Whether you've purchased raw land or a wooded lot, clearing and preparing the site is one of the first—and most important—steps in building a new home. Done right, it sets the foundation for a smooth construction process. Done wrong, it can lead to costly delays and foundation problems.
Quick Cost Summary
What Does Land Clearing for Home Construction Include?
Clearing land for a new home is more than just removing trees. A complete residential site prep typically includes:
Vegetation & Tree Removal
Clearing trees, brush, and vegetation from the building footprint, driveway area, and construction access zones. This includes small saplings to mature trees.
Stump Removal
Grinding stumps below grade level (typically 6-12 inches) to prevent regrowth and allow for foundation work. Essential in the building footprint area.
Rough Grading
Leveling and shaping the land to establish proper drainage away from the home site. Ensures water flows away from, not toward, your future foundation.
Access Creation
Clearing and grading a temporary or permanent driveway for construction equipment and material deliveries.
Erosion Control
Installing silt fences, straw bales, or other measures to prevent soil erosion during construction. Often required by local building codes.
Step-by-Step Process for Clearing Your Lot
Survey and Plan
Have your property surveyed and work with your builder to determine clearing boundaries, driveway location, and trees to preserve.
Check Permits
Research local permit requirements for tree removal and land clearing. Some Texas cities require permits for removing trees over 6 inches in diameter.
Get Clearing Quotes
Obtain quotes from licensed, insured land clearing companies. Ensure quotes include stump removal, debris handling, and any grading needed.
Schedule Clearing
Coordinate clearing with your construction timeline. Ideally, clear 2-4 weeks before construction begins to allow for any follow-up work.
Complete Site Prep
After clearing, complete grading, establish drainage patterns, and install erosion control before construction equipment arrives.
Final Inspection
Walk the site with your builder to ensure it meets specifications and is ready for construction to begin.
Forestry Mulching: The Best Method for Residential Clearing
For most residential lots in Texas, forestry mulching is the ideal clearing method. Here's why homebuilders love it:
Benefits of Forestry Mulching
- Faster—often 50% quicker than traditional clearing
- No burning, hauling, or disposal fees
- Mulch acts as erosion control and ground cover
- Less soil disturbance than bulldozer clearing
- Preserves topsoil for future landscaping
When Traditional Clearing Is Better
- •You need all material completely removed from site
- •Valuable timber you want to sell or keep
- •Very large trees (3+ feet diameter)
- •Building code requires complete debris removal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Make These Costly Errors:
- Clearing without permits - Can result in fines up to $2,000 per tree in Dallas
- Clearing too much or too little - Work with your builder to determine exact boundaries
- Ignoring drainage - Poor grading leads to foundation problems and water damage
- Hiring uninsured contractors - You could be liable for injuries on your property
- Not checking for utilities - Underground lines can be costly to repair
Coordination with Your Home Builder
The best results come from close coordination between your land clearing contractor and your home builder. Before clearing begins:
- Get the home's footprint and driveway location from your builder
- Identify any trees the builder recommends preserving
- Discuss grading requirements and drainage direction
- Confirm what site conditions the builder expects before starting
- Establish a timeline that works for both clearing and construction
Ready to Clear Your Home Site?
Bear Claw has prepared hundreds of residential lots across Texas. We work directly with builders to ensure your site is ready for construction.