Preparing an overgrown parcel for a new purpose requires following several steps. The first step is to clear the property of overgrown brush, weeds, and old trees. Avoiding land-clearing problems during this early phase gives the rest of the project the best chance of success.
Learn more about common errors in land clearing and how you can avoid them.
Not Putting Enough Thought Into Your Plan
One of the most important land-clearing mistakes to avoid is failing to create a detailed plan. Without putting thought into how you expect to use the parcel after completing the work, you might not clear the right section of the parcel or enough of the land. You could also clear far more space than you actually need to achieve your goals for the land, unnecessarily spending extra money.
Experts in land clearing can help you with your plan. They’ll discuss how you want to use the space and help you decide how much of the lot actually needs clearing. They can give you a cost estimate for the work, helping you determine whether your plans are financially viable.
Not Using Care When Working Near Existing Structures
Land clearing is challenging work under ideal conditions. Removing large trees and moving soil to prevent erosion involves heavy-duty equipment.
Failing to account for nearby buildings and fences when cutting down trees could result in significant damage. A land-clearing business that isn’t trustworthy might not work carefully around utility lines and other existing infrastructure. It might ignore property lines and drop some of the trees on your neighbor’s property, and you may be liable for any damage caused.
Land-clearing teams must be meticulous and use the right equipment around the buildings to avoid damaging them.
Ignoring Drainage and Water Flow Concerns
After removing trees, brush, and weeds from an overgrown parcel, the flow of water across the property may change. The next time a thunderstorm strikes your San Antonio-area property, you might notice that the water moves differently across the property. Some land-clearing businesses fail to account for these changes, leading to erosion and loss of topsoil.
After clearing brush and trees, an experienced property-clearing company will study the slope of the parcel and whether removing brush changed anything. The business can use its heavy-duty equipment to grade the soil, which should help control erosion.
Failing To Obtain a Written Contract
When a property owner contacts land-clearing companies for estimates, some of them might want to skip a written contract. They might suggest that you use a verbal agreement or a handshake before starting the work. However, this is a mistake that could harm both parties.
Without a written contract, the property owner could be subject to unexpected charges on the final bill. You might interpret what the land-clearing business promised to do one way, while the business has a different interpretation. The only way to be certain that the team will follow through on all its promises at the agreed-upon price is to have the specifications in writing.
A written contract protects the property-clearing business, too, ensuring payments are made on time and that the property owner understands how the job will proceed.
Not Thinking About Safety Concerns
All land-clearing project best practices must focus on safety. Working with construction equipment and removing large trees can be dangerous without the proper training and safety gear. It’s a mistake to hire a team that doesn’t focus on protecting its employees, your property, and your family members.
The property-clearing experts should explain their safety procedures before starting the work. They should also have a plan in place for protecting buildings and utility lines.
Trying To DIY the Project
One of the most common mistakes property owners make when clearing a parcel of trees and brush is trying to do the work themselves. Property owners risk injury when using unfamiliar construction equipment and when cutting down large trees.
Trying to save money by doing land-clearing work yourself is difficult. Most landowners need to rent equipment to do the job, which quickly drives up costs. You also need a means of transporting the equipment to your site. Professionals will be able to complete the work significantly faster than a property owner, allowing your plan to move quickly to the next phase.
Make Your Land-Clearing Project a Success When You Work With Lone Star Land Services
At Lone Star Land Services, our experts are ready to provide professional land-clearing guidance that ensures a smooth process. You don’t have to worry about making errors during this process because our team will guide you through every step and help you have a successful outcome.
To find more San Antonio land-clearing tips or to receive a free price quote, use our online contact form or call us at (210) 473-7750. We serve the entire state of Texas from our base in San Antonio.
