Land clearing isn’t exactly a small job. From clearing brush to uprooting trees, a land clearing project takes lots of time and labor. That’s why you want to be confident that the company operating the bulldozers and backhoes has the expertise to do the job well.
Otherwise, you could end up with a big mess and safety liabilities on your hands. It’s in your best interest to do some vetting before you hire a company. Stick around to learn about the nine traits of quality land clearing companies!
1. Experience
When you’re investigating land clearing companies, always look for ones with experience. You don’t want newbies taking on such a big job. You want a company that’s completed hundreds or even thousands of land clearing projects.
Seasoned companies will be more efficient in their operations. And with so many projects under their belt, you’ll be able to trust that they know what they’re doing.
2. The Right Equipment
Land clearing requires heavy machinery to get the job done in a reasonable time frame. Bulldozers, skid steer loaders, and backhoe loaders are common pieces of equipment for the job. Additionally, excavators and site prep tractors may be needed.
Together, this equipment can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more. New companies might not have the financial resources to purchase the best equipment. As a result, they won’t be able to do land clearing efficiently right away.
They may be waiting to make purchases as they become more stable. But you’ll be the one paying the price.
If a company is low on equipment, they’ll take longer to complete the work. By contrast, more established companies may have built a reserve of large machinery. Make a point of asking the company what equipment they plan to use for your land clearing project.
3. Insurance and Licensing
Before hiring anyone for a land clearing project, make sure they have the right credentials. They’ll need a Washington state business license to do business legally. They’ll also need industry credentialing to verify they have what it takes to do the job safely.
In addition, a reputable land clearing company should be insured with general liability coverage and other policies. Otherwise, you would be liable if a worker sustained injuries on your property while doing the job. This could snowball into thousands of dollars in medical fees if you’re not careful. You could also be held responsible for equipment damage.
It’s fair to ask what types of insurance coverage a company has, and ask to see proof of those policies.
4. A Range of Services
A good land clearing company will offer several services to meet your needs. Whether it’s chopping down trees or mulching debris afterward, they should be able to do it.
With a range of services, a company can be your one-stop shop for land clearing and excavation needs. This is much more convenient than farming out lots of jobs to different places.
Companies that stop short of stump grinding or brush chipping might not be the ones you want to use. Likewise, you might want the land prepped and leveled before calling the land clearing job complete. Ask potential companies what specific services they offer to make sure they align with your needs.
5. Reasonable Prices
You can’t overlook your budget for any big project. Whether you need stump grinding or tree clearing, you’ll want to pay a fair price for the services offered.
Get estimates from a few companies before settling on one. That way, you can compare prices and save money if there’s a large range in the estimates.
Some companies may offer you deals if you use them on a recurring basis. For instance, if you’re building several new homes or developments, you could use the same land clearing company for each job. Doing so provides the company with regular business – and that could earn you a lower price.
6. Strong Communication Skills
Ultimately, with anyone you hire, communication is key. You don’t want to be on the wrong page with someone on a large project. So, it’s important to do business with a company that communicates clearly and transparently.
A good company will detail their practices with land clearing. They should be able to talk about what happens with felled trees and how they responsibly handle debris.
7. Rigorous Regulation Adherence
Land clearing can cause environmental concerns if not done properly. As the one doing the hiring, you need to know that the company will not turn to dangerous practices, like fires, to do land clearing.
Fires can get out of hand if mismanaged, and they can contribute to greenhouse gases, which are damaging to the environment.
Companies should not have a history of violating federal regulations that protect certain lands, either. Areas that are conserved, for instance, cannot be cleared without permission from the right sources.
8. Proper Safety Precautions
Chopping down trees comes with clear safety concerns. That’s why you need to hire a company that has a good safety track record. You don’t want hazards causing injuries and jeopardizing your project’s timeline.
Ask the company what their safety training process looks like. Ask what kind of safety equipment, such as protective eyewear, the company uses. And ask what the protocol looks like if there is an accident on the job.
9. Good Reviews
One of the best ways to vet a company is by looking at reviews. You can look at a company’s website to find testimonials and reviews. But the better option is looking through search engines.
You want to see consistently positive feedback. Too few reviews could mean that the company is not established. And bad reviews indicate you should search for another company!
Find the Best Land Clearing Companies
Good land clearing companies will have experience, expertise, and positive reviews. Seek out a company with the equipment to do land clearing efficiently, and make sure they have a strong safety record. Additionally, look for a company with a range of services you need now and in the future.
P’n’D Logging and Tree Service has been a leader in land and tree clearing since 1977. We serve the Greater Puget Sound and can help you with anything from tree cutting to logging. Contact us today to learn more!