Excavator Land ClearingTree Extraction & Stump Removal Texas

Choose excavator clearing when: 1) You need complete stump extraction (construction, landscaping), 2) Terrain is too steep for tracked equipment, 3) You want to preserve specific trees and need precision, 4) Large valuable trees need transplanting with root balls, 5) You're combining clearing with pond/tank excavation. Dozers are typically faster for large acreage general clearing.

Excavator land clearing costs $150-$700 per hour depending on machine size. Mini excavators: $150-$275/hour. Mid-size (most common): $275-$450/hour. Large excavators: $450-$700/hour. For stump removal specifically, expect $150-$500 per stump depending on size. Large tree extraction with root balls: $500-$2,000+ per tree.

Yes - excavators provide the most complete stump removal method available. The machine digs around the stump, cuts remaining roots with the bucket edge, then lifts the entire root ball out of the ground. This leaves a hole that's backfilled, with no remaining roots that could cause problems. It's more thorough than grinding, which leaves roots to decay underground.

For most land clearing projects, a 20-25 ton excavator is ideal - it has enough power for large stumps and trees while still being maneuverable. Smaller 5-10 ton machines work for tight access and small stumps. Machines over 35 tons are typically only needed for very large timber, major rock removal, or deep excavation work.

Yes - excavators excel on steep terrain where dozers and skid steers can't safely operate. The machine can work from stable ground at the top or bottom of a slope, reaching into the hillside with its long arm. Some excavators have rotating cabs and offset booms specifically designed for slope work. We assess terrain during site visits to ensure safe, effective operation.

Excavator clearing extracts vegetation (removes it from the property or piles for burning), while forestry mulching grinds it in place as mulch. Excavators are better for: stump removal, large tree work, and creating clean (debris-free) sites. Mulching is better for: faster clearing, soil enrichment, and when stumps aren't a problem. We often use both methods on larger projects.