Clearing Space: Preparing Your Lot for Development

Created by, Lucas. Written by, Chat GPT.

What Clearing Space Means

Clearing your lot is the process of removing underbrush and small trees while leaving the larger trees you want to keep. It’s about creating a clean, open space without stripping the land entirely — setting the stage for whatever you plan to build or improve.

The Process I Use

The method I prefer is using a skid steer fitted with a front-mounted mulching head. This attachment has an arm with rotating teeth that shred small trees, saplings, and thick brush into mulch, which is then spread back onto the ground. It’s fast, efficient, and leaves the area looking neat.

I typically hire someone who charges a day rate. For most lots here, you can expect the cost to be around $500 to clear the underbrush and small growth. That’s a very affordable price compared to clearing a large property.

Why This is Affordable and Practical

If you were clearing a larger property, you’d often have to start by cutting in a driveway, then clearing a house site, and possibly removing trees in multiple areas — each step costing more time and money. With a smaller lot like here at ATC, you can get the entire space cleared for a fraction of the cost, and be ready for the next steps much faster.

Removing Larger Trees

After the mulching is done, you can take down larger trees in specific spots to match your vision. From what I’ve seen and paid personally, removing a large tree runs about $100 per tree. This allows you to customize your lot — keeping shade where you want it and opening up space for driveways, buildings, or open areas.

A Tip on Tree Breaks

It’s often a good idea to leave some brush and trees along your property lines as a natural visual barrier. You can clear the interior for your driveway, home site, or yard while keeping a green buffer that adds privacy and character.

Clearing your space is one of the quickest, most affordable ways to make a big impact on your lot. With a mulcher and selective tree removal, you can go from raw land to a ready-to-develop property for a surprisingly low cost — and set the stage for everything else you want to create.