Your foundation contractor shows up to level ground, not a jungle. Your septic installer doesn’t hit unexpected roots. Your builder doesn’t discover drainage issues halfway through construction.
That’s what happens when land clearing is done right the first time. You get a clean, workable site that’s graded for proper drainage and cleared strategically to preserve the trees you want while removing everything that’s in the way.
Most importantly, you avoid the costly delays and change orders that come with poor site preparation. When your lot is properly cleared and graded, every contractor who follows can do their job efficiently and on schedule.
We’ve been clearing land in Charlton and surrounding areas since 1997. What started as a logging business became full-time excavation in 2020, and now operates as a close-knit family business with Josh’s son joining as a partner.
You’re not getting a crew that’s guessing their way through your project. Our operators know how to handle everything from Charlton’s rocky hillsides to wet, low-lying areas that need special attention for proper drainage.
Josh is present on almost every job to ensure quality, because this isn’t about being the cheapest option – it’s about being your excavator forever through exceptional care and value.
The process starts with a site assessment to identify drainage requirements, determine which trees to preserve, and plan the most efficient clearing approach for your specific lot.
Next comes the actual clearing – removing unwanted vegetation, cutting and hauling trees, grinding stumps completely, and clearing debris. All material is either hauled away or processed on-site depending on your preferences and local requirements.
Finally, finish grading ensures proper water flow away from your future structure and creates the level, stable surface your foundation contractor needs. The result is a construction-ready site that prevents problems before they start.
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Your land clearing project includes complete vegetation removal, tree cutting and stump grinding, debris hauling, and finish grading. No surprise charges for “extras” that should have been included from the start.
Charlton properties often present unique challenges – steep slopes, wet areas, or mature trees that require careful removal. We incorporate these factors into the planning so your project stays on schedule and on budget.
You also get our local knowledge of permit requirements, setback regulations, and environmental considerations that come with land clearing in this area. When permits are needed, you’ll know upfront, and when they’re not, you won’t waste time and money pursuing unnecessary paperwork.
Land clearing removes vegetation, trees, and surface obstacles to create a clean, workable site. Excavation involves moving earth – digging foundations, creating drainage systems, or changing the actual elevation and contours of your land.
Most construction projects need both services, often in sequence. The land gets cleared first so excavation equipment can work efficiently, then final grading happens after any excavation work is complete.
Having one company handle both services usually saves time and money compared to coordinating multiple contractors. You get better communication, streamlined scheduling, and accountability from start to finish.
Land clearing costs vary significantly based on terrain, vegetation density, and what needs to be done with the cleared material. A lightly wooded flat lot costs much less than heavily forested steep terrain with large trees and stumps.
Most residential lots in Charlton take 2-5 days to clear completely, depending on size and complexity. A quarter-acre lot with light vegetation might be done in a day or two, while a heavily wooded acre with large trees and stumps could take a week.
The best approach is an on-site assessment to provide an accurate quote based on your specific property conditions, access requirements, and project timeline.
Permit requirements depend on the size of your project and proximity to wetlands or streams. Most residential lot clearing doesn’t require special permits, but commercial projects or clearing near water features often do.
Charlton follows New York State DEC guidelines for environmental protection, which can affect larger clearing projects. The key is understanding what’s required for your specific situation before starting work.
It’s always better to check permit requirements upfront than deal with violations after the fact. Local contractors familiar with Charlton’s regulations can help navigate these requirements and recommend the right professionals if permits are needed.
Most residential lots in Charlton take 2-5 days to clear completely, depending on size and complexity. A quarter-acre lot with light vegetation might be finished in a day or two, while a heavily wooded acre with large trees and stumps could take a week.
Weather affects timing significantly – proper grading can’t be done in muddy conditions, and wet weather slows down debris removal. Rocky terrain or difficult access can also extend the timeline.
We factor the clearing timeline into your overall construction schedule during the planning phase, so there are no surprises that could delay your foundation work or other follow-up contractors.
Strategic clearing is one of the most important aspects of proper site preparation. The goal is preserving the trees you want while removing everything that’s in the way of construction or could cause problems later.
This requires careful planning upfront to identify which trees to save based on their location, health, and species. Mature trees close to the construction zone might need protection during the building process, while others further away can stay untouched.
The key is having experienced operators who understand how to work around valuable trees without damaging their root systems or compromising the clearing work. This kind of precision is what separates professional land clearing from just bulldozing everything.
Cleared material gets handled based on your preferences and local requirements. Trees can be cut into firewood lengths if you want to keep some, while brush and smaller debris typically gets chipped or hauled away.
Stumps are ground completely and can either be removed or worked into the soil as organic matter. Rock and stone that’s excavated during clearing can sometimes be repurposed for drainage or landscaping features.
The cleanup process is included in the project scope – you won’t be left with piles of debris or half-finished work. Everything gets cleared, graded, and ready for the next phase of your construction project.
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