Land Clearing & Site Preparation FAQs in North Central Florida
Land Clearing & Costs
Q: How much does land clearing cost per acre in Florida?
A: Land clearing typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per acre depending on foliage density, terrain, and site conditions. A mobilization fee also applies for moving equipment to your property.
Q: What factors affect the price of land clearing?
A: The number and size of trees, soil conditions, stump density, and debris removal options all affect pricing. Larger or denser areas take more time and fuel.
Q: Do you charge a mobilization fee for equipment?
A: Yes. A mobilization fee covers the cost of transporting large equipment such as excavators and loaders to your job site.
Q: Is land clearing more affordable if I clear multiple acres at once?
A: Yes. Clearing larger tracts at one time lowers the average cost per acre compared to small, single-acre jobs.
Q: How do you price light, moderate, and heavy foliage clearing?
A: Light foliage starts around $3,500/acre, moderate averages $4,500/acre, and heavy foliage can be $5,500 or more per acre.
Q: Can you give me an estimate before visiting my property?
A: We can provide a ballpark estimate based on your description, but a site visit ensures an accurate quote.
Q: Do you clear both residential and agricultural land?
A: Yes. We work on everything from small homesites to large pastures and commercial properties.
Q: How do you remove stumps during land clearing?
A: Our Komatsu PC308 excavator digs stumps out quickly, piles them, and prepares the area for grading or burning.
Q: Do you offer forestry mulching, and is it cheaper than full clearing?
A: We specialize in full land clearing with grading, but forestry mulching can be cheaper for light vegetation where stumps don’t need removal.
Site Preparation & Grading
Q: What is the difference between rough grading and finish grading?
A: Rough grading smooths out hills and dips to create a uniform surface. Finish grading uses laser technology to create exact slopes or perfectly flat pads.
Q: Why is site preparation important after land clearing?
A: Site prep ensures your land is compacted, drained properly, and stable for construction or planting.
Q: What equipment do you use for site prep?
A: We use graders, tractors, and SmartGrade laser systems for precise grading and compaction.
Q: Do you offer laser grading for house pads or barns?
A: Yes. Our SmartGrade equipment creates exact slopes or level surfaces for homes, barns, arenas, and driveways.
Q: How much does grading cost per acre in North Central Florida?
A: Rough grading typically averages $1,800 per acre if done immediately after clearing. Laser grading is priced by the square foot, starting at $1.75.
Q: Can you regrade existing driveways or yards?
A: Yes, we can smooth, reshape, or rebuild driveways and yards that have drainage or washout issues.
Q: How do you handle drainage and erosion issues during grading?
A: We use slope control, compacting, and soil shaping to move water away from foundations and prevent erosion.
Q: How soon after land clearing should I do grading?
A: It’s best to grade immediately after clearing, before organics regrow, to save time and cost.
Debris Removal & Burning
Q: What happens to trees and brush after you clear the land?
A: Trees and brush are pushed into piles for burning or hauled offsite, depending on your preference.
Q: Do you haul off debris?
A: Yes, we can arrange haul-off. Costs vary depending on disposal site fees and trucking distance.
Q: Is burning cheaper than hauling?
A: Burning is usually more cost-effective if conditions allow, while hauling is best when burning isn’t an option.
Q: Do I need a permit for burning in Florida?
A: Yes, but we handle the permitting process for you when we perform controlled burns.
Q: Can you burn during the clearing process to save costs?
A: Yes. On larger jobs (5+ acres), burning can often begin while clearing is still in progress, saving time and mobilization costs.
Q: How much does debris burning cost per day?
A: Burning typically costs around $2,000 per day when a crew remains on site after clearing.
Q: Do you rake the land after burning?
A: Yes. After burning, we drag and rake the area to smooth the surface and prepare it for use.
Ponds & Excavation
Q: Do you build ponds in Florida?
A: Yes. We excavate ponds for residential, agricultural, and stormwater management purposes.
Q: How much does pond excavation cost?
A: Our pricing is $5 per cubic yard with a $2,500 minimum if done separately from clearing.
Q: What is the minimum price for a small pond?
A: The minimum price is $2,500 when pond excavation is performed as a stand-alone project.
Q: Do you handle farm ponds, stormwater ponds, and residential ponds?
A: Yes. We build a wide range of ponds including farm, decorative, recreational, and retention ponds.
Q: Can you dig ponds near the Suwannee River or in wetland areas?
A: Yes, but wetland regulations may apply. We recommend checking local permitting requirements.
Q: How do you calculate cubic yards for pond excavation?
A: Pond volume is calculated based on length, width, depth, and slope design. We provide an estimate before excavation begins.
Q: Do you compact and grade the pond banks?
