Lot & Land Clearing in Ann Arbor, MI — Clear the lot. Prep the build. Done right.
Professional lot and land clearing in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. New-build prep, fence-line clearing, and brush removal for residential and commercial projects.
Lot and land clearing is the removal of trees, brush, stumps, and vegetation from a property to prepare it for construction, landscaping, fencing, or other use. In Southeast Michigan, lot clearing is most commonly needed for new residential builds, fence-line preparation, and converting wooded or overgrown parcels into usable space.
Foundations Tree Experts handles lot clearing across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Canton, Plymouth, and surrounding communities — for homeowners, builders, and developers alike.
What types of lot clearing do you handle?
We provide clearing services for a range of project types:
- New-build site prep — clearing the building footprint, driveway path, and utility corridors for new home construction
- Fence-line clearing — removing trees, brush, and stumps along property boundaries for fence installation
- Overgrown lot reclamation — clearing neglected properties that have become overgrown with volunteer trees, brush, and undergrowth
- Selective clearing — removing specific trees while preserving others for shade, privacy, or aesthetics
- Brush and undergrowth removal — clearing dense undergrowth without removing mature trees
- Commercial site prep — larger-scale clearing for commercial development projects
How does the clearing process work?
Every lot clearing project starts with a site walk. We walk the property with you (or your builder/developer) to define the clearing boundaries, flag any trees to be preserved, and identify underground utilities.
The crew then works section by section:
- Trees are felled directionally — laid down in a controlled direction to avoid damage to preserve trees and adjacent properties
- Brush is fed through commercial chippers — reducing volume and making debris manageable for hauling
- Stumps are ground below grade — so the site is level and ready for grading
- Debris is loaded and hauled — the site is left clean with no slash piles or brush remnants
For larger projects, we stage equipment on-site and work over multiple days to maintain steady progress without rushing.
What equipment is used for lot clearing?
The right equipment depends on the site. Our fleet includes:
- Skidsteers with grapple and brush cutter attachments — for moving logs, clearing brush, and navigating tight spaces
- Excavators — for larger trees, root extraction, and rough grading
- Commercial chippers — for processing brush and small-diameter wood into chips
- Dump trucks — for hauling debris, chips, and wood off-site
Who do you work with?
We work with:
- Homeowners preparing lots for new builds, additions, or landscaping projects
- Builders and developers who need sites cleared for construction
- Residential and commercial projects of all sizes
Ready for a free lot & land clearing estimate?
We'll walk the property, assess the job, and give you a firm written quote — no pressure, no obligation.
How lot & land clearing works
Site walk and scope
We walk the property with you (or your builder) to identify what stays, what goes, and where the clearing boundaries are. Trees to preserve are flagged.
Equipment mobilization
Based on the scope, we bring the right mix of equipment — skidsteers, excavators, chippers, and trucks. For larger sites, we may stage equipment on-site for multi-day projects.
Clearing and processing
Trees are felled, brush is chipped, stumps are ground, and debris is hauled. We work section by section to maintain control and protect any trees or features you want to keep.
Site prep and final grade
Once cleared, we clean up remaining debris, address any grading concerns, and leave the lot ready for the next phase — whether that's construction, landscaping, or fencing.
Lot & Land Clearing FAQ
Do you work with builders and developers?
Yes — we work with builders, developers, and homeowners on site prep and clearing projects.
Can you clear a lot without removing every tree?
Absolutely. Selective clearing is common — we flag the trees you want to preserve and clear everything else. Our arborist can advise on which trees are healthy and worth keeping.
Do you handle stump grinding on cleared lots?
Yes — stump grinding is included in most lot clearing projects unless you specify otherwise. Stumps are ground below grade so the site is ready for grading and construction.
What equipment do you use?
We use commercial-grade equipment including skidsteers with grapple and brush cutter attachments, excavators for larger trees and root extraction, and industrial chippers for brush processing. The equipment mix depends on the site and scope.
How long does lot clearing take?
Timeline depends on acreage, tree density, and scope. We'll provide a time estimate during your free on-site assessment.
Do you handle brush and debris hauling?
Yes — all debris is chipped, processed, and hauled away. We leave the lot clean and ready for the next phase of your project.