The Importance of Clearing Land Correctly to Maintain Land Usability

Forestry mulching, while often promoted as an eco-friendly land clearing method, can actually degrade soil quality. The process involves grinding trees and vegetation into mulch and leaving it on the forest floor. While this may initially seem beneficial for soil health, excessive mulch buildup can smother native groundcover, inhibit natural regeneration, and create an overly acidic or nitrogen-rich environment that disrupts microbial activity and plant growth. Additionally, the heavy machinery used in mulching compacts the soil, reducing aeration and water infiltration, which are critical for healthy root systems and long-term land productivity.

From a land development perspective, forestry mulching can inadvertently increase costs compared to conventional clearing methods. The shredded material left behind often becomes a thick layer of debris that must be removed or heavily managed before construction can begin. This layer can interfere with grading, drainage planning, and foundation preparation, necessitating additional site work and machinery—costs that would be minimized if the land were cleared using traditional methods like dozing and hauling. Moreover, the irregular and partially decomposed mulch may harbor pests or invasive species, requiring further treatment. In the end, what may appear to be a cost-effective method on the surface can lead to delays and unforeseen expenses in development.

In this scenario, the customer was under contract on this parcel but had not purchased yet. They were doing their due-diligence and requested our expert opinion on a cost to clear, grade, and make the property drain correctly. After providing the customer a cost estimate and explaining the increased cost compared to standard clearing that this damaged property now has, they can make an informed decision if they want to move further with the purchase of this land parcel.