A: Yes. After excavation, we grade and compact the pond banks for stability and erosion control.
Q: Can you expand or repair an existing pond?
A: Yes. We can enlarge, reshape, or repair older ponds that need maintenance or upgrades.
Driveways & Roads
Q: Do you install limerock driveways?
A: Yes. We specialize in limerock driveways, which are strong, affordable, and durable.
Q: What’s the difference between limerock and asphalt millings?
A: Limerock provides a strong base, while asphalt millings offer a smoother, longer-lasting top layer.
Q: How much does a driveway cost per square foot?
A: Base preparation costs $1.25 per sq ft. Limerock adds about $0.75 per sq ft, while a limerock base with asphalt millings adds about $1.55 per sq ft.
Q: Do you prepare the base before driveway installation?
A: Yes. We grade, compact, and shape the base before adding limerock or millings for a long-lasting driveway.
Q: Can you install private roads for larger properties?
A: Yes. We build limerock and milling roads for farms, hunting land, and rural properties.
Q: How often should a limerock road be maintained in Florida?
A: Most limerock roads should be regraded every 4–6 months depending on traffic and weather.
Q: Do you regrade and repair existing driveways?
A: Yes. We can regrade, refill, and repair driveways that have developed potholes, washouts, or drainage issues.
Grass & Pastures
Q: Do you offer grass planting after land clearing?
A: Yes. We provide grass application using a grain drill seeder for fast, even coverage.
Q: What type of grass do you plant in Florida?
A: We commonly plant Bahia grass for pastures and erosion control. Other grass types may be available upon request.
Q: How much does grass seeding cost per acre?
A: Grass planting is $300 per acre plus a $500 mobilization fee, including seed.
Q: Do you use a grain drill for planting?
A: Yes. A grain drill ensures uniform planting and better seed-to-soil contact.
Q: Can you plant Bahia grass for pastures?
A: Yes. Bahia is one of the most durable and popular pasture grasses in Florida.
Q: How long does it take grass to grow after planting?
A: Bahia grass typically sprouts within 2–3 weeks and establishes within 6–8 weeks depending on rainfall.
Q: Do you offer erosion control seeding?
A: Yes. We can seed cleared or graded areas to reduce erosion and improve soil stability.
Service Areas
Q: Which counties in Florida do you serve?
A: We serve Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Columbia, and Suwannee counties, as well as nearby communities in North Central Florida.
Q: Do you clear land in Gainesville, FL?
A: Yes. We provide land clearing, grading, and excavation throughout Gainesville and surrounding areas.
Q: Do you work in High Springs, Alachua, and Newberry?
A: Yes. We regularly work in these communities and nearby towns.
Q: Do you clear land in Columbia County (Lake City, Fort White)?
A: Yes. We serve Columbia County including Lake City and Fort White.
Q: Do you work along the Suwannee River?
A: Yes. We work along the river corridor and provide land clearing for recreational, residential, and agricultural use.
Q: Can you handle projects in Levy County (Williston, Chiefland, Bronson)?
A: Yes. We provide full land clearing and site prep in Levy County.
Q: Do you serve Gilchrist County (Trenton, Bell, Fanning Springs)?
A: Yes. We frequently serve properties in Gilchrist County.
Q: Do you provide land clearing in Suwannee County (Branford, Live Oak)?
A: Yes. We cover Suwannee County including Branford, Live Oak, and O’Brien.
Q: Do you travel outside North Central Florida for large projects?
A: Yes. For larger jobs, we can travel outside our main counties by request.
General / Customer Concerns
Q: Are you licensed and insured?
A: Yes. We are fully licensed and insured for land clearing, site prep, and excavation services in Florida.
Q: What equipment do you use for land clearing?
A: We use large production equipment including the Komatsu PC308 excavator, John Deere loaders, and SmartGrade graders.
Q: How long does it take to clear one acre of land?
A: An acre can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on density and site conditions.
Q: Can you work on small residential lots and large agricultural tracts?
A: Yes. We serve both homeowners and large-scale property owners.
Q: Do I need permits for land clearing in Florida?
A: In many cases, yes. Permit requirements depend on county regulations, wetlands, and burn restrictions. We can help guide you through the process.
Q: Will you mark utilities before digging or grading?
A: Yes. We coordinate with 811 to ensure underground utilities are marked before excavation or grading.
Q: Do you work directly with homeowners, contractors, and developers?
A: Yes. We partner with homeowners, builders, and developers on projects of all sizes.
Q: Can I finance land clearing or site prep services?
A: Financing options may be available depending on project size. Contact us to discuss options.
Q: Do you provide free estimates?
A: Yes. We provide free quotes for all land clearing, grading, and excavation projects.