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Logging or Strategic Land Clearing? The Unhidden Costs That Are Key to Your Project's Success

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When preparing land for new home builds or other development, the method you choose for clearing can have a lasting impact on the success and cost-effectiveness of your project. While logging may seem like a straightforward and cost-saving option, it often leaves behind challenges that can complicate future development. At Gillon Contracting & Excavation, we specialize in what we call "strategic land clearing", a comprehensive approach that includes the removal of trees and stumps together, paired with final grading. Here's why this method outperforms traditional logging we often see in this area and why it’s the smarter choice for your property.


Strategic Land Clearing: A Holistic Approach

Our strategic land clearing is about more than just removing trees—it's about fully preparing your land for its intended use. Our process begins with the careful removal of both trees and stumps, ensuring that your site is free from obstructions that could hinder construction, landscaping, or other activities. This is followed by final grading, where the land is shaped and smoothed to create a stable, even surface.


Key Benefits:

  • Complete Tree and Stump Removal: Unlike logging, which often leaves stumps behind, strategic land clearing ensures that every tree, along with its stump, is fully removed. This eliminates the risk of future problems such as settling in your driveway, pest infestations, new growth, and/or the need for additional stump grinding or removal.

  • Final Grading: After the land is cleared, final grading creates a smooth, even surface that’s ready for immediate use. This step is crucial for proper drainage, foundation stability, and overall aesthetics, and setting the stage for a successful project.


Logging: A Timber-Focused Approach with Hidden Costs

Logging companies are primarily focused on harvesting valuable timber, which means their clearing process is often less thorough. Further, logging doesn't take into consideration where you plan to install your driveway, where you plan to build your house, or where you plan to place your horse pasture. While logging can quickly remove trees, it typically leaves stumps, roots, and other debris behind that can negatively impact your goals for those areas. Additionally, the heavy machinery used in logging can create deep ruts and compact the soil, leading to a host of challenges that may require costly remediation.


Common Issues with Logging:

  • Stump and Debris Left Behind: Logging often leaves stumps in the ground, which can interfere with construction, create drainage issues, and become unsightly. These stumps may need to be removed later by us, adding to your project costs and timelines.

  • Ruts and Soil Compaction: The heavy equipment used in logging operations can leave deep ruts and compact the soil, making the land difficult to work with. These ruts may need to be filled, and the soil may require additional fill before it can be used effectively.

  • Lack of Final Grading: Logging companies typically do not provide final grading services, leaving the land uneven and unstable. This means you’ll likely need to hire us anyway to finish the job with additional fill dirt, further increasing your overall costs.


Why Strategic Land Clearing is the Better Choice

While logging may initially seem like a less expensive option, the hidden costs of stump removal, land leveling, and site prep can quickly add up. Strategic land clearing, on the other hand, addresses all of these issues upfront, providing a clean, even surface that’s ready for immediate use.


Long-Term Value:

  • Preparation for Development: Strategic land clearing prepares your property for whatever comes next, whether it’s construction, agriculture, or landscaping. With no stumps, ruts, or debris to contend with, you can move forward with confidence, knowing your land is truly ready.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: By addressing all aspects of land clearing—including stump removal and final grading—you avoid the additional expenses and delays that often come with incomplete clearing methods like logging.

  • Enhanced Property Value: A well-cleared, properly graded property is more attractive to buyers and investors, increasing the overall value of your land.


Schedule Your Free Consult Today


Choosing between strategic land clearing and logging comes down to the long-term success of your project. While logging might offer quick access to timber, it often leaves behind significant challenges that can complicate and increase the cost of future development. Strategic land clearing, with its comprehensive approach, ensures your land is fully prepared and ready for its next phase, offering better value and peace of mind.

At Gillon Contracting & Excavation we’re committed to providing top-notch land clearing services that prioritize your project’s success. Contact us today to learn more about how our strategic approach can benefit your property.

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Based in Crossville and happily serving Middle and East Tennessee! We service Cookeville, Clarkrange, Jamestown, Crab Orchard, Harriman,  Kingston, Knoxville, Farragut, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Sevierville, Loudon, Lenoir City, Kingston, and surrounding areas. 

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