What to Think Through Before Embarking on Your Land Clearing for Residential Building Site Preparation
Land clearing can generally be described as the removal of trees, tree stumps, shrubs and other types of vegetation from a parcel of land with the aim of utilising the land. For the most part, preparing vacant land for residential development requires land clearing service. To ensure land clearing service is effectively carried out, residential land owners must carefully plan for it.
Here are a number of key aspects to consider before allowing a contractor to commence land clearing.
Do you need a clearing permit?
Given the important role that plants play with regards to maintaining ecological balance, most local councils across Australia generally don't encourage land clearing. However, these councils acknowledge the fact that the practice is sometimes necessary — for example, when you need to develop your privately owned residential land. That is why you may need to obtain a permit before clearing your land. So, always check with your local council to know if you will require a clearing permit.
What is your landscaping plan?
How do you want your landscape to look like once you have completed construction on your building site? This is a question you will need to address prior to getting started with the clearing job. Deciding on the location of landscape features such as driveways, gardens and patios ahead of time can help determine which trees to remove and which ones to preserve. Trees growing too close to the proposed building may need to be felled, but those growing a safe distance from the building may be preserved for their natural beauty, for example.
How will you manage soil erosion?
With less vegetative cover, you site soil will be left unprotected from rain, windstorms and other elements that can cause soil erosion. Before enlisting the services of a land clearing contractor, it is important to have a plan on how to prevent topsoil from being eroded by the elements. You can prevent soil erosion post-clearing by ensuring proper surface run-off on your property and covering the soil surface with mulching or some other form of covering.
How will you handle the land clearing debris?
Large volumes of waste in the form of soil, rocks, and vegetation may be generated during your land clearing projects. Have a plan on what to do with these debris. Your local environmental agency may provide clearly-spelt-out guidelines on how to dispose of the waste.
There are other essential factors you may need to think through before embarking on your clearing project. Talking to your clearing contractor beforehand can ensure your building site preparation goes smoothly.