Forestry Mulching or Land Clearing: Which Fits Your Lot?
Forestry mulching suits brush and small trees on ground that will not be graded, because it is one pass and leaves chips. Cutting, grubbing and hauling suit ground that will be built on or farmed, because roots come out. The permit triggers are the same either way.
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Which is better for a lot, forestry mulching or full land clearing?
| Question | Forestry mulching | Cut, grub and haul |
|---|---|---|
| What happens to brush and trees | Ground into chips on site | Cut, pushed out, piled and trucked away |
| Stumps and roots | Ground to near ground level; roots stay | Pushed or raked out |
| Hauling | None for the mulch | Hauling and disposal can add $500 to $2,000 per acre |
| Steps | Single pass | Pushing, piling, hauling and site restoration |
| Cost direction | Usually the most cost-effective on most properties | Typically 20 to 40 percent more than mulching |
| Good for | Pasture reclaim, fire breaks, lots where roots can stay | Pads, septic areas, grading, farm ground |
Typical figures; actual cost depends on the lot.
What does each method leave behind?
Mulching leaves a layer of chips and the root systems. Some species, invasive ones especially, may resprout, so follow-up treatment can be needed. Cut and haul leaves bare ground that needs cover to prevent erosion; see clearing and erosion control.
When do you need stumps and roots removed?
When the ground will be graded, built on, put under a septic area or farmed. Full stump grinding or root raking typically adds 20 to 40 percent to the base clearing cost, and stump removal plus grading for a building site adds 30 to 50 percent. See stump and debris cleanup.
Which rules apply to both?
The method does not change forest practice, county or Ecology triggers, and burning the cleared material is limited either way. Read the permit guide.
What does each method cost?
See forestry mulching cost for the typical ranges.
Related pages
Common questions
Is forestry mulching cheaper than clearing and hauling?
Usually, because it is a single pass with no hauling. Traditional bulldozing typically costs 20 to 40 percent more.
Does mulching remove stumps?
No. It grinds to near ground level and the roots remain.
When do I need grubbing?
When the ground will be graded, built on or farmed and roots must come out.
Do the same permits apply?
Yes. The method does not change the forest practice, county or Ecology triggers.
Can I burn instead?
Land clearing fires are generally prohibited in Spokane County, with a narrow exception decided by DNR.
Where do I get costs?
See the forestry mulching cost page.
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