Land Clearing in Utah
Lot and land clearing that takes out trees, stumps, scrub oak and brush by the roots, from Park City and the Heber Valley to the Salt Lake foothills.
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Clearing That Doesn't Grow Back
Land clearing is the first step on most raw lots: trees come down, stumps and root balls come out, and brush and scrub oak are cleared so the ground is open to build, fence, farm or simply enjoy the view. Done right, it is cleared by the roots so it does not come back.
Ritz Excavation & Demolition clears building lots and acreage across Summit, Wasatch, Salt Lake and Utah counties with excavators and our own trucks, so the debris leaves the property instead of sitting in piles. When the lot is clear, we can move straight into site preparation for the pad and driveway.
What's Included
- Lot and land clearing for new builds
- Tree and stump removal
- Scrub oak and brush removed by the roots
- Clearing for wildfire defensible space
- Debris loaded and hauled with our own trucks
- Clearing for driveways, fence lines and views
Planned for Valley and Mountain Conditions
We plan for lakebed clay, cobble, groundwater and frost before we price the job, so it doesn't turn into a surprise halfway through.
Scrub Oak
Gambel oak resprouts from its roots unless the root crowns come out.
Steep Foothill Lots
Benches and canyon lots need equipment that can work on a slope.
Burn Rules
Open burning needs a permit and a burn window, so debris is usually hauled.
Wildfire Zones
Mountain homes need defensible space cleared around them.
Who We Work For
Homeowners
Clearing a lot to build, opening up a view, or cutting back brush and scrub oak around your home.
Builders & Contractors
Lots cleared and grubbed on your schedule so site prep can start right away.
How the Job Works
- Walk the Property We mark what comes out and which trees stay.
- Estimate A written scope for clearing, stump removal and hauling.
- Locates and Permits Utilities are marked through Blue Stakes before any stumps are dug.
- Clear Trees come down and stumps, root crowns and brush are dug out with equipment.
- Haul and Smooth Debris is hauled off and the ground is left rough-graded and ready for the next step.
What Affects the Cost
Every job is priced to the site after we've seen it.
What We Don't Do
We stick to the dirt work and coordinate with these trades on your project:
“Jeff is a fantastic and talented contractor. Jeff’s capabilities with equipment, like an excavator, are second nature to him. He’s fantastic at excavation work, building rock walls, creating waterfalls, etc.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will scrub oak grow back after it's cleared?
It can. Gambel oak, the scrub oak on most Wasatch foothill lots, resprouts quickly from a large underground root structure when only the top is cut. We dig out the root crowns with equipment so the clearing lasts instead of growing back in a season or two.
Can I burn the brush instead of hauling it?
Sometimes, but not freely. Open burning in Utah requires a permit and is limited to set burn windows, and many neighborhoods don't allow it at all. Hauling is usually simpler, and we do it with our own trucks.
How much should I clear around my house for wildfire?
Park City's defensible space program is a good guide: keep the first 5 feet around the house free of anything that burns, space out and limb up trees out to 30 feet, and thin dead material and small trees out to 100 feet or more. Check with your city or fire district for the rules where you live.
Do you remove stumps?
Yes. Stumps are dug out and hauled, not ground down, so they don't rot under a future driveway or building pad.
Can you clear just part of a lot?
Yes. We walk the property with you first and leave the trees you want to keep.
Where We Do This Work
We provide this service across Salt Lake, Utah, Summit and Wasatch counties. Choose your area to learn more.
Ready to Dig In?
Contact Ritz Excavation & Demolition for an estimate on your project in Salt Lake, Utah, Summit or Wasatch County.