When performing land clearing on your parcel, one option is forestry mulching. This technique removes trees, brush, and weeds while also mulching them in one step. The mulch remains in place, enriching the soil and helping prevent erosion.
Before hiring professionals to do this work, you should ask certain questions as part of the contractor selection process.
Do You Have Experience With Forestry Mulching?
If you’re interested in forestry mulching over other types of land clearing techniques, it’s important to hire a company that understands this specific process. Operating a mulching machine differs from using bulldozers, stump grinders, and chainsaws to clear the space.
A company that lacks experience with mulching techniques probably won’t own the proper machinery. If it has to rent its mulching machines, the workers won’t be as familiar with them. And even if they do, there’s no guarantee the machinery will be available for the date you select, leading to potential delays in your project’s timeline.
It’s always better to select professionals who own their mulching machines and have experience using them.
Would You Recommend Forestry Mulching on This Property?
Forestry mulching services aren’t necessarily ideal for every parcel. Your property may have slopes and creeks that limit the use of the mulching machine. If you have rocky ground, mulching might not be possible.
You might have plans for the property that limit your ability to leave the mulch on the soil. Large clusters of tall trees don’t work as well with forestry mulching, either. Professionals should inspect your property and recommend whether this technique is a possibility.
Do You Carry Insurance and the Necessary Local Licenses?
Any company clearing a property for you should have the licenses needed to operate in your local jurisdiction. They might need business licenses, permits, and other credentials.
Even more importantly, the company should carry liability insurance. If an accident occurs that damages buildings or other infrastructure, the company should pay for the repairs. If someone gets injured while working on your property, the company’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover those expenses. As the property owner, you want to be certain you are not held liable.
Do You Provide a Written Cost Estimate and Contract?
To protect yourself against legal problems in case of accidents, you should insist on a written contract from the company that includes proof of liability insurance.
Additionally, ask the companies whether they provide a written cost estimate for the work. With a written estimate in hand, you shouldn’t have to worry about being surprised by hidden costs on the final bill.
How Long Will the Work Take?
A professional land clearing company should be able to accurately estimate the time required to complete forestry mulching on your property. A company or person who has never previously done forestry mulching will struggle to estimate the time required for the work. The time estimate for the work will be more accurate if the company inspects your property in person.
Ask the company whether it charges extra if the work takes longer than expected due to unforeseen issues.
How Do You Work Around Existing Buildings?
If your property already has buildings, utility lines, or other infrastructure, ask the forestry mulching company how it plans to work around them. Because forestry mulching services use a smaller machine than other land-clearing techniques, it’s easier to steer clear of existing infrastructure.
What Are the Options for Cleaning the Property Afterward?
Although this technique turns most of the trees, brush, and vegetation into mulch, you might still have some debris left over. If you have large limbs, trunks, or boulders left on your Virginia parcel after forestry mulching, what options does the company provide for moving these items? Some offer to haul debris off site for a fee. Moving them to a remote corner of the parcel is another common option.
Can You Protect Some Trees During the Mulching Process?
If you want to protect some trees on the property to use in the next phase of your landscaping, ask about your options. Some companies offer this service, but they may charge extra because of the careful planning required. Ask the company to inspect the trees you want to keep to ensure they’re healthy enough.
The Experts at Fast Forward Forestry Can Answer All Your Land Clearing Questions and Provide a Free Cost Estimate
When you’re considering hiring professionals to use forestry mulching equipment to clear your property, trust Fast Forward Forestry. Our professionals are happy to answer any questions you have about our techniques for tree removal, site preparation, and vegetation management.
For a free price quote for forestry mulching or any of our other services, contact Free Forward Forestry today at (540) 385-4265. We serve Riner, VA, and the surrounding areas in southern Virginia.
