If you’re looking to clear land, the first question to ask is what land clearing process is right for you. There are many factors to consider. The cost of clearing the land can be prohibitive, depending on your approach. As a landowner, you should also ensure that land clearing doesn’t damage your property.
In this article, we’ll look at what to consider when tackling a land clearing project.
When is land clearing necessary?
Land is a valuable resource we engage with in many ways. Development projects make way for various uses, including residential, urban development and agricultural needs. More than ever, there is also a concern for preserving natural resources. 
Land clearing is a core component of land use. Preparing land appropriately is a complex and time-consuming task that requires the right approach.
Land development
Your development goals may impact what method you use when clearing the land, and these often require local council approval. A family will prepare the property for a residential plot for their requirements. Removing certain plants and working around others selectively may be necessary for a family’s enjoyment of the land. Targeting specific vegetation while preserving other vegetation can also increase land value.
Grading is an essential factor in increasing the land’s utility. Graded land makes way for homebuilding, commercial development and agricultural preparation.
The number of machines are necessary for a project can limit your options. More machinery requires more workforce, which increases costs. Other considerations can include access to your property.
Land management
Beyond development projects, land management encompasses environmental concerns like fire mitigation and weed control measures.
Invasive species control
Weeds are a significant concern in Australia, threatening our farmland and native species of flora and fauna. Using herbicides can poison a wildlife habitat and cause long-term damage and habitat loss.
Mulching deals with noxious weeds infestations effectively. Shredding weeds stifles their growth and allows native plants to outcompete them.
Fire mitigation
Fire mitigation practices typically revolve around prescribed burning. Prescribed burning aims to mimic the natural role of fire in controlling underbrush buildup. However, prescribed burning can introduce problems of its own. Firstly, inclement weather can limit its use. Also, there is the potential to lose control of burn sites which may lead to extensive damage. Eliminating this potential kindling reduces the fire hazard.
Furthermore, studies suggest poorly managed burning can damage the soil and lead to infertile land.
Forestry mulching can avoid these issues and provide excellent results. Shredding vegetation removes the underbrush and creates a mulch layer. Mulch layers retain soil moisture which reduces the chances of bushfires. Mulching is also beneficial for its environmental friendliness.
Environmental sustainability
Poor land clearing practices can quickly destroy soil fertility. Damaging soil can lead to reduced arable land and an increased risk of flooding. When choosing a land clearing method, consider what will have the most negligible impact on your land’s viability.
A particularly damaging method is clearing and grubbing. You will churn the soil by cutting down trees and hauling out the stumps by the roots. Breaking up the ground makes it more susceptible to washing away in the rain. Earth can then end up in nearby waterways. Built-up dirt in waterways can lead to water overflows and excessive flooding. With precious topsoil, your land will become stable and usable.
One of the most significant benefits of forestry mulching over other methods is its sustainability. There is no need to uproot stumps when we can grind them, preserving the root system and keeping the soil stable.
After mulching, the ground cover will also decay, providing nutrients for new plant growth. This means that mulching not only prevents soil erosion but contributes to soil fertility as well.
Cost-effectiveness
Many factors affect the cost of land clearing. One of the most significant expenses is the price of the machinery. Read our costs guide for a comprehensive rundown of what expenses you can expect to incur.
Land clearing equipment
Land clearing may require anything from smaller handheld equipment to heavy machinery, depending on the job. The type of equipment you need depends on what land clearing method you use.
Clearing and grubbing generally require multiple machines. This method is more intensive because you must cut down vegetation and remove it separately. When you use forestry mulching, the mulcher can simultaneously provide tree removal and debris disposal. This means that often only one machine is necessary. You also avoid the complexities of hauling vegetation offsite or burning it on your property. Not having to deal with these issues also means forestry mulching generally gets the job done quicker. If you hire machinery or employ professionals, less time on the job means cost savings.
DIY versus a professional land clearing service
A DIY approach may be more appropriate for your needs. This can be a good option for projects involving the low-level clearing of smaller vegetation. If the job size permits, avoiding the cost of a landing clearing professional can be tempting.
Protecting yourself and vulnerable infrastructure should be a primary concern. If you are clearing significant vegetation around your home, professional help is often the best choice. Handling heavy machinery in a safe and targeted way can be difficult. Contracting a land clearing service to complete the job effectively is often the best way. However, dealing with larger projects may be best left to experts.
Work with us today
There are different methods for clearing the land. Essential factors like cost-effectiveness and sustainability will dictate what is right for you. Overall, forestry mulching provides significant benefits while correcting the drawbacks of other methods.
East Coast Mulching has a wealth of experience in the local area. Combined with our land clearing expertise, we can achieve the desired results promptly. Our forestry mulching equipment is the best on the market. Contact us today for a free quote.
