When you hire a land clearing company, you’re putting a lot of trust in them to remove trees, brush, and stumps without tearing up the soil, creating drainage issues, or leaving you with unstable ground.
The rough terrain and invasive species of South Georgia make the job even harder, which is why you should always hire a company with experience in the area that understands how to clear land without causing long-term damage.
In this blog post, we’re creating a checklist of what you need to look for before you hire a land clearing company.
Start With Their Site Evaluation Process
Site preparation is one of the most important parts of land clearing, so it should be the first thing you ask about. The crew you hire should walk your property to check soil conditions, slopes, drainage patterns, access points, and nearby structures that could be at risk if the work is done incorrectly.
A good company will use this information to create a solid site preparation plan that maps out exactly which trees, stumps, and brush need to be removed and what should stay to protect your land.
Always ask how they’ll handle runoff, stabilize the soil, and prep the site to make sure your land clearing project doesn’t create bigger problems down the road.
Ask What Equipment They Use for Brush Removal
A reputable land clearing company should have dedicated mulchers, forestry mowers, and attachments built to cut thick vegetation while protecting the soil. Using the wrong equipment tears up topsoil, leaves deep ruts, and creates extra work. Always ask to see photos or visit a past job to see how the ground looked after clearing.
Verify Their Tree Removal Techniques
Tree clearing is where most of the serious damage happens if the crew isn’t careful. They need controlled cuts, proper equipment, and a plan for trees near buildings, fences, or power lines. Ask how they control the fall, handle tight spaces, and remove the roots if needed for your project. Dropping trees the wrong way can crush structures or leave unstable root systems that shift later.
Ask About Grading Precision
Lot grading shapes the surface your structures will sit on. The crew should follow a grading plan, not just eyeball it with equipment. Look for companies that use laser levels or GPS-guided machines to get the slope right. Poor grading causes drainage problems that show up after the first heavy rain. Always ask how they calculate slopes and where runoff will go once grading is finished to ensure water drains away from buildings, not toward them.
Confirm Stump Grinding Depth and Cleanup Methods
Some companies only grind a few inches down, which leaves roots that rot, sink, or shift under buildings. If you plan to build over the area, make sure they grind stumps 12 to 18 inches below grade. Ask how deep they grind, if they fully remove surface roots, and whether they haul away the grindings or leave the debris behind for you to deal with.
Review Their Debris Hauling Plan
Debris hauling should occur as land clearing moves forward instead of waiting until the end. Staging piles creates safety risks, delays, and added costs for extra equipment. Ask where they haul the debris and whether they hold proper permits to dump it legally. Make sure their price includes full debris removal, not just cutting and stacking piles on your property.
Check Licenses, Insurance, and Permits
Make sure the land clearing company you hire holds the proper business licenses and liability insurance for Georgia. Ask for proof of workers’ comp coverage for every crew member on the job. They should also handle any county or state permits needed for land clearing before work starts. If a company isn’t licensed or insured, you’re the one stuck with the risk if something goes wrong.
Get Full-Service Land Clearing in South Georgia With Southern Tradition Land Services
When you hire a land clearing company, you’re handing them a big responsibility. The work they do affects your property, your safety, and every dollar you plan to invest in the future build.
Southern Tradition Land Services handles full land clearing projects across South Georgia with the experience and attention your property demands. Contact us today to schedule your land clearing consultation.
FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions about hiring a land clearing company.
How Do I Know If a Land Clearing Company Is Qualified?
Check licenses, insurance, equipment, and past project photos. Get a written plan before they start.
Do I Need a Permit for Land Clearing in Georgia?
Most counties require permits for larger projects. Your contractor should handle them.
How Much Does Site Clearing Cost per Acre?
Most jobs in South Georgia cost $1,500 to $5,000 per acre, depending on the site.
