed.
Old buildings, sheds, stables, and other structures on the land need to be knocked down.To take care of the job quickly, use a wrecker, bulldozer, or other heavy equipment.You should dispose of the debris when you are done.If you can rent a large construction dumpster, you should be able to dispose of the debris.
Step 6: Standing debris should be removed.
Rocks, fallen limbs, and trash need to be out of the way.It will be easier to get equipment in to clear vegetation if you pick these things up.Check with local excavation companies, sand and gravel suppliers, and other heavy equipment dealers to see if you can rent a debris grate.The piece of machinery that may help in the debris removal process is large and heavy.Wrap a heavy-duty chain around any boulders you need to remove.Attach the chain to the tractor and pull it out of the way.
Step 7: To protect desired vegetation, mark it and protect it from being temporarily moved.
Wrap landscape fabric around the base of the trees to protect them, or fence them off with brightly colored construction fencing.Fence around smaller plants as well.To clearly mark desired vegetation, use a brightly colored ribbon.To avoid damage under the tree canopy, mark all low tree branches with ribbon.Continue to provide water to the plants.
Step 8: Take any trees.
You can handle a small plot if you know how to work a chainsaw.Renting some professional equipment will make the job quicker and easier if you have a lot of trees.The felled trees can be hauled away.If you prefer, you can cut the trees into firewood or use a machine to mulch them.It's best to leave large trees with dangerously decayed limbs to professionals.
Step 9: There are any remaining tree stumps.
To remove a tree stump, dig down to the roots with a shovel.Attach a heavy-duty chain around the stump and use a tractor to pull it out.
Step 10: The brush is clean.
There are many ways to clear out vegetation.If the job is small, you could use hand-held trimmers.Renting a brush machine will allow you to tear through the land more quickly.You can either compost, burn, or shred the debris.If you have low ground vegetation, you can use animals like sheep or goats to clear it.These animals can work quickly.Goats can eat poison ivy without being harmed.You can rent animals for this purpose in some locations.
Step 11: The land should be filled in and graded.
If you have holes created by removing debris, you should shovel the loose dirt into them.Take the dirt down into the holes.Continue until the surface is level.A contractor will most likely use a professional grader to smooth things out if you are planning to build on the cleared land.
Step 12: If you want to landscape the area, plow.
To make sure the ground is even, it is necessary to turn the soil with a plow.If there is any organic matter on top of the soil, plowing will mix it in so that valuable nutrients are added back in.Do not plow steep or wet land.Allow native vegetation to cover the area.This can help prevent soil erosion.