Land Clearing
One of the first, and most important steps, in construction, is preparing the land that you plan to use for your development project; it is commonly known as either land clearing or site clearing. This means removing any and all plants, trees, structures, underground sewer systems, not in use, foundation, and anything else that may be on the section you are planning to use. Site clearing is primarily used on undeveloped plots of land as developed plots are already primed for building.
The Land Clearing Process
You’ve decided to take on a new construction project; only this time, it involves the removal of rocks, trees, stumps, and other debris from the plot before you can begin. This can be a daunting task, which is why hiring a professional team, like Osborne Construction, can help save you precious time, and ensure the plot is cleared in a way that will be both optimal for building and in-line with your jurisdictional requirements.
Prior to the start of the clearing process, a permit must be obtained to approve the clearance. This will be based on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction. Once approval is granted, the process of clearing the land may begin. It is a process composed of three steps: clearing, grubbing, and stripping.
The initial step of clearing is the removal of all physical structures, foundations, trees, rocks, or any other plant growth. This step involves, first, removing any buildings or structures that are currently on the land, and then removing all foliage and vegetation. In the instance that there are plants or trees that are not to be removed, they will be fenced off for protection. Typically for this step, high-grade machinery such as bulldozers, stump grinders, and mulchers are used to quickly and effectively vacate the land.
Grubbing takes place once the land has been thoroughly cleared. Simply put, grubbing is the extraction of the stumps from the ground; this is the removal and disposal of the remaining roots and wood left behind from the trees and other greenery that has already been removed. During this step, bulldozers are equipped with chains, rakes, or a plow to help remove strong roots and pull them from underground.
The final phase is stripping the land of all dirt, topsoil, grass, or anything else that may be left after both clearing and grubbing has been completed. Typically, 4 to 6 inches (10 – 15 centimeters) of topsoil is removed in this phase. The topsoil is removed because it is not suitable for building due to its composure of sand, clay, and decaying plant life. This step also allows appropriate grading to take place. Once the plot has been stripped, any holes or ditches may be filled in with appropriate soils needed for building.
The Land Clearing Process
You’ve decided to take on a new construction project; only this time, it involves the removal of rocks, trees, stumps, and other debris from the plot before you can begin. This can be a daunting task, which is why hiring a professional team, like Osborne Construction, can help save you precious time, and ensure the plot is cleared in a way that will be both optimal for building and in-line with your jurisdictional requirements.
Prior to the start of the clearing process, a permit must be obtained to approve the clearance. This will be based on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction. Once approval is granted, the process of clearing the land may begin. It is a process composed of three steps: clearing, grubbing, and stripping.
The initial step of clearing is the removal of all physical structures, foundations, trees, rocks, or any other plant growth. This step involves, first, removing any buildings or structures that are currently on the land, and then removing all foliage and vegetation. In the instance that there are plants or trees that are not to be removed, they will be fenced off for protection. Typically for this step, high-grade machinery such as bulldozers, stump grinders, and mulchers are used to quickly and effectively vacate the land.
Grubbing takes place once the land has been thoroughly cleared. Simply put, grubbing is the extraction of the stumps from the ground; this is the removal and disposal of the remaining roots and wood left behind from the trees and other greenery that has already been removed. During this step, bulldozers are equipped with chains, rakes, or a plow to help remove strong roots and pull them from underground.
The final phase is stripping the land of all dirt, topsoil, grass, or anything else that may be left after both clearing and grubbing has been completed. Typically, 4 to 6 inches (10 – 15 centimeters) of topsoil is removed in this phase. The topsoil is removed because it is not suitable for building due to its composure of sand, clay, and decaying plant life. This step also allows appropriate grading to take place. Once the plot has been stripped, any holes or ditches may be filled in with appropriate soils needed for building.
The Benefit of Land Clearing
Typically when a lot is going to be used for a new office building, condominium complex, or subdivision, the land is filled with all sorts of overgrown vegetation and debris. Prior to beginning your project, the land must be cleared. Clearing the land and disposing of the topsoil also gets rid of any pests or bugs that may be inhabiting the land. If these pests are not removed, it could spell disaster, in the form of infestation later on down the road once the structure is built.
Another key benefit to this process is that the land will be properly graded following the clearing. Most undeveloped pieces of land have various pits and holes in them and by clearing the land, you will be able to see where any and all holes that need to be filled are located. This allows for an even plot of land to build on, but also one that will have proper draining and reduce flooding.
By hiring a professional company to clear the land, such as Osborne Construction, you can rest assured that the task will be handled with professionalism. This means you won’t have to worry about any future erosion that could potentially happen from removing shrubs, roots, and boulders. Osborne Construction also takes great care to not disrupt the nature that is around the plot you are going to build on – we do our best to ensure the surroundings remain intact.
Are you looking to start a new construction project? Contact our proficient team at Osborne Construction today to set up a FREE consultation. Our team is ready to assist you in all your land clearing, grading, and excavation needs.
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Everyone at Osborne Construction is proud to be Kitchener-Waterloo’s leader in foundation excavation, concrete preparation, and retaining wall installation. We combine decades of experience with our fully insured and licensed professionals to guarantee satisfaction to all of our customers.
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