Site Clearing in Richmond Hill
Site clearing for builders and homeowners preparing a lot for new construction. We clear debris, remove approved trees and brush and rough grade the lot, across Richmond Hill and the surrounding towns.
How we do it
Site clearing is usually the last stage of a teardown or the first stage of a build. The photos on this page show lots at that point: a wooded lot being cleared around felled branches, equipment parked on a freshly graded lot, and a lakefront property with the last debris pile waiting to be loaded.
The work starts with what must stay. In Richmond Hill, trees above the size set in the tree preservation by-law need City approval before they are removed, and trees you are keeping need protective hoarding at the distance the City sets. We mark those areas before the machine starts so the operator knows where not to go. Oak Ridges lots near the moraine can have extra conservation authority rules, which we flag if they may apply.
Once the protected areas are set, an excavator and a loader work across the lot, picking up remaining debris, pulling out approved trees and stumps and removing brush. We keep topsoil separate where your builder wants it reused. Old footings, buried slabs and fill are dug out if they would get in the way of the new foundation.
The last step is rough grading. We shape the lot so water drains away from where the house will go and leave it at the level your builder has asked for. Silt fencing can be installed at the edge of the lot where it is needed to keep sediment off neighbouring properties and out of the storm sewer.
We work with your builder's schedule, so the lot is ready when their crew arrives. Most clearing jobs follow a residential demolition, and heavy loads of mixed material are handled under junk and debris removal.
Before we visit
Help us understand your scope
- What stays?
Note structures, finishes and landscaping that need protection.
- How do we reach it?
Describe stairs, gates, shared driveways and space for loading.
- What is already known?
Share available plans, building rules and survey information. Unknowns can wait for assessment.
What to expect
- 1
Site visit
We note protected trees, drainage and what the builder needs.
- 2
Written scope
The scope lists what is cleared, what stays and the grade to leave.
- 3
Protection
Tree hoarding and silt fencing go up before the machines start.
- 4
Clear and dig out
Debris, approved trees, stumps and old footings are removed.
- 5
Rough grade
The lot is shaped to drain and left at the builder's level.
Photos from our jobs
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Still deciding what comes out?
Two ways to get started
Use a short enquiry if you know the scope, or build a summary with a few guided questions.
Questions from Richmond Hill homeowners
- Can you remove trees on my lot?
- Trees protected under Richmond Hill's tree preservation by-law need a City permit before removal. Once that approval is in place, or for trees below the threshold, we can remove them and their stumps.
- Do you keep the topsoil?
- If your builder wants it reused, we strip it and stockpile it on site away from the work area.
- What is rough grading?
- It is shaping the ground so water drains away from where the new house will sit. The final grading is done by your builder or landscaper after construction.
- Do I need silt fencing?
- Many new-build sites do, especially near ravines or storm drains. Your builder's permit conditions usually say, and we can install it where needed.
Related services
Residential Demolition
Full house teardowns, from permit paperwork to a cleared lot.
Junk and Debris Removal
Construction debris and household junk loaded and hauled.
Ready for a site visit?
We look at the job in person and follow up with a written scope.