Land Clearing in Buffalo, NY

Land clearing removes trees, brush and stumps so ground can be built on, farmed or used. Inside Buffalo it is mostly overgrown lots and back corners. In the towns around the city, especially in Clarence, Lancaster, Elma, Alden, Orchard Park and Grand Island, it means new home sites, pole barns, long driveways and wooded acreage being opened up.

Selective or full

We walk the property with you, flag trees to keep and set the clearing limits. Full clearing takes everything inside the limits; selective clearing removes brush, vines and deadwood while keeping the best trees for shade and screening.

Stumps

Under footings, slabs and driveways, stumps and major roots must come out because buried wood rots and the ground sinks. In lawns, grinding is usually enough. Stumps typically cost $100 to $400 apiece to grind or remove, according to HomeGuide.

Wet ground

Much of the area is flat and poorly drained, and some wooded parcels include wet areas. Wetlands are regulated, and clearing in or near them may need state or federal approval. We point out areas that look like wetlands so you can check before work starts.

Debris

Brush can be chipped and spread or hauled. Logs can be cut to length for firewood. Disposal is a separate line in the quote.

Erosion control

New York requires erosion and sediment control on larger disturbances. On any job, we keep clearing within limits and stabilize ground that will not be built on right away.

Costs

HomeGuide's per-acre figures: $1,200 to $2,500 for light brush, $2,500 to $4,500 for moderate growth, $4,500 to $8,000 for heavy woods.

Clearing for driveways and utilities

A new driveway or utility route through woods needs a cleared corridor wider than the drive itself, with room for ditches, snow storage and equipment. Stumps and roots under the drive come out, and the subgrade is shaped and compacted before stone goes down. Planning drainage at the clearing stage keeps the drive from washing out in spring.