The Pitfalls of DIY Land Clearance: Why DIY Land Clearance is a Risky Business
Clearing a plot of land without the assistance of trained professionals comes with many risks. This is especially true when that land contains mature trees. Yes, you will be able to complete rudimentary tasks, such as clearing away brambles, bushes and weeds. However, without the appropriate knowledge, skills or machinery, more complicated tasks could prove dangerous.
Before you commit to tackling an overgrown plot of land on your own, it would be prudent to first evaluate the risks. Once you know exactly what is at stake, you may realize just how valuable a land clearance service can be.
Some Jobs Require Heavy Equipment
Unless the plot of land you wish to build on is relatively flat and free of tree stumps, trees and debris, such as large rocks, you may need to use heavy equipment. Land clearance services provide heavy equipment such as excavators and bulldozers. More importantly, they also come with trained operators who possess the knowledge and skills to safely and skillfully use that machinery.
Without the help of a service that is especially equipped to deal with land clearance, you may be faced with numerous challenges. For instance, using lesser tools to complete a task that requires heavy equipment will be both time consuming and dangerous. A bulldozer can remove a tree stump in mere minutes. But to do so without a bulldozer will take much longer.
You'll Need to Avoid Underground Utilities
Learning the location of underground utilities is essential when clearing land. However, that is just the first—and most basic, step. As you excavate the land and remove obstacles such as tree stumps, you need to be careful to avoid any nearby pipes or wires. Who would be more likely to skillfully avoid utility lines? You and several buddies, or an experienced and specially trained professional?
Removing Trees is Complicated
A reliable land clearance company will be able to offer you the services of a certified arborist. With an arborist on your team, felled trees will fall where you want them to. Unless you or a friend are skilled at cutting down trees with a chainsaw, you may put yourself and others in harm's way.
When felling a tree, you need to be able to direct its fall. Otherwise, it may land on nearby power lines, structures and people.
Unless you already possess the equipment, manpower and skills necessary to clear an overgrown plot of land, you should consider using a land clearance service. Bringing in the professionals will ensure the job is done skillfully and safely, and help you avoid time consuming interruptions.