Land clearing is an involved process for your property that can be dangerous without the right training and equipment. When vetting contractors for your project, ask these questions to gauge their qualifications.

4 Questions to Help You Find the Right Land Clearing Contractor 

What kind of experience do you have?

You’ll know a skilled contractor can handle your property’s needs if they’ve done a similar project before. It’s also helpful to have an idea of how comfortable they are with figuring out solutions to challenges that may come up, like protecting gardens or vegetation that can’t be moved or demolishing buildings or structures that require extensive cleanup.

Ask for references, invoices, and pay stubs from previous jobs so you can verify their claims. 

What are your land clearing processes and methods? 

You may want to know more about their techniques. For example, do they cut and grind trees, or do they attach them to heavy machinery with chains and pull them out? Perhaps you prefer cutting and grinding, so you can save the debris for compost or firewood.

Find out whether the contractor you’re considering hires subcontractors. If so, ask for paperwork and references confirming the subcontractors’ qualifications as well.

Also, inquire about safety practices, so you know anyone in the area as well as workers won’t be harmed. Specifically, check that they handle tools responsibly and regularly use safety glasses, hard hats, insulated gloves, and thick clothing.

Do you have a license and registration? 

Land clearing can be a complex job that often requires stump grinding, tree felling, boulder removal, and other difficult and potentially dangerous procedures. It takes special training to know how to perform the job safely and thoroughly. Make sure the contractor has a valid license and registration to prove they’ve been properly trained and educated for their job. Double-check their expiration dates. Ask to see current insurance documents as well.

How should I prepare for the job? 

You may need to obtain permits for the project. For example, if you plan to clear some of your land by burning, you’ll need to follow Alaska’s regulations and smoke emission standards. You also need to time the land clearing according to the migratory habits of animals in your area. You may need to shut off your power or water before the job begins as well.

If your neighbors are close by, it would be prudent to find out the estimated time frame for the job so you can warn them about how long to expect noise and debris.

 

If you’re looking for a dependable land clearing contractor, contact Carlos Tree Service in Anchorage, AK. Since opening in 1993, they’ve offered tree care, excavation, and clearing services for both residential and commercial properties throughout the area. To get a free quote, call (907) 522-6049 or message them online.