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Land Clearing Near You | At The Top Tree Service Corp
When Hurricane Sandy hit Long Island back in 2012, we spent three months helping families clear fallen trees and debris from their properties. That experience taught us something important – land clearing isn’t just about removing trees and brush. It’s about giving people their space back so they can build, plant, or simply enjoy their property again.
At The Top Tree Service Corp, we’ve been clearing land across Nassau and Suffolk counties for over two decades. Whether you need a small backyard cleared for a garden shed or several acres prepped for construction, our team knows how to get the job done right the first time.
Last month, a client in Huntington tried to clear half an acre himself using a rented chainsaw and some determination. Three days later, he called us to finish what turned into a much bigger project than he expected. Here’s what we see happen when people try DIY land clearing:
- Underground utility lines get damaged (we’ve seen $15,000 repair bills)
- Stumps get left behind, creating drainage problems later
- Invasive species spread to neighboring properties
- Equipment rental costs add up fast
- Injuries from falling branches or equipment accidents
Professional land clearing saves time, money, and prevents headaches down the road. We have the right equipment, insurance coverage, and experience to handle everything from small residential lots to commercial development sites.
Our Land Clearing Process
Every property is different, so we start each land clearing project with a site visit. We walk the property with you, identify any challenges, and explain exactly what needs to happen. Here’s how we approach most land clearing jobs:
Site Assessment and Planning
We check for underground utilities, protected trees, and drainage patterns. If you’re planning construction, we coordinate with your builder or architect to make sure the cleared area meets your exact specifications.
Selective Clearing vs. Complete Clearing
Sometimes clients want to keep certain mature trees or create natural windbreaks. We can selectively clear around valuable trees while removing everything else. For complete clearing, we remove all vegetation down to bare soil.
Debris Removal and Disposal
We don’t just pile everything in the corner of your property and call it done. All brush, branches, and logs get hauled away or chipped for mulch. We follow local disposal regulations and can often recycle wood waste.
Site Preparation
After clearing, we can grade the land, remove stumps, and prepare the soil for whatever comes next. This might mean seeding for grass, leveling for construction, or creating drainage solutions.
Tree Removal for Land Clearing Projects
Most land clearing projects involve removing mature trees. This is different from regular tree removal because we’re often dealing with multiple trees in a confined space.
When clearing wooded areas, we use specialized equipment like track loaders with mulching heads. These machines can take down trees and grind them up in one pass, making the process much faster than traditional chainsaw work.
For properties with valuable hardwood trees, we can arrange for timber buyers to purchase the logs. This sometimes offsets part of the clearing cost, especially if you have mature oak, maple, or cherry trees.
Tree Trimming and Selective Clearing
Not every land clearing project means removing everything. Many clients want to keep some existing trees while opening up overgrown areas.
Selective tree trimming lets us:
- Remove dead or diseased branches that could fall later
- Thin overcrowded areas to let healthy trees grow better
- Create clear sight lines for driveways or views
- Remove lower branches for equipment access
This approach works great for properties that have good mature trees mixed with unwanted brush and smaller trees.
Tree Pruning During Clearing Operations
When we’re keeping certain trees during land clearing, proper pruning becomes important. Heavy equipment working nearby can damage tree roots and bark.
We prune trees before clearing starts to:
- Remove branches that might get damaged during the clearing process
- Shape trees that will become focal points in the cleared landscape
- Eliminate weak branches that could break under stress
- Improve the overall health of trees we’re keeping
Stump Grinding After Land Clearing
Stumps left behind after land clearing create ongoing problems. They attract insects, rot slowly, and get in the way of future landscaping or construction.
Our stump grinding equipment can handle stumps of any size, from small saplings to massive old-growth trees. We grind stumps 6-12 inches below ground level, depending on your future plans for the area.
For large clearing projects, we often bring in track-mounted stump grinders that can work efficiently across the entire site. The wood chips from grinding make excellent mulch or can be hauled away if you prefer.
Emergency Tree Service and Storm Cleanup
Long Island gets hit with nor’easters, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms that can leave properties covered with fallen trees and debris. When storms damage multiple trees on your property, it often makes sense to do complete or partial land clearing rather than trying to clean up around damaged trees.
We provide 24/7 emergency response for storm-damaged properties. Our crews can quickly remove dangerous hanging branches, clear access roads, and assess which trees can be saved versus which ones need to come down.
