How to Clear Land Fast with Rental Equipment

April 15, 2025

Clearing land is a necessary step for many outdoor projects, whether you’re preparing a site for construction, expanding your yard, or managing overgrown vegetation. Without the right tools and techniques, land clearing can be a physically demanding and time-consuming process. However, renting the right equipment can significantly speed up the job while keeping costs low.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about clearing land efficiently, from choosing the right tools to proper waste disposal and leveling the ground.

Should You Hire a Contractor or Clear Land Yourself?

Before starting your land-clearing project, assess the scope of work and your ability to handle it. Some land clearing jobs, especially those involving large trees, may require professional help, while others can be done DIY with rental equipment.

When to Hire a Contractor

The area is too large to clear with personal or rental equipment.
You need extensive grading, excavation, or land reshaping.
There are safety risks, such as large trees, utility lines, or steep slopes.
You don’t have the time or manpower to complete the job.

When to Rent Equipment and DIY

The land is manageable in size, such as a backyard or small acreage.
You have the time and willingness to learn how to operate the equipment.
You want to save on labor costs and professional fees.
You need to remove brush, small trees, or prepare a foundation for a project.

For many property owners, renting the right land-clearing equipment is the best solution. It allows you to tackle the job efficiently without the high costs of ownership or hiring contractors.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Land Clearing

Using the correct rental equipment can make the difference between a job that takes days versus one that takes weeks. The tools you need will depend on the type of vegetation, the size of the land, and the level of clearing required.

Heavy Equipment Rentals for Large-Scale Clearing

If your land is covered in dense brush, trees, or uneven terrain, heavy machinery will speed up the process significantly.

Excavators – Ideal for uprooting trees, digging trenches, and moving large amounts of dirt.
Bulldozers – Perfect for pushing over trees, leveling land, and moving heavy debris.
Mulchers – Grind trees and thick vegetation into mulch, clearing land quickly without burning or hauling.
Bush Hogs – Attach to tractors or skid steers to mow down thick weeds, tall grass, and brush.
Stump Grinders – Essential for removing tree stumps and preventing regrowth.
Dumpsters – Necessary for hauling away debris and keeping your worksite organized.

Hand Tools and Power Tools for Small Clearing Jobs

For smaller projects or finishing touches, you’ll need manual tools to handle stubborn vegetation and detail work.

Chainsaws – Best for cutting small trees and thick branches.
Hedge Trimmers – Used for shaping shrubs and clearing tangled brush.
Shovels and Rakes – Help with cleanup and preparing soil for planting or construction.

Having the right safety gear is just as important as having the right tools. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and a hard hat when operating machinery or cutting vegetation.

Step 1: Create a Land-Clearing Plan

Clearing land efficiently starts with a detailed plan. Before you begin cutting or bulldozing, take the time to assess the property and outline your approach.

Walk the Property

Start by walking the land to get a clear picture of what needs to be removed. Mark trees, shrubs, and structures that need to stay or go. Take note of:

Large trees that may require professional removal.
Areas with dense brush that will need a bush hog or mulcher.
Rocks, roots, and obstacles that could damage equipment.
Drainage concerns, erosion risks, or wildlife habitats.

Check for Permits and Utility Lines

Before clearing any land, check local regulations to see if permits are required for tree removal or excavation. Call 811 to locate underground utilities before digging or operating heavy machinery.

Having a solid plan before you begin ensures a smoother process and fewer unexpected problems.

Step 2: Cutting and Removing Trees

Tree removal is one of the most challenging aspects of land clearing, requiring proper techniques and safety precautions.

How to Cut Down a Tree Safely

If removing trees yourself, follow these steps:

Trim branches first to improve visibility and control.
Make a 45-degree notch on the side where you want the tree to fall.
Cut a second notch slightly higher on the opposite side.
Push the tree over or use a wedge to guide its fall.

Larger trees can be dangerous to remove, so if you’re inexperienced or unsure of how to fell a tree, consider hiring a professional.

Removing Stumps

Tree stumps left behind can cause regrowth and make future landscaping difficult. Stump removal methods include:

Using a stump grinder for fast removal.
Excavating the stump with a backhoe or bulldozer.
Applying chemical stump removers to speed up decay.

Step 3: Clearing Brush and Small Shrubs

Once large trees are removed, smaller vegetation needs to be cleared to fully open up the land.

Use a brush hog or mulcher for overgrown brush.
Dig out roots with a shovel or excavator to prevent regrowth.
Prune small shrubs with hedge trimmers to make removal easier.

To speed up clearing, water the soil a day before to loosen roots and make pulling easier.

Step 4: Handling Debris and Waste Disposal

After clearing the land, disposing of the debris properly will help prepare the site for future use.

Waste Disposal Options

Mulching – Use a wood chipper to turn debris into mulch for landscaping.
Burning – Only allowed in certain areas; check local laws first.
Hauling to a landfill – Best for mixed materials.

Sorting debris into manageable piles makes disposal more efficient and prevents delays in the next steps of your project.

Step 5: Leveling the Land

After clearing trees and brush, the land may be uneven and require grading.

Use a skid steer or excavator to level the ground.
Tamp down the soil with a compactor to prevent erosion.
Fill in low spots with topsoil to create a smooth, stable surface.

If planning future construction or landscaping, leveling the land properly is essential. Be sure to check out our resources on how to prepare your lawn for spring or how to build a paver patio.

Rent the Right Equipment for Land Clearing at A-Z Rentals

Clearing land doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right rental equipment, you can make the process faster, safer, and more affordable.

A-Z Rentals provides a wide range of professional-grade equipment to handle any land-clearing job. Our team is available to help you select the best tools for your project.

Visit our rental catalog to find the equipment you need, or contact us today for expert guidance.