When you’re ready to build—whether it’s your dream home or a large-scale commercial site—the first thing you need is a clean, safe piece of land to start with. That’s where professional lot clearing services come in. Clearing the land properly not only sets the stage for construction but also prevents future problems with drainage, soil stability, and access.
At McDonald Tree, we specialize in both residential lot clearing and commercial lot clearing, helping property owners across Massachusetts prepare their land the right way. Here’s a detailed look at how the process works, step-by-step, and what you can expect from an experienced lot clearing company.
Every lot is different. Before any work begins, we conduct a site walk-through to understand the layout, challenges, and requirements. This includes identifying trees that need to be removed, locating stumps, brush, rocks, and any other obstacles.
For residential lot clearing, this might mean creating space for a new home, a garage, or even a backyard expansion. These projects are typically smaller in scale and may require selective clearing to preserve certain trees or landscaping features.
Commercial lot clearing usually involves larger parcels of land and requires heavy-duty equipment and more complex planning. These projects are often under tighter deadlines and may have specific municipal guidelines or environmental restrictions.
Before the first tree comes down, it’s important to ensure everything is legally in place. Most Massachusetts towns and cities have rules around tree removal, land grading, and environmental protection.
For commercial properties, this might involve zoning regulations or erosion control permits. Residential properties may require simpler permits, but ignoring them can still result in fines or delays. That’s why our team assists clients in identifying and applying for any necessary approvals before we begin work.
Once we understand your site and have the necessary permits, we put together a detailed clearing plan. This plan includes what will be removed, what will be preserved, and how the equipment will access the property.
For homeowners, the focus is often on balancing functionality with aesthetics. We might clear space for a driveway while keeping favorite trees intact. Commercial developers, on the other hand, are more concerned with timelines, access roads, and soil stability.
The plan ensures everyone—including contractors, builders, and property owners—is aligned before work begins.
This is where the real work starts. We bring in equipment like chainsaws, brush cutters, and, for larger jobs, cranes and bucket trucks. Safety is our top priority, both for our team and your property.
Trees are removed methodically, especially when they're close to structures or power lines. All brush and undergrowth are cleared, making way for grading and foundation work.
In residential lot clearing, this might be a one-day job for a small yard. In a commercial setting, it could involve multiple crews working in stages.
Removing trees is just the beginning. Stumps and root systems need to be cleared to ensure a solid, level base for construction. Leftover roots can cause damage to foundations, sidewalks, and utilities over time.
Our stump grinding equipment reduces stumps well below the surface, making it easier to landscape or build on top of the area. This step is crucial for both residential and commercial lot clearing, ensuring long-term site stability.
Once vegetation is cleared, we focus on removing natural and manmade obstacles. This could include rocks, leftover building materials, or even old fencing.
For commercial projects, this step may involve clearing remnants of previous structures or underground piping. In residential projects, it might be as simple as hauling away fallen branches or yard waste. Either way, the result is a clean and hazard-free site.
Grading is the process of leveling and contouring the land to ensure proper drainage and prepare the site for construction. It helps prevent water from pooling near foundations and sets the groundwork for laying down driveways, patios, or building slabs.
We use compactors and grading machines to smooth out the soil and shape the land according to your project’s specifications. This is often the final step in lot clearing services before builders or landscapers take over.
Once clearing and grading are complete, we perform a thorough cleanup. All debris, mulch, and leftover materials are removed from the site. A final inspection is done to make sure the work meets local regulations and the expectations of the property owner.
At McDonald Tree, we take pride in leaving each site construction-ready and free of hazards, setting our clients up for success from the ground up.
Whether you're a homeowner or a commercial developer, professional lot clearing services are the key to starting your construction project on solid ground. From permitting to final grading, each step plays a critical role in ensuring your site is safe, compliant, and ready for building.
With years of experience in residential and commercial lot clearing across Massachusetts, McDonald Tree delivers the expert service, safety, and attention to detail you can trust. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a clean, build-ready property.
1. How long does a typical lot clearing project take?
Residential projects may take 1–3 days, while commercial projects can span several days to weeks depending on the size and complexity of the land.
2. Do I need a permit for tree removal in Massachusetts?
n many areas, yes. Permit requirements vary by town, and our team can help guide you through the process.
3. Is stump grinding always included in lot clearing services?
It depends on the package. At McDonald Tree, we offer stump grinding as part of our full-service clearing options.
4. Can you work around trees I want to keep?
Absolutely. During residential lot clearing, we take extra care to preserve trees and features you want to maintain.
5. What types of equipment do you use for commercial lot clearing?
We use bulldozers, excavators, stump grinders, and other heavy machinery suited for large-scale clearing and site prep.