When it comes to new residential or commercial construction, most land isn’t ready for building. Before breaking ground, there are several steps builders must follow to ensure the site is suitable for construction. If the property is covered in vegetation, trees, or brush, then clearing the land is an important first step.
Failing to properly clear land can lead to construction delays and safety issues down the line. However, clearing land is a big job and one that requires experience, training, and equipment. The team at CFB Outdoors is here to help you understand what’s involved in the land clearing process and why it’s important to trust a professional when it comes to doing this work.
Site Prep In Florida: What’s Involved With Land Clearing
While land clearing might sound simple, the work is actually fairly complex and involves multiple steps as well as a wide range of equipment. This is why it usually makes sense to hand the work over to a company that is set up to do it quickly and efficiently. Here’s a quick summary of what’s involved in the land clearing process.
- Securing Permits – Before you can begin development, you must secure a permit and ensure the property is zoned for what you intend to build. This requires working with local municipalities to submit all the necessary paperwork. All paperwork must be complete and approved before a contractor can begin removing trees or vegetation.
- Tree Removal – Removing trees is one of the more difficult and time-consuming parts of the land clearing process. A team of arborists will use chainsaws, cranes, and other equipment to cut down the trees on the property.
- Stump Grinding – Eliminating trees is the first step, but the property must also be clear of any leftover stumps. A stump grinder will be used to turn leftover stumps into wood chips and ensure nothing is left sticking out of the ground.
- Vegetation and Brush Removal – If the property has overgrown brush and vegetation, your contractor will use bulldozers, excavators, and rotary cutters to clear it away.
- Grading and Leveling – Clearing the land is one piece, but in some cases, the property might need to be leveled or graded to ensure it’s suitable for construction. This requires bulldozers, motor graders, excavators, and skid steers to create the optimal grade.
Once the process is complete, your contractor can deliver a beautiful piece of ready-to-build land, so a builder can start the construction process. This is when the final inspection happens. It’s important for the property owner, land clearing contractor, and developer to walk through the site after the job is complete and review the job together. This step is usually the last line of defense against any potential problems before construction begins.
Why Proper Land Clearing Is Essential For Construction
When it comes to clearing land and grading, there is no substitute for quality. Even the smallest mistakes can lead to disasters during construction. Here are a few reasons why you should never cut corners on site prep.
- Safety – Clearing land removes obstacles that can create hazards during construction. Thick brush or leftover tree stumps are not only tripping hazards, but these things can also damage equipment. Land clearing also improves visibility on the property and reduces the risk of fire.
- Controlled Environment – Development can only occur in a clean, controlled space; otherwise, the building’s integrity could be jeopardized. A properly cleared and graded property means fewer accidents, disruptions, and costly delays during the build phase. It also serves as the starting point for a strong, reliable foundation.
- Efficiency – All construction projects run on a timeline, and unexpected delays are costly. Thoroughly clearing the land and grading helps the entire construction sequence stay on track.
Why Central Florida Builders Trust CFB Outdoors To Clear Land
Builders want to be handed a perfectly clear and stable lot before they break ground. Nobody wants to deal with surprises during the construction process. This is why it’s common for builders to turn to the same land-clearing partners again and again. Clearing land isn’t something you want to attempt to do yourself, and you don’t want to trust an inexperienced contractor.
For land clearing, DeLand residents can rely on CFB Outdoors and when it comes to property prep, Florida builders also trust us the most. CFB Outdoors is the area’s leading outdoor services provider. From permitting to stump grinding, our firm is equipped to handle every aspect of the site clearing process. Here are some reasons why builders and neighbors trust CFB Outdoors every time:
- We Own Our Vehicles, Tools, and Equipment – Don’t underestimate the importance of working with a contractor that owns its equipment. Because we buy everything ourselves, we don’t have to rely on third parties to get the job done right. We can work on your schedule. This means increased efficiency and better reliability. Because we maintain our equipment ourselves, we know it’s in the best condition.
- We’re from DeLand – We know Florida landscapes because we grew up right here in DeLand. We’ve experienced just about every type of Florida land clearing situation you can encounter. Our customers are our neighbors, and we care deeply about our community.
- We’re Skilled And Experienced – We’ve been clearing land in Central Florida for decades. We partner with residents, businesses, and even Volusia County on numerous projects. We know what we’re doing — you can trust our team to get the work done quickly and efficiently.
- We’re Fully Licensed And Insured – Clearing land is dangerous work, and accidents can and do happen. In addition to working with an experienced contractor, you also want to make sure the company is fully licensed and insured — including workers’ compensation and general liability policies. This way, if an accident happens on your property, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Land clearing is the foundational step of the construction process, and with so much residential and commercial growth in Volusia County, there is no shortage of work that needs to be done. The team at CFB Outdoors is ready to tackle any project that comes our way. Call today if you’re ready to kick-start your project.
