QuickClear

How to Prep Your Property Before a Land Clearing Crew Arrives

Simple steps to save time, reduce costs, and ensure a smooth project.

When you schedule a land clearing project, the real work doesn’t start when the machines show up—it starts with proper preparation. A little bit of planning on the front end helps your clearing crew work faster, safer, and more efficiently. Whether you’re a homeowner, landowner, or contractor, here’s exactly how to prep your property before the crew arrives.

1. Mark All Utilities (Above & Below Ground)

This is the most important step.
Before any clearing, digging, or grading happens:

  • Call 811 to have underground utilities located and flagged.
  • Mark any private lines (well lines, septic lines, irrigation, propane, etc.) if applicable.
  • Point out overhead power lines or low-hanging cables the crew should avoid.

Clearing equipment is powerful—proper marking protects your property, the operators, and the project timeline.

2. Flag the Areas You Want Cleared

If you have specific boundaries or sections you want cleared, mulched, or left untouched, mark them clearly with:

  • Survey flags
  • Ribbon tape
  • Stakes
  • Spray paint (if allowed)

Clear communication eliminates guesswork and ensures the crew delivers the exact results you want.

3. Remove Personal Items & Debris You Want to Keep

Before machinery moves in, make sure the area is free of:

  • Vehicles, trailers, or farm equipment
  • Lawn décor, swings, playsets, or outdoor furniture
  • Firewood stacks, fencing materials, or tools
  • Trash or scrap metal you don’t want hauled away

If you want to keep it, move it. If you leave it behind, the crew assumes it’s disposable or in the way.

4. Provide Access to the Work Area

Land clearing equipment is large. Make sure:

  • Gates are unlocked
  • Driveways or entry points are clear
  • There is enough space for machines to unload and maneuver

If access is tight, let the crew know so they can plan accordingly.

5. Identify Any “Must-Keep” Trees or Features

If you have trees you want saved, or natural features you want protected—mark them ahead of time.

Examples include:

  • Shade trees
  • Decorative trees
  • Creek banks
  • Trails
  • Property line vegetation

A quick walk-through with the crew on arrival is always helpful.

6. Let the Crew Know About Wet Spots or Difficult Terrain

Soft ground, swampy areas, steep slopes, or large rock outcrops can affect the process. If you know about tricky spots, point them out in advance so the crew can plan the safest route.

7. Have Pets & Livestock Secured

Before machinery starts up:

  • Move pets inside
  • Gate livestock away from work zones
  • Communicate if animals are sensitive to noise

This keeps everyone safe and prevents delays.

8. Be Available for a Quick Walk-Through

Even with good prep, a short conversation before work begins helps:

  • Confirm the clearing boundaries
  • Note any hazards
  • Review expectations
  • Clarify what you’re keeping or removing

Five minutes of communication can save hours of work.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your property before a land clearing crew arrives isn’t complicated, but it does make a huge difference. By marking utilities, defining work zones, and ensuring clear access, you help your clearing team work faster, safer, and more efficiently—saving you time and money.