Clearing for construction
We work from your approved site plan to clear the building footprint, driveway, service trenches and any required setbacks. Trees marked for retention are protected with fencing or flagging so excavation crews know where not to go.
Coordinating timing with your builder matters. Clearing too early leaves the site exposed; clearing too late holds up excavation. We schedule around your construction calendar and can be on site quickly once permits are in place.
Selective clearing versus clear-cutting
Mature trees add real value to a mountain property, so we encourage selective clearing where possible. Retaining healthy trees outside the construction zone preserves privacy, shade and the natural character that makes Bow Valley properties desirable.
Retained trees still need protection. Root damage from equipment, grade changes and trenching is the most common reason trees die a few years after construction. We advise on tree-protection zones and can provide an arborist report if your development permit requires one.
Brush, stumps and debris
Lot clearing produces brush, logs and stumps. We chip brush on site, buck usable logs or haul them away, and grind or extract stumps depending on what your excavator needs. On many build sites, stumps inside the footprint are removed by the excavator, while stumps outside it are ground.
We leave the site clean and ready for the next trade, with no slash piles left behind to become a fire hazard.
Clearing for views, trails and FireSmart
Not every clearing job is a new build. We also clear brush and small trees for view corridors, trails, fence lines, garden expansions and defensible space. These jobs combine selective removal, limbing and brushing to open the space without stripping it.
Larger rural parcels near Exshaw and Dead Man's Flats sometimes need a combination of hand crews and machinery. We will recommend the most cost-effective approach for your site.
Our lot clearing & land clearing process
- Review site plan and permit conditions
- Flag retained trees and protection zones
- Fell and process trees in the clearing area
- Chip brush and remove or buck wood
- Grind stumps or prepare for excavation
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to clear my lot?
Clearing is usually tied to your development or building permit. Some approvals include tree-retention or replacement conditions, so check your permit before clearing begins.
Can you keep some of the trees?
Yes. We encourage retaining healthy trees outside the construction zone and can mark and protect them.
What happens to the logs?
Logs can be cut to firewood length and left on site, or hauled away. We will include your preference in the quote.
Do you remove stumps for excavation?
We can grind stumps or leave them for your excavator to extract, depending on what the build requires.