Land clearing.
Define vegetation, debris, protected features and disposal requirements before clearing begins. Confirm access and any applicable environmental or jurisdictional conditions.
What should be decided before clearing a property?
Define vegetation, debris, protected features and disposal requirements before clearing begins. Confirm access and any applicable environmental or jurisdictional conditions.
Illustrative excavation scene.
Land clearing begins with a boundary: what may be removed, what must remain and what condition the next operation needs. Clearing a lot and making it ready for construction are not automatically the same scope.
Mark the limits and protected features
Identify vegetation, improvements, utilities and areas that stay undisturbed. Tree or environmental restrictions and the responsible jurisdiction need checking for the actual property.
Define removal and disposal
Ask whether cutting, stump and root removal, loading, haul-off and disposal are included. Vegetation, soil and mixed construction debris can need different handling.
Plan the exposed site
Cleared ground may need erosion controls, dust management, stabilization or later grading. Identify who maintains those measures and who provides the final site condition.
Show the keep line as clearly as the clearing line
Mark which trees, fences, access routes and improvements are intended to remain, not just the area to be cleared. Explain whether the request covers brush removal, stumps, buried debris, grading or only a portion of that work.
Disposal is another separate decision. Ask where the identified material can go and what happens if unexpected debris is found. Do not assume burning, burial or general dumping is permitted.
Common questions
Does clearing include grading and structural fill?
Only if the proposal includes them with the applicable design and acceptance requirements.
Can everything be burned or buried on site?
Do not assume so. Disposal methods and any approvals must be appropriate for the material and location.
Sources and further reading
- Utah DEQ: construction stormwater and dewatering permits
- Utah DEQ: fugitive dust requirements and geographic scope
- Salt Lake Valley Landfill: material acceptance, a receiving-facility example
Related project information
Discuss your project
Share the clearing limits, features to protect, access and intended next use of the property.
Request a free bid through Utah Excavation Company. 801-515-4932.