Your property becomes construction-ready with proper drainage, clean access routes, and preserved valuable trees. No debris left behind, no surprise drainage issues later, and no damage to the areas you want to keep.
You get a site that’s actually prepared for what comes next. The grading works with your property’s natural flow, not against it. Your contractor can start foundation work immediately without wondering if the site prep was done right.
Most importantly, you have peace of mind knowing the work was done by someone who understands Ballston Spa’s unique challenges and has the experience to handle them properly.
We started Emerson Excavating as a logging operation in 1997 and transitioned to full-time excavation in 2020. Josh runs the business with his son as partner, and you’ll see Josh on almost every job site personally overseeing the work.
We’re not trying to be the cheapest option in Ballston Spa. We’re focused on being your excavator forever by doing the job right the first time and building lasting relationships with our customers.
After 27 years working with land in this area, we understand what Ballston Spa properties need. Rocky soil, wet spots, steep grades—we’ve handled it all and have the right equipment for whatever your site presents.
First, we walk your property together to mark exactly what stays and what goes. We identify utility lines, septic systems, wells, and other infrastructure before any equipment moves.
Then we start clearing systematically, working around the features you want to preserve. Our operators know how to protect root systems and avoid damage from equipment. We handle everything from selective tree removal to complete site preparation.
Finally, we provide rough or finish grading depending on your needs, ensuring proper drainage and access. All debris gets disposed of properly, and we clean up the site completely. You get a finished product that meets your specifications and timeline, ready for the next phase of your project.
Ready to get started?
Your land clearing project includes complete vegetation removal, tree and stump extraction, rock and debris clearing, and basic grading. We handle all debris disposal and site cleanup as part of the standard service.
We work around existing utilities, structures, and landscaping you want to preserve. Our equipment can access tight spaces and handle varying terrain without damaging surrounding areas.
In Ballston Spa, properties often have unique challenges like rocky soil, wet areas, or steep slopes. We’ve dealt with all of these conditions and have the right equipment to handle whatever your site presents. Most residential lots take 1-3 days to clear completely, depending on size and vegetation density.
Land clearing costs vary significantly based on what’s growing on your property and how much prep work is needed afterward. Light brush and small trees cost less to clear than mature hardwoods or heavily wooded areas.
A quarter-acre lot with light trees usually takes one day and costs less than a heavily wooded property requiring selective clearing around valuable mature trees. Rocky soil conditions common in Ballston Spa can affect pricing if extensive grading is needed.
We provide upfront estimates after walking your property so you know exactly what you’re paying for. The estimate includes all clearing, debris disposal, and basic grading—no surprise charges later.
Absolutely. Selective clearing is a big part of what we do, especially around Ballston Spa where many properties have mature trees worth preserving. We’re careful about protecting root systems and avoiding damage from equipment.
Before we start, we’ll walk the property with you to mark exactly what stays and what goes. Our operators know how to work around the trees you want to keep, and we use equipment appropriate for the job.
The key is good communication upfront about your priorities and taking the time to do the work properly rather than just bulldozing everything. We understand that mature trees add significant value to your property and take care to preserve them.
Yes, site preparation and grading are part of our services. After clearing, we can provide rough grading to establish proper drainage and access, or finish grading if you’re ready for construction to begin.
We understand how important proper grading is—it affects everything from drainage to foundation work later. Our equipment can handle both the clearing and the grading work, so you don’t need to coordinate with multiple contractors.
We’ll discuss your grading needs during the initial consultation and include that in our overall estimate for the project. Whether you need basic site prep or detailed finish grading, we have the experience and equipment to get it right.
Most residential lots in Ballston Spa take 1-3 days to clear completely, depending on the size and how much vegetation needs to be removed. A quarter-acre lot with light trees usually takes one day.
Properties with mature hardwoods, extensive brush, or challenging terrain like steep slopes or wet areas may take longer. Rocky soil conditions common in our area can also affect timeline if significant grading is required.
We’ll give you a realistic timeframe during our initial consultation based on your specific property conditions. We understand that land clearing is usually the first step in a larger construction project, and delays affect everything downstream, so we work efficiently to keep your project on schedule.
Some clearing projects require permits, especially if they involve wetlands, steep slopes, or large areas. We’re familiar with local regulations in Ballston Spa and can advise you on permit requirements for your project.
We’ll let you know during our initial consultation if permits are needed and can help you understand the process. Our experience with local regulations helps ensure your project stays compliant and on schedule.
Different types of clearing have different requirements, and we stay current on all local ordinances. We’d rather handle the paperwork correctly upfront than deal with problems later that could delay your construction project.
Yes, we understand that land clearing is usually the first step in a larger construction project, and delays affect everything downstream. We work with your schedule and your contractor’s timeline to ensure the site is ready when needed.
Most projects can be scheduled within 1-2 weeks of approval, and we complete the work efficiently to keep your project on track. Clear communication about timing happens upfront so everyone knows what to expect.
We’ve worked with many builders and contractors in the Ballston Spa area over the years. Good coordination between trades is essential for successful projects, and we make sure our part of the work integrates smoothly with your overall construction timeline.
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