What Trees to Keep When Clearing Land

When clearing forested land for a construction project, it’s unnecessary to remove every tree in most cases. Leaving some healthy trees in place is a more environmentally friendly option, and when building a new home or other structure, mature and larger trees offer several benefits. Determining which trees to keep and which to cut down can be challenging. 

If you’re trying to determine what trees to keep when clearing land, Coastal Tree Trimmers, Wilmington’s trusted land clearing service, offers some advice and insight below.

Why Keep Trees When Clearing Land?

You may think it would be easier to come in with heavy equipment and remove all trees and vegetation from a construction site. Some land clearing companies also advocate for this approach, but doing so eliminates the advantages of keeping healthy trees in place when possible.

• More eco-friendly construction. Keeping some trees when clearing land eliminates some of the environmental destruction. Trees help reduce pollution and produce oxygen, so maintaining as many as possible benefits everyone. Mature trees can also help make the new structure more eco-friendly by providing shade and windbreaks that reduce energy costs and protect it from deterioration.

• Improve drainage. Larger trees and their root systems absorb a great deal of water, helping ensure proper drainage while also preventing excess soil runoff and flooding.

• Better soil quality and stability. Leaving some trees in place limits the amount of soil disturbance and lost topsoil, which can help improve the new building’s structural integrity and support a healthier landscape.

Deciding What Trees to Keep When Clearing Land 

One rule of thumb for determining what trees to keep when clearing land is to keep any healthy trees you can. It’s preferable to keep mature, healthy trees than to replant new trees that will take years to grow to the same size. Remove dead trees, trees that have damage or signs of disease, or weak root systems.

When choosing trees to cut down, you should also consider:

• Tree species. Most forested land has a mix of tree species, with one or two species making up most of the trees. Only remove the most abundant species and leave the others in place. Or focus on maintaining the most desirable species, like oak, maple, or hickory.
• Growth rate. Many land clearing companies recommend cutting down trees that grow quickly, like pines, and keeping slower-growing trees. This helps ensure healthier trees by allowing the other trees to access light and soil nutrients.
• Wildlife habitats. Many birds and animals make their homes in trees, so keep larger trees in place and make an effort to maintain food sources and habitats for wildlife.

Trust Coastal Tree Trimmers for Land Clearing
If you need to clear forested land for a construction project, rely on Coastal Tree Trimmers to ensure quality work. We are land clearing experts and can help you learn about common lot clearing mistakes, what trees to keep when clearing land, and answer all your tree care questions. Call us at (910) 431-5731 to discuss your project today.