Importance of Land Clearing for Commercial Development

Fosters Growth & Maintains Soil

Land clearing has several benefits for the soil on a particular plot. When unwanted trees, stumps, vegetation, and other debris are removed, you're also removing things that can impede future growth when landscaping is planted. In some cases, land clearing may remove invasive plant species that are harmful to the local environment, doing even more good.

Land clearing can help loosen up and aerate the soil, allowing for better overall growing conditions. Newly planted plants also won't be competing with any existing plants for soil nutrients.

Provides Environmental Stability

Clearing existing growth on a plot of land can help make way for more than just a new development but for the opportunity to plant more trees and plants on the lot. These trees and new plants can help filter out any airborne pollutants and help improve local air quality.

Promotes Health & Safety

Land clearing also helps remove any trip and fall hazards (i.e., roots, debris, etc.) that may lead to injury, promoting a safer overall space.

Provides Pest Control

Removing debris, brush, and any other type of overgrowth is also going to remove popular pest-hiding spots. This helps to control the overall pest population on the site itself and in the greater local area.



Facilitates Maintenance

You want any new development to have curb appeal. However, failure to properly clear land can do the opposite. Brush, growth, debris, and weeds are more than just an eyesore - but they can make landscaping and facilities maintenance more difficult. Pests can live and hide in overgrowth, potentially infiltrating facilities. Weeds and vegetation can make landscaping challenging and potentially impede access to the facility. Improper land clearing can be a facility manager's worst nightmare.

There are several ways to clear land - and one or more strategies may be utilized on a site. The most common strategies include:

Bulldozing

This method involves using a bulldozer to clear vegetation and any other obstructions on a land plot. Also commonly known as the "pusher method," the use of a bulldozer involves literally pushing objects and plants out of the way. The big advantage of the bulldozing method is that it tends to be very fast. However, there are also some notable drawbacks. For instance, it only clears the surface and doesn't attack the roots of vegetation, so growth may reoccur over time. Additionally, bulldozing may damage the topsoil, making any replanting more challenging.

Cut & Grind

Clearing land with the cut-and-grind method involves sawing down trees and other vegetation and then grinding stumps and roots, usually into upcycled mulch.

Pile & Burn

An early form of land clearing, this process involves clearing land and then burning what you've cleared. It tends to be cost-effective, fast, and it doesn't require the removal of materials.

Pulling

Pulling is an early form of land clearing that involves attaching chains to trees, shrubs, and other vegetation and literally pulling them out of the ground with a tractor or heavy-duty truck. Though effective, it's a time-consuming method of clearing.

For more information on the importance of land clearing and why it's essential to start your next project with a clean slate of land, contact us today. As experienced demolition contractors, Alpine Demolition is standing by and ready to take care of all of your demolition and land-clearing needs. We boast more than 60 years worth of experience, have completed more than 2,000 projects, and have an industry-leading customer satisfaction rate of 95 percent. Contact us today for an estimate and to learn more.