You bought the perfect lot. Now you need it cleared properly so your builder can start without delays or surprises.
Professional land clearing means your foundation sits on stable ground that won’t shift or settle. Water flows away from your structure instead of pooling around it. Your septic system passes inspection the first time because the site prep was done right.
No hidden rocks discovered halfway through construction. No drainage problems that show up during the first heavy rain. No delays waiting for amateur contractors to fix what should have been done correctly from day one.
We’ve been handling land clearing and site preparation throughout Ulster County since 1997. What started as a logging operation evolved into full-service excavation when we saw too many property owners getting burned by contractors who overpromised and underdelivered.
We’re a family business where Josh is on-site for nearly every project, ensuring the quality and attention to detail that keeps customers coming back. When his son joined as a partner in 2022, it reinforced our commitment to building lasting relationships in Ulster County communities.
You’re not just hiring equipment operators. You’re working with contractors who understand Ulster County’s soil conditions, drainage patterns, and local regulations that affect every land clearing project.
Every land clearing project starts with understanding your specific needs and site conditions. We evaluate soil composition, identify drainage requirements, and plan the most efficient approach for your Ulster County property.
Site preparation begins with careful marking of utilities and property boundaries. We clear vegetation systematically, preserving trees you want to keep while removing everything that needs to go. Stumps are ground below grade level to prevent future settling issues.
Final grading establishes proper slopes for drainage and creates level building areas that meet engineering specifications. We handle debris removal and site cleanup, leaving your property ready for the next phase of construction. No mess left behind, no shortcuts that create problems later.
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Our land clearing services include selective tree removal, brush clearing, stump grinding, and rough grading to establish proper drainage patterns. We handle everything from small residential lots to larger commercial developments throughout Ulster County.
Ulster County’s diverse terrain requires contractors who understand local conditions. From the rocky soils near the Shawangunk Ridge to the fertile lowlands of the Hudson Valley, we adjust our approach based on your specific site. Clay deposits require different handling than sandy soils, and we know how to work with both.
Site preparation also includes coordination with local utility companies, permit assistance when needed, and compliance with Ulster County environmental regulations. We understand setback requirements, wetland restrictions, and other local factors that can affect your project timeline and costs.
Land clearing costs in Ulster County typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 per acre, depending on terrain, vegetation density, and site accessibility. Heavily wooded areas with large trees cost more to clear than brush and smaller vegetation.
Factors that affect pricing include soil conditions, slope of the land, proximity to structures that need protection, and disposal requirements for cleared material. Rocky areas common in parts of Ulster County may require additional equipment time.
We provide detailed estimates after evaluating your specific site conditions. This prevents surprise charges and helps you budget accurately for the entire project from clearing through final grading.
Most land clearing projects in Ulster County require building permits from your local town or city. If you’re near wetlands or clearing more than an acre, additional environmental permits may be required from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Some municipalities have specific requirements for tree removal, especially for mature trees or those in sensitive areas. Erosion control measures may also be mandated depending on the scope of clearing and proximity to water sources.
We help navigate the permit process and ensure all work meets local codes and environmental regulations. Our experience with Ulster County municipalities means we understand what’s required and can advise you on compliance issues before they become problems.
Most residential land clearing projects in Ulster County take 2-5 days, depending on lot size and vegetation density. A typical house lot with moderate tree coverage can often be cleared in 2-3 days, while heavily wooded properties may take longer.
Weather conditions affect timing, especially during wet periods when heavy equipment can damage surrounding areas or create muddy conditions. We schedule work during optimal conditions to protect your property and ensure quality results.
Commercial projects or larger residential developments may take 1-2 weeks or more. We provide realistic timelines upfront and coordinate with your other contractors to keep your overall project on schedule.
Yes, selective clearing is one of our specialties throughout Ulster County. We can preserve mature trees, specimen plants, or specific areas while clearing the rest of your property for construction.
This requires careful planning and precise equipment operation to avoid damage to trees you want to keep. We establish protection zones around preserved trees and plan access routes that minimize soil compaction in root zones.
The key is identifying which trees to preserve early in the planning process. Some trees may look healthy but have structural issues that make them hazardous near buildings. We help you make informed decisions about which trees can safely remain and which should be removed for safety reasons.
Stump grinding is included in our comprehensive land clearing services throughout Ulster County. We grind stumps 6-8 inches below grade level to prevent future settling issues and allow for proper grading.
Large stumps from mature trees common in Ulster County require professional-grade equipment to remove completely. Leaving stumps or grinding them inadequately can cause problems with foundation work, septic installation, or landscaping later.
We also handle disposal of stump grindings, which can be used as mulch for other areas of your property or removed entirely depending on your preferences. The goal is leaving your site completely ready for the next phase of construction without any obstacles or future problems.
Late fall through early spring is typically the best time for land clearing in Ulster County. Trees are dormant, which makes removal easier and reduces stress on surrounding vegetation you want to preserve.
Frozen ground conditions in winter can actually be advantageous for heavy equipment access, reducing soil compaction and damage to surrounding areas. However, we avoid working during wet periods when equipment can create rutting or muddy conditions.
Spring and summer clearing is certainly possible, but we take extra precautions to protect active root systems and minimize impact on growing vegetation. We schedule around weather conditions and coordinate timing with your construction schedule to ensure optimal results regardless of season.
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