Land Clearing & Grading Services

Did you know?

  • Did you know? Improper drainage around your foundation can lead to issues like basement flooding, mold growth, and even foundation cracking?
  • Grading ensures that rainwater is directed away from your home, preventing costly water damage.
  • According to The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), proper land grading before construction is essential for long-term stability, and even minor grading issues can result in thousands of dollars in repairs if left unresolved.
  • Our grading services are designed to give you a level, stable surface with optimal drainage for any future development.
large lot cleared and graded in a nieghborhood
  • We bigin the process by surveying the land to understand the vegetation, terrain, and any structures or obstacles that may need to be removed.
  • We will start to removing trees, shrubs, and roots using a combination of chainsaws, excavators, and bulldozers.
  • We wil use a stump grinder or excavator to remove tree stumps.
  • After clearing, we use a bulldozer or grader to level the land.
  • We also ensure proper drainage by sloping the surface to guide water away from structures.
  • Finally we will remove debris from the site and conduct a final inspection to ensure the land is ready to your liking.


Grapple Truck Service in Eastern North Carolina

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Land Clearing & Grading Services Services in Eastern North Carolina

Drop Zone Tree Service and Landscaping offers professional Land Clearing & Grading Services.

Land Clearing and Grading Services are vital for preparing land for various projects such as construction, agriculture, landscaping, or development. Our process involves removing trees, stumps, vegetation, and debris, followed by grading the land to ensure proper drainage, stability, and a smooth surface. 

Tree and Stump Removal

Team worker cutting down a pine tree with a chainsaw stand up
  • Tree Removal: The first step in land clearing is removing unwanted trees. This process begins with an assessment to identify trees for removal, which are cut down using chainsaws or feller bunchers. For large or hazardous trees, excavators or cranes may be employed to ensure safe removal, especially near structures or power lines.
  • Example: A five-acre lot requires clearing for a housing development. Feller bunchers cut down trees, and cranes assist with larger ones near buildings.
  • Stump Removal: After trees are removed, stump grinders or excavators are used to eliminate the stumps. Grinding is effective for smaller stumps, while excavation is required for larger stumps, ensuring the land is clear for construction or landscaping.
  • Example: After tree cutting, the 20 large stumps on the lot are excavated to prevent interference with future building foundations.

Brush and Underbrush Removal

large amounts of vegetation removed from around a home before and after
  • Forestry Mulching: Forestry mulching machines grind brush, undergrowth, and small trees into mulch, which is left on-site to improve soil quality and prevent erosion. This eco-friendly method minimizes environmental impact and reduces the need for burning or hauling away debris.

  • Example: A heavily overgrown plot is cleared using a mulcher, turning invasive species like privet and autumn olive into beneficial mulch.
  • Manual Brush Clearing: In areas near structures or sensitive vegetation, brush cutters and hand tools are used to manually clear underbrush, ensuring that the land is properly prepared without damaging surrounding areas.

  • Example: A section near a property line is cleared by hand to preserve the neighbor’s landscaping while removing overgrown bushes.

Debris Removal

large amounts of debris loaded in to a dump truck
  • Grapple Trucks and Dump Trucks: After trees, stumps, and brush are removed, grapple trucks lift and load large logs and stumps, while dump trucks haul smaller debris such as branches, mulch, and brush for disposal or recycling.
  • Example: Logs and heavy debris from tree removal are loaded into grapple trucks and hauled away, while smaller brush is taken to a composting facility.

Rough Grading and Excavation

rough grading and excavation on a lot full of brush and small trees
  • Creating a Level Surface: Once land clearing is complete, excavators and bulldozers perform rough grading, leveling the ground by cutting down high spots and filling in low areas. This prepares the site for future construction, ensuring a stable foundation.

  • Example: A 10-acre lot is graded to prepare for residential development, with bulldozers leveling uneven terrain and creating a smooth base for roads and buildings.
  • Cut and Fill Method: This process redistributes soil by cutting from higher areas and filling in lower areas, creating an even surface for construction, farming, or landscaping.

  • Example: A hilly section of land is leveled by cutting down the peaks and filling in the valleys, ensuring the entire site is ready for building.

Drainage Planning

drainage planning on a cleared backyard lot
  • Preventing Erosion: Proper grading ensures rainwater flows away from structures, preventing water from pooling near foundations. Drainage systems, such as French drains and stormwater management systems, are often installed to manage excess water and prevent erosion.

  • Example: A newly graded lot near a river is sloped strategically, and a drainage system is installed to divert water away from the new development.
  • Water Management: Fine grading and drainage systems work together to ensure the land is ready for building, reducing the risk of water damage and ensuring long-term stability.

  • Example: A property on a flood-prone lot is graded with built-in water channels, diverting potential floodwaters away from the site.

Erosion Control and Fine Grading

  • Fine Grading for Stability: After rough grading, fine grading is performed to ensure a perfectly smooth surface, using laser-guided machines for precision. This ensures the site is ready for roads, sidewalks, and foundations, and that the soil is compact enough to prevent shifting or settling.

  • Example: Laser-guided bulldozers are used to fine-grade a lot, ensuring that the surface is perfectly level and ready for construction.
  • Erosion Control Measures: To prevent erosion, silt fences, hay bales, and erosion control mulch are used along the edges of the site, especially in areas near water or on slopes. These measures help stabilize the soil until construction or landscaping begins.

  • Example: Silt fences are installed along a hillside property to prevent soil from washing away during heavy rain, protecting the newly graded land.
Land Grading Service in Eastern North Carolina

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here's some answers to our frequently asked questions

How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?

Answer: There are several signs that a tree may need to be removed. These include significant leaning, large or numerous dead branches, damage to the trunk, signs of disease, or its proximity to structures or power lines. Our professional arborists can conduct an on-site assessment to determine whether a tree should be removed or if it can be saved with proper care.

