Top Land Clearing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey Ranked

Land clearing is the essential first step in transforming an overgrown or wooded property into a usable space for construction, landscaping, or agriculture. This process involves the careful removal of trees, brush, stumps, and debris to prepare a site for its next purpose. In Cherry Hill, this work is especially important due to local tree ordinances and the need for proper site preparation to ensure stable foundations and good drainage. This guide will help you understand the process, costs, and key considerations for lot clearing and site preparation in our area, connecting you with the information needed to plan your project effectively.

Flynn Tree Services

501 Ellis Ave, Newtown Square, PA 19073

Flynn Tree Services is a licensed and insured tree service company based near Philadelphia, PA. They provide a range of services including tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, land clearing, brush removal, and storm cleanup. Their team uses specialized equipment such as bucket trucks and crane trucks to safely handle tree removal and maintenance. Flynn Tree Services also offers emergency response available 24/7 to address hazardous tree conditions promptly. They serve Southeastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware, helping with residential and commercial tree care needs.

5.0

164 Reviews

FT Stump Grinding and Tree Service

733 Wills Ave, Deptford, NJ 08096

FT Stump Grinding and Tree Service provides tree removal, stump grinding, land clearing, and brush removal services in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding South Jersey area. They serve residential and commercial clients, including emergency tree service and storm damage cleanup available 24/7. Their capabilities include large-scale stump grinding using advanced equipment to ensure thorough removal and yard restoration. The company is fully licensed and insured, covering Gloucester and Camden Counties with services such as arborist consultations, tree pruning, and firewood delivery.

5.0

144 Reviews

TGB Tree

1315 Lawrence Rd, Havertown, PA 19083

TGB Tree is a tree service company based in Havertown, PA, serving Philadelphia and the Main Line suburbs. They specialize in large hazardous tree removals, tree pruning, stump grinding, land clearing, and brush removal. The company often uses cranes and rigging techniques for complex tree removals and works in areas including Lower Merion, Haverford, Radnor townships, and nearby communities. Their expertise includes handling large, dying, or dead trees that pose risks to structures or people.

5.0

125 Reviews

Marcucci & Company Tree Experts

1357 N Woodbine Ave, Penn Valley, PA 19072

Marcucci & Company Tree Experts is a tree service and land clearing contractor based in Philadelphia, PA. Founded in 2023 by Luke Marcucci, the company offers tree pruning, tree removals, tree risk assessments, stump grinding, brush removal, and site clearing. They serve the Philadelphia area with expertise in handling complex tree removal projects, including those near utility lines.

5.0

123 Reviews

E&J Landscaping LLC

31 Upland Rd, Brookhaven, PA 19015

E&J Landscaping LLC provides comprehensive lawn care, landscaping, drainage, and outdoor improvement services in Philadelphia, PA. They offer routine property maintenance such as mowing, bush trimming, garden care, and seasonal cleanups, along with custom landscape design and installation of paver and flagstone patios. Their expertise includes yard grading and stormwater management solutions like French drains and catch basins to protect home foundations. Serving Delaware County communities, E&J Landscaping LLC is licensed and insured, focusing on quality materials and construction to maintain healthy, attractive outdoor spaces.

5.0

103 Reviews

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Understanding the Land Clearing Process

Site clearing is not a single task but a multi-phase operation. A professional contractor will typically follow a structured approach to ensure safety, compliance, and a quality final result.

Phase 1: Site Assessment and Planning

Before any equipment arrives, a thorough evaluation is critical. A professional will visit your property to assess the density and type of vegetation, identify any protected trees or environmentally sensitive areas, and note the terrain and accessibility ¹. They will also verify property lines and locate any underground utilities. This planning stage is where the scope of your brush clearing or lot clearing project is defined, and it's the time to discuss your end goal-whether it's for a new home, a pasture, or simply reclaiming your yard ^{2 3}.

Phase 2: Vegetation and Debris Removal

This is the core of the clearing work. Using specialized equipment like forestry mulchers, excavators, and bulldozers, crews will remove unwanted trees and brush ^{4 5}. Selective clearing may be employed to preserve specific healthy trees. Once trees are felled, the resulting stumps are typically ground down or extracted entirely ⁶.

Phase 3: Debris Hauling and Disposal

What happens to all the wood and brush? Disposal is a major component of the job and a significant cost factor. Common methods in Cherry Hill include:

• On-Site Chipping/Mulching: Material is run through an industrial chipper, dramatically reducing its volume. The resulting mulch can often be left on-site to aid in erosion control or soil health ^{4 7}.
• Hauling to Landfill: For non-recyclable debris or on smaller projects, material is loaded into roll-off containers or trucks and taken to a local landfill or transfer station ⁵.
• Controlled Burning: In some cases, permitted burning may be an option, though local regulations strictly govern this practice.

Phase 4: Final Site Preparation

After the land is cleared of vegetation and debris, the final grading and compaction work begins. This stage ensures the ground is level, properly sloped for drainage, and compacted enough to support future construction or landscaping ⁸. Erosion control measures, like silt fencing, are often installed at this time to protect the disturbed soil.

Key Cost Factors for Clearing Land in Cherry Hill

The cost for lot clearing in South Jersey can vary dramatically because every property is unique. Understanding what drives the price helps you interpret quotes more accurately.

• Property Size and Vegetation Density: This is the primary cost driver. Clearing a lightly brushed acre will cost far less than clearing a densely wooded acre. In our region, light clearing might range from $500 to $2,000 per acre, while heavy forest clearing can run from $3,000 to over $7,000 per acre ^{9 10}.
• Stump Removal and Grading: These are often separate line items. Stump grinding adds to the project cost, and final grading, which requires skilled operators and different machinery, is typically billed at an hourly rate (e.g., $40-$180 per hour) ¹¹.
• Debris Removal Method: Hauling debris away is expensive. Costs can add $135 or more per cubic yard, which is why on-site chipping is a popular cost-saving measure ⁷.
• Accessibility and Terrain: Steep slopes, wet ground, or limited access for large equipment can increase the time and complexity of the job, raising the price.
• Local Permits: Cherry Hill Township has ordinances regarding the removal of healthy trees ¹². Depending on the scope of your project, a permit may be required, and your contractor should be able to guide you through this process. Failing to secure necessary permits can result in fines.

Choosing a Land Clearing Contractor

Given the significant investment and the permanent impact of this work, selecting the right professional is crucial. Always obtain multiple detailed, written quotes from established local contractors. A reputable company will insist on an on-site visit before providing an estimate. Verify that they are licensed, insured, and have experience with Cherry Hill's specific regulations. Ask for references and examples of past lot clearing projects of a similar scale. A good contractor will clearly explain their process, timeline, disposal methods, and how they will handle unexpected issues like large boulders or poor soil conditions ^{12 1 2}.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Responsible land clearing balances development needs with environmental stewardship. In addition to local tree ordinances, consider how clearing will affect water runoff on and off your property. Proper grading and erosion controls are not just best practices-they are often legally required to prevent sediment from entering storm drains and local waterways ⁸. A knowledgeable contractor will help you navigate these requirements, ensuring your site preparation is both effective and compliant, preserving the long-term health and value of your property.

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