Mulching? Clearing and Grubbing with Excavators and Bulldozers?
These are two very different methods of clearing land, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key differences:
Equipment: Forestry mulching involves using a specialized skidsteer or machine with a rotary drum that grinds trees and vegetation into very small pieces, leaving behind a layer of mulch and chips. Using the digging and dozing techniques requires excavators and bulldozers to uproot trees and vegetation and move them to another location.
Efficiency: Forestry mulching is often faster than using an excavator or bulldozer because it can process vegetation on site without the need for hauling and disposal. However, excavators and bulldozers can be more effective for larger trees or in areas with more complex terrain.
Cost: Depending on your market and the conditions of the land it could go both ways. In some instances mulching will be cheaper, especially for small areas or land with smaller material and vegetation. On the other hand, with larger trees and stumps the excavator and dozer will be cheaper just because of how much larger they are and their ability to process the material.
Impact on the land: Forestry mulching has less impact on the land than using an excavator or bulldozer because it leaves behind a layer of mulch that can help retain moisture and reduce erosion.
Use of Land After Removal: This can be a deciding factor. What will the land be used for after the material is processed? If your intention is to build a home, building, shop, office, etc… the only option is the digging and dozing method. The downside of the forestry mulcher is that it does not go into the ground and destroy the root material or stumps that are left behind. Also, if you are building, the contractor wont be too thrilled with all of the mulch and chips left on site after the mulcher.
Overall, the choice between forestry mulching and land clearing with an excavator or bulldozer depends on the specific needs of your project, including the size of the land, the type of vegetation, and the desired outcome. A professional land clearing service like Hurley’s Earthworx can help determine the best method for clearing the land in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible.