How to Clear a Wooded Lot for a New House

A wooded lot is a great place for a home — if the clearing is planned well. Clearing too much loses the character you paid for; too little creates headaches for your builder.

Start with the plan

• Mark the house footprint plus working room around it.
• Lay out the driveway route and turnaround.
• Locate septic, well and utility paths if applicable.
• Flag trees you want to keep.

Coordinate with your builder

Ask how much working space they need around the foundation and where they'll stage materials.

Protect the keepers

Equipment and soil compaction over root zones can damage trees. Keep heavy traffic away from the trees you want to keep.

Mix your methods

Mulching around the building zone and fully clearing the footprint is a common, efficient combination.

Related service: Wooded & Construction Lot Clearing