When you need to prepare an overgrown piece of property for sale or a development project, a professional land clearing team can help. Our Alabama land clearing company will remove vegetation, brush, and trees to ensure the site is ready for any project.
However, not all companies that clear land are the same. Learn more about the primary mistakes you should avoid when hiring a local land clearing company.
Not Researching the Company’s Strengths and Experience
Not all land clearing companies have the proper equipment and experienced contractors for challenging jobs. When you have a site with large trees, or that requires caution around a nearby creek, find a land clearing company that can handle the work.
Clearing a property that has a lot of mature trees needs the skill of a company with big chainsaws and bulldozers. You should research the types of clearing projects each company has done in the past. You may want to skip a team that has no experience with the kind of vegetation and terrain at your site.
If the site you need cleared is extremely large, it would be a mistake not to ask for references. When asking to speak with past customers, be specific about the scope of the work you want done. Try to speak to landowners who have a parcel that is similar to yours.
If the company website lists certain types of credentials and licenses, you should verify them. If you end up with damage during the process and need insurance from the land clearing company, you’ll want to ensure its insurance coverage is active, too.
You might not want inexperienced employees working on your project. Ask the company if it can guarantee that you’ll have veteran workers who can quickly handle any problems that arise.
Not Asking for a Written Guarantee of the Land Clearing Service
Asking a land clearing team to just show up and start working is a frequent mistake landowners make. It’s important to clearly lay out the entire project scope. Both parties need to fully understand what needs to be done and what will happen with the debris.
Using written contracts is the best way to avoid these kinds of mistakes. This contract will spell out exactly what the work will entail, how long it will take, and the projected cost. Any trustworthy land management company should be willing to give you a written contract for the job.
The document should also spell out the insurance coverage the land clearing company has to protect your interests. If errors occur, insurance payments are vital for remedying any issues.
By insisting on a contract, both parties have protection if something goes wrong. If the company ignores the property boundary lines and some clearing occurs on your neighbor’s lot, for example, a contract can protect you. The document should spell out when your payments are due, too.
Failing to Ensure the Land Clearing Company Will Follow Local Regulations and Rules for the Environment
Depending on the plants and animals you have on your property, you might need to manage the environmental impact of the project. A trustworthy land clearing company should help you meet local regulations and state of Alabama rules.
If the land clearing team fails to follow local regulations, you, as the landowner, could receive fines and penalties. You need the company to protect your interests as it works.
As a property owner, you might want to protect certain trees. If you have erosion problems, the company might need to grade the land. Failing to manage erosion could violate local regulations.
You might want the company you select to follow certain environmental and sustainable practices when working. You may need protection of waterways from debris contamination on the property. If this is important to you, ask about the company’s qualifications for managing the land in an eco-friendly manner.
Land clearing projects sometimes carry a risk of fire. If the property has a lot of dry vegetation and old downed trees, ask the company about the steps it takes to prevent fires.
Another important consideration involves handling the debris. You might want to select a company that always recycles debris, such as creating mulch that it leaves on-site or uses in other projects. Some companies have specific plans for sustainable clearing practices that they will deploy when you request them.
Avoid Mistakes With Your Land Clearing Project By Calling Meeks Land Management First
Meeks Land Management provides land clearing services in the Fort Payne, Alabama, area. We have the experience and equipment necessary to give you guaranteed results. By counting on us, you won’t have to worry about making a mistake in hiring a land clearing company.
For a free quote, reach out to us today at (256) 979-9520.