Land Clearing & Stump Removal

Deciding what to clear and what to keep

Walk the site with the contractor and mark trees, shrubs and features you want to keep. Protected trees and sensitive areas such as creeks and wetlands may be off limits without permits. Clearing for fire safety may follow defensible space rules that set distances around structures. The contractor tells you what is allowed and plans equipment access and brush disposal in advance. Flag the trees and plants you want to keep with ribbon, and mark irrigation heads and buried lines you know about before the crew arrives.

Stump grinding versus removing the whole root ball

Grinding chews the stump and upper roots into chips below ground level and is fast and economical. Excavating the stump and roots takes more time and leaves a bigger hole, but is better where you will build or plant a new tree in the same spot. Large roots may remain after grinding and decay over time. Ask how deep the grind will go and what will fill the hole. Ask the contractor where the chips will go, how deep the grind will be and what will fill the holes, so there are no surprises about the finished look.

Disposal, erosion and restoring the site

Brush can be chipped for mulch, hauled away or, where permitted, burned. Bare soil needs protection from erosion with seed, mulch or erosion control blankets. Fill depressions and compact lightly to prevent settling. Keep records if you need to show defensible space compliance, and replant when you are ready. Plan erosion control for the cleared ground, since bare soil can wash away in the first storms, and ask about seeding or mulch as part of the job.

Excavation for Foundations & Additions

Excavation for foundations, additions and new structures by a licensed earthwork contractor: lay…

Utility Trenching (Water, Sewer, Gas & Electric)

Trenching for water, sewer, gas and electric lines by a licensed contractor, with correct depth,…

Driveway Removal & Regrade

Removal of old driveways and regrading of the surface by an earthwork contractor: demolition, ha…

Lot Grading & Pad Preparation

Lot grading and building pad preparation by a licensed earthwork contractor: clearing, cut and f…

Hillside Stabilization & Slope Repair

Hillside stabilization and slope repair by a licensed contractor: regrading, drainage, retaining…

Culvert & Drainage Pipe Installation

Culvert and drainage pipe installation by a licensed earthwork contractor for driveways, ditches…

House & Structure Demolition

Demolition of houses and large structures by a licensed demolition contractor: surveys, permits,…

Garage & Detached Structure Demolition

Demolition of garages, sheds and detached structures by a licensed contractor: permit checks, sa…

Excavated Soil Haul-Off & Fill Delivery

Soil haul-off and clean fill delivery by an earthwork contractor: trucking excavated dirt away,…