Chances are excellent that most of you, reading this, have seen ground clearing and land clearing being done. But have you actually paid close attention to the finer aspects of ground clearing? Do you know what is actually needed to do the job properly?
That is what we will be discussing in this article, the finer “art” of ground clearing, brought to you by J & A Excavation Services, serving the fine people of Fort Worth, Texas, with land clearing and professional excavation services. Call us for a quote, but only when you want the job done right!
What is ground clearing?
The definition of ground clearing differs depending upon the reason for the land clearing. If it is simply for agricultural or farming purposes, it is a slightly easier process than ground clearing for a construction project.
Ground clearing, at its basic level, is the removal of obstructions from a particular site i.e. trees, brush, large rock, etc. For farming, this might simply be a matter of brush clearing, a couple swipes with the backhoe, and drainage. For construction, it might also include site preparation, leveling, grading, soil preparation, and more in-depth drainage solutions for erosion control.
What do you need to do ground clearing properly?
Depending upon the scope of the job, any or all of the following equipment might be needed:
- Bulldozer
- Skid steers
- Backhoe
- Excavators
- Brush chippers
- Dump truck services
What does ground clearing cost?
Again, this depends upon the scope of the project. The national average cost of ground clearing is a little over $2500 per acre, but even saying that is misleading, because the prices vary so wildly depending upon the particular job. It is much simpler to do a land clearing job for a small farm than it is to do a land clearing job for a potential apartment complex. And the costs of permits and surveys must also be added to the total costs.
Can you do ground clearing yourself? We get asked this question quite often. If it is ground clearing for a construction job, even a DIY construction job, permits will be required, surveys will need to be taken, and a final sign-off, approval, by the local government will need to be obtained. Those steps require a professional so, our best advice, do not attempt DIY ground clearing for a construction project.
For farming, or for a pasture for a ranch, it is quite common for the property owner to rent a bulldozer/backhoe and do the job themselves. Any farmer/rancher working on a tight budget, and that pretty much describes them all, is quite familiar with hooking up a chain to the undercarriage of a pickup truck, wrapping the other end of the chain around a stump, and pulling that stump out of the ground. That, at the most basic level, is ground clearing, so yes, you can do certain jobs yourself.
A final word about J & A Excavation
J & A Excavation takes on the jobs only a professional should handle, and we do outstanding work. Our work will stand up to the scrutiny of any government agency, and our work will stand up to the high standards you have for your property. We are locally owned and operated, and we are standing by, waiting for your phone call.