Land Clearing and Site Preparation Services

Red Dirt Contracting is a family-owned company with over 10 years of experience clearing land throughout Upstate South Carolina. We remove trees, brush, stumps, and debris to prepare your property for the next phase, whether that is building a pond, preparing a construction site, or opening up land for pasture or agriculture.

Land clearing is often the first step in a larger project. The work needs to be done right so what comes next goes smoothly. We clear efficiently, handle debris removal or burning where permitted, and leave you with a clean site that is ready for grading, excavation, or whatever you have planned.

Types of Land Clearing Projects

We handle land clearing for a variety of purposes. The scope of work depends on what is on the property now and what you plan to do with it once the land is cleared.

Pond Site Clearing

Before a pond can be built, the site needs to be cleared of trees, brush, and debris. We remove vegetation from the pond footprint and dam location so excavation can proceed without obstacles.

Clearing is often bundled with pond construction as part of a single project.

Construction Site Clearing

Building sites need to be cleared before grading and foundation work can begin. We remove trees, stumps, brush, and any existing structures or debris so the site is ready for the next phase of development.

Pasture and Agricultural Clearing

If you want to convert wooded or overgrown land into usable pasture or agricultural space, we clear the vegetation and remove stumps so the land can be seeded or put into production.

We can also clear fence lines and access paths as part of the project.

Right-of-Way and Access Clearing

Driveways, access roads, and utility corridors all require clearing before grading or construction can begin. We clear paths through wooded areas and remove vegetation to the width required for your project.

Overgrown Property Cleanup

Some properties have been neglected for years and need to be cleaned up before they can be used or developed. We clear overgrown brush, remove dead trees and debris, and restore the property to a usable condition.

Our Land Clearing Process

Every land clearing project is different depending on the size of the area, the density of vegetation, and what the land will be used for afterward. We approach each job with a clear plan so the work gets done efficiently and the site is left ready for the next step.

Site Walk and Evaluation

We walk the property with you to understand what needs to be cleared and what should stay. If there are trees you want to keep, boundaries to respect, or specific areas to prioritize, we identify all of that before work begins.

Clearing

We remove trees, brush, and vegetation using equipment suited to the job. For heavily wooded areas, we use excavators and forestry equipment to bring down trees and clear undergrowth.

For lighter brush clearing, we use smaller equipment that can move efficiently through the site.

Stump Removal

Depending on your plans for the property, stumps may need to be removed or ground down. Pond sites and construction areas typically require full stump removal so excavation and grading can proceed.

Pasture conversion may allow for stump grinding or leaving stumps to decay over time.

Debris Handling

Cleared material has to go somewhere. We can pile brush for burning where local regulations allow, chip material on site, haul debris off the property, or stack logs for firewood or lumber depending on what makes sense for your situation.

We discuss disposal options during the evaluation so you know what to expect.

Final Cleanup

Once clearing is complete, we clean up the site and remove any remaining debris. If the project includes grading or additional site work, we leave the property ready for that phase.

If clearing is the only scope, we leave you with a clean, accessible property ready for whatever comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need land cleared for a pond, construction, or another project, you probably have questions about what the work involves. These are the questions we hear most often.

How much does land clearing cost?

Costs depend on the size of the area, the density of trees and brush, whether stumps need to be removed, and how debris will be handled. Clearing an acre of light brush costs significantly less than clearing an acre of mature hardwoods with full stump removal and hauling.

We walk the property and give you a quote based on the actual scope of work involved.

How long does land clearing take?

Timeline depends on the size and density of the area being cleared. A small lot with light vegetation might take a day or two. A multi-acre site with heavy timber can take a week or more.

Weather can also affect the schedule, especially if the ground is too wet for equipment access.

What happens to the trees and brush?

We discuss debris handling options during the evaluation. Depending on local regulations and your preferences, we can burn brush on site, chip it, haul it off, or pile logs for firewood or lumber.

The approach affects cost and timeline, so we work with you to find the best option.

Do you remove stumps?

Yes. We can remove stumps completely or grind them down depending on what the site will be used for. Full stump removal is typically required for pond construction and building sites.

Grinding or leaving stumps may be acceptable for pasture conversion or other uses.

Can you clear around trees I want to keep?

Yes. During the site walk, we identify any trees you want to preserve and mark them so they are protected during clearing. We work carefully around designated trees to avoid damage.

Do I need a permit for land clearing?

Permit requirements vary by county and municipality. Some jurisdictions require land disturbance permits for clearing over a certain acreage, and there may be restrictions on clearing near streams or wetlands.

We can help you understand what might be required, but the property owner is typically responsible for securing permits before work begins.

Can you clear land for a pond and then build the pond?

Yes. We often handle both land clearing and pond construction as a single project. Bundling the work is more efficient and keeps everything coordinated under one contractor.

What is your minimum project size?

We typically take on land clearing projects that are at least an acre or are part of a larger project like pond construction or site development. Small residential lot clearing is generally not a good fit, but we are happy to discuss your project.