After major storms, we often help clients redesign their landscape with wind-resistant species and better spacing between trees.
Residential Land Clearing Projects
Most of our residential land clearing happens for a few common reasons:
New Construction Preparation
Building a new home usually requires clearing at least part of the lot. We work with builders and architects to clear exactly what’s needed while protecting trees and features you want to keep.
Pool Installation
Installing an in-ground pool means clearing a larger area than just the pool footprint. You need space for equipment access, excavated soil storage, and safety zones around the pool area.
Garden and Landscaping Projects
Overgrown properties often need partial clearing before new landscaping can be installed. We can clear invasive species like multiflora rose and autumn olive while keeping native plants.
Septic System Installation
New septic systems require clear access for excavation equipment and specific clearances from trees and structures.
Commercial Land Clearing Services
Commercial projects usually involve larger areas and stricter timelines. We’ve cleared land for shopping centers, office buildings, and residential developments across Long Island.
Commercial clearing often requires:
- Coordination with multiple contractors and inspectors
- Compliance with local environmental regulations
- Preservation of specimen trees or protected species
- Phased clearing to minimize disruption to surrounding businesses
We carry full commercial insurance and can provide bonding for larger projects.
Environmental Considerations
Land clearing affects local ecosystems, so we follow best practices to minimize environmental impact:
- We avoid clearing during bird nesting season when possible
- Invasive species get disposed of properly to prevent spread
- We preserve native plants and mature trees whenever feasible
- Soil erosion gets controlled with temporary seeding or barriers
- We coordinate with local environmental groups when required
Equipment We Use for Land Clearing
The right equipment makes land clearing faster, safer, and more cost-effective. Our fleet includes:
- Track loaders with mulching heads for efficient clearing
- Brush hogs for initial undergrowth removal
- Chippers and grinders for debris processing
- Excavators for stump removal and grading
- Dump trucks for debris hauling
We maintain all equipment in-house and have backup machines available to keep projects on schedule.
Seasonal Considerations for Land Clearing
Timing can affect both the cost and environmental impact of land clearing projects:
Spring Clearing (March-May)
Ground conditions improve after winter, but this is bird nesting season. We work around active nests and may recommend delayed clearing in sensitive areas.
Summer Clearing (June-August)
Peak growing season means vegetation is thick, but ground conditions are usually good for heavy equipment.
Fall Clearing (September-November)
Many property owners prefer fall clearing because it prepares sites for spring construction. Deciduous trees are easier to assess without leaves.
Winter Clearing (December-February)
Frozen ground supports heavy equipment better, and there’s less impact on wildlife. However, weather can delay projects.
Local Areas We Serve
We provide land clearing services throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, including:
- Huntington and Cold Spring Harbor
- Babylon and West Islip
- Brookhaven and Centereach
- Islip and Central Islip
- Hempstead and Garden City
- Oyster Bay and Syosset
- Smithtown and Kings Park
Each area has different soil conditions, tree species, and local regulations that affect land clearing projects.
Cost Factors for Land Clearing
Land clearing costs depend on several factors:
- Size of the area being cleared
- Density and type of vegetation
- Accessibility for equipment
- Disposal requirements for debris
- Site preparation needs after clearing
- Timeline and scheduling requirements
We provide free estimates that break down all costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for. No hidden fees or surprise charges.
Getting Started with Your Land Clearing Project
Ready to clear your property? Here’s how the process works:
- Free Site Visit – We’ll meet you on-site to assess the project and discuss your goals
- Written Estimate – You’ll receive a detailed proposal within 48 hours
- Permit Assistance – We help with any required permits or approvals
- Project Scheduling – We coordinate timing around your other contractors
- Professional Clearing – Our crew completes the work safely and efficiently
- Final Cleanup – We leave your property ready for the next phase
Contact At The Top Tree Service Corp
Don’t let overgrown or damaged trees hold up your property plans. Our experienced land clearing crews have the equipment and expertise to handle projects of any size across Long Island.
Call us today for a free consultation and estimate. We’re locally owned, fully insured, and ready to help you reclaim your property.
Offices
Head Office
We are located right off Sunrise Hwy in Shirley, our office isn't open to the public, however, you can call us to schedule a free estimate!
917 Montauk Hwy Shirley, NY
Phone: (516)-315-5716
