1. Walk Your Property Lines
Before any clearing begins, know exactly where your property boundaries are. Check your survey or hire a surveyor to mark the corners. This prevents accidentally clearing onto neighboring property and ensures you maximize your usable land.
2. Mark Trees and Features to Keep
If you want to preserve certain trees, structures, or landscape features, mark them clearly with flagging tape or paint. Walk the property with your contractor and point these out during the initial site visit.
3. Locate Utilities
Call 811 (the national "Call Before You Dig" number) at least 48 hours before work begins. Utility companies will mark underground lines for free. Also note any overhead power lines that might restrict equipment access or movement.
4. Plan Your Access
Heavy equipment needs a way in and out. Identify the best access point and clear any obstacles. Consider where equipment will stage and how trucks will enter/exit if material needs to be hauled away.
5. Decide What to Do with Debris
Discuss options with your contractor: on-site burning (where permitted), chipping/mulching, hauling off-site, or creating brush piles for wildlife. Each option has different costs and benefits depending on your goals.