Typical acreage projects
| Project | What it usually involves |
|---|---|
| Pasture reclamation | Mulching brush and young trees so the field can be mowed again |
| Fence line clearing | A strip along the fence so it can be repaired or replaced |
| Trails and roads | Paths wide enough for a truck, side-by-side or tractor |
| Food plots and lanes | Open patches and narrow lanes for hunting land |
| Thinning | Taking out the small and crowded trees so the rest grow better |
How bigger jobs are usually priced
Many companies price acreage by the acre or by the day, after they've seen the land. Density matters more than size: five acres of open field with scattered brush can cost less than one acre of solid thicket. Walk the property with each company, point out the parts that matter most, and ask them to break the price down by area so you can phase it.
Things to sort out first
- Property lines and corners, especially where woods meet a neighbor
- Where machines can get in, and whether a culvert or gate needs work
- Wet areas, ponds and drains you want left alone
- Whether any part of the land might need a permit or approval; check with your parish before work starts
- Your plan for the land afterward, since mowing, grazing and building each call for a different finish
Questions worth asking
- Which machines will you use on which parts?
- Can you price it in phases?
- How will you handle low or wet ground?
- What will the land look like right after you finish, and a few months later?
Where acreage requests come from
Rural land north of Zachary and toward Clinton and St. Francisville, Livingston Parish tracts around Albany, Holden and Livingston, and family land across Ascension and Iberville parishes that's been left to grow up.
Questions people ask
Can you clear just part of my land this year?
Yes, and many owners do. Ask for prices by section so you can start with the most important part.
Will I be able to mow afterward?
After mulching, most land can be mowed once chips settle and break down, though stumps and roots can still be an issue. Ask what finish to expect.
Do you need dry weather?
Heavy equipment does far less damage on dry ground. Companies may reschedule after heavy rain.