What is the best time of year to trim my trees?

Answer: For most trees, late winter or early spring, just before the tree starts to bud, is the ideal time for pruning. During this time, trees are in their dormant phase, which reduces stress and allows for vigorous growth in the spring. However, the best time can vary depending on the tree species and specific health concerns, so it's always a good idea to consult with a professional.

What does the cabling and bracing service involve?

Answer: Cabling and bracing are methods used to provide structural support to trees that have weak limbs or that are at risk of breaking. Cabling involves installing steel cables between major limbs to strengthen the tree and limit branch movement. Bracing involves inserting rods to provide additional support. These methods can extend the life of the tree and reduce the risk of property damage or injuries.

How often should I have my trees inspected for health and safety?

Answer: We generally recommend an annual inspection for your trees. However, this can vary depending on the tree species, age, size, and overall health. More frequent inspections may be necessary for trees that are older, showing signs of disease, or exposed to extreme weather conditions.

How does stump grinding work and why is it necessary?

Answer: Stump grinding is a process that uses a specialized machine to chip away the wood of a stump until it is below ground level. It is often necessary because leftover stumps can be hazardous, unsightly, and take up valuable space. Moreover, stumps can become a home for pests or diseases that can spread to other plants in your landscape.

Do you offer services for storm damage recovery?

Answer: Yes, we provide comprehensive storm damage recovery services. These include 24/7 emergency response, damage assessment, safe tree removal, debris cleanup, tree pruning, and tree replacement. Our goal is to help restore your landscape to its pre-storm condition as much as possible and to reduce further risks to your property.

What should I consider when choosing a new tree to plant?

Answer: There are several factors to consider when choosing a new tree. These include the tree’s size at maturity, its soil and sunlight requirements, its tolerance to local pests and diseases, and its compatibility with your landscape's existing plants. Our tree planting service includes consultation on tree species selection to ensure you make the best choice for your landscape.

What is mulching and why is it important?

Answer: Mulching involves applying a layer of material (such as wood chips, leaves, or compost) around the base of your trees. It serves several purposes: it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil nutrition. It also gives your landscape a clean, finished appearance.

Why is it necessary to remove brush and underbrush from my property?

Answer: Brush and underbrush can make your property look unkempt, but they also have more significant drawbacks. They can provide a habitat for pests, impede the growth of preferred plants, increase the risk of fire, and obscure hazards like stumps or uneven ground. Our brush and underbrush removal services help maintain the health and aesthetics of your landscape.

Can you move an existing tree to a new location in my yard?

Answer: Yes, we offer tree transplanting services. Transplanting a tree involves carefully digging it up, preserving as much of the root system as possible, and then replanting it in a new location. This process can be complex and requires professional expertise to ensure the tree's survival. It's important to note that the success rate can vary depending on the tree species, its age, and its overall health.

What are signs of a diseased or dying tree?

Answer: Some common signs of a diseased or dying tree include discolored or wilting leaves, dead branches, fungal growth, peeling bark, holes or cracks in the trunk, and reduced growth. If you notice any of these symptoms in your trees, our professional arborists can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Can I trim or remove a tree myself?

Answer: Tree trimming and removal can be dangerous tasks that require professional training and equipment. Mistakes can result in injury, property damage, or harm to the tree itself. We strongly recommend hiring professional arborists, like our team, to handle these services safely and effectively.

How often should my lawn be mowed?

Answer: This can depend on factors such as the type of grass you have, the season, and the desired health and appearance of your lawn. Generally, mowing every one to two weeks is recommended during the growing season. Our team provides customized lawn care services and can offer specific advice for your yard.

What happens during a tree health assessment?

Answer: During a tree health assessment, our arborists will thoroughly inspect the tree, including its branches, leaves, bark, and roots. We'll look for signs of disease, pest infestations, structural issues, or other problems. After the assessment, we can recommend treatment options or maintenance practices to improve the tree's health and longevity.

How quickly can you respond in the event of a tree emergency?

Answer: We understand the urgency of tree emergencies and offer 24/7 emergency services. Our team is always on standby and will respond as quickly as possible to help mitigate risks and address your tree-related emergencies.

What is land grading, and why is it important?

Answer: Land grading is the process of leveling the ground for construction, landscaping, or drainage improvements. Proper grading can prevent water damage to your property, improve the health of your lawn and gardens, and create a more usable space. Our team has the expertise and equipment to perform land grading services efficiently and effectively.

Why is it important to mulch in the spring and fall?

Answer: Mulching in the spring helps to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature during the summer. Mulching in the fall helps to protect plant roots from the winter cold and adds nutrients to the soil for the next growing season. Our mulching services can help keep your landscape healthy and attractive year-round.

What should I do if a tree falls on my property during a storm?

Answer: If a tree falls during a storm, it's important to stay away from it, especially if it's entangled with power lines. Contact our emergency tree service immediately. We'll arrive promptly to assess the situation, remove the tree safely, and help minimize further damage to your property.

How do I care for my new tree after it's planted?

Answer: After planting, your new tree will require regular watering to establish its root system. Mulching around the base of the tree can also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It's generally best to avoid fertilizing in the first year. Our team will provide detailed care instructions tailored to your specific tree species and location.

Can large trees be safely transplanted?

Answer: Yes, with the right equipment and expertise, large trees can often be safely transplanted. However, the process can be complex and the tree's survival is not guaranteed. Factors such as the tree species, age, size, and health, as well as the distance and conditions of the move, will affect the success rate. Our professional arborists can assess your specific situation and advise on the best course of action.

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Land Clearing Services in Eastern North Carolina

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