Land Clearing Services
From overgrown lifestyle blocks to larger paddock reclamation projects. We assess the site and agree a practical scope, with repeat passes where vegetation or conditions require them.
Property Clearing & Ground Clearing — What We Do
Land clearing is one of the most common reasons property owners contact us. Whether you've just purchased an overgrown block, inherited a property that hasn't been maintained, or you're a farmer watching scrub slowly reclaim productive paddock — the problem is usually the same: too much vegetation, too dense to tackle manually, and too wide-spread for a slasher.
Our Kubota SVL97-2 with Fecon forestry mulcher processes suitable vegetation on site. The number of passes depends on the vegetation and terrain; dense growth may need repeat or back-and-forth work. Mulched material is left on site, which can reduce the need to haul that vegetation away. Ground impact and the finished surface vary with the conditions, so we assess each property before agreeing on the work.
For rural property owners, this kind of ground clearing is a cost-effective way to bring degraded land back into productive use without the smoke, mess, or neighbourhood complaints that come with burn-offs. For developers, we offer efficient property clearing services that align with council and environmental requirements.
Why Not Just Burn It Off?
Burn-offs are heavily restricted across the Surf Coast Shire and Colac Otway Shire — the fire danger period runs roughly November through April, and you need a permit even in off-peak months. In practice, many landowners find they can never get a suitable window: a wet week makes material too green, a dry week makes the permit too risky.
Mulching processes suitable vegetation without burning that material on site, which may avoid some smoke and escaped-fire risks associated with a burn in that area. It does not remove planning requirements: native vegetation, overlays and the scope of work may require council approval, so we check what applies before starting. Mulch remains on site; its effects on moisture, erosion and regrowth depend on the material, terrain and follow-up management.
Typical Land Clearing Jobs We Handle
- Paddock reclamation from invasive scrub and blackberry
- Fence line clearing and boundary definition
- Site preparation for sheds, garages and farm buildings
- Access track clearing and widening
- Pre-development vegetation removal
- Lifestyle block clearing for newly purchased acreage
- Agricultural land brought back into productive use
Ideal For
Working Alongside Local Arborists
Some of the best results come when forestry mulching and arborist work happen together. Where larger tree removal or tight access work is needed first, we work alongside trusted local arborists to get that done, then come in behind them to mulch the remaining vegetation, clear the debris and finish the job. Property owners get a complete result without needing to manage two separate contractors.
When you enquire, let us know if there are trees you're unsure about — we can advise on whether arborist involvement makes sense and help coordinate that from the start.
No Area Left Unfinished
Not every corner of a property is accessible by machine. Where the mulcher can't reach, we carry chainsaw and brushcutter to make sure the full job gets done. Fence lines, steep banks, tight spots near structures — nothing gets left half finished because the machine couldn't fit.
Documentation: All land clearing jobs include a job completion summary with before and after photos and a detailed invoice. For development projects, we can provide a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) on request — useful for council planning permits and development approvals. We service acreage from five acres to several hundred hectares across the Surf Coast Shire, Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Greater Geelong and surrounding southwest Victoria.
For acreage and rural-fringe properties east of Geelong, see our Bellarine Peninsula vegetation management services.
Free quote — no obligation
Photos of the area help us quote accurately. We respond within 24–48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vegetation can you clear?
We handle most woody vegetation — scrub, regrowth, blackberry, gorse, bracken, tea tree and light understorey. We can also process fallen timber and small to medium trees. Very large mature trees may require arborist involvement first.
How is mulching different from dozer or excavator clearing?
Mulching processes suitable vegetation on site and leaves the material as mulch. Dozers or excavators may suit other scopes and finishes, and can move material into piles for separate handling. The right method depends on the vegetation, terrain and result you want; mulching can reduce the need to haul material that is processed and left on site.
Do I need a permit to clear my land?
It depends on your council, zoning and what vegetation is being cleared. Protected species and significant trees often have specific rules. We recommend checking with your local council if you're unsure — we can help you understand what questions to ask based on what we've seen on similar properties.
Can you clear a large property in stages?
Yes. For larger properties we often stage the work — prioritising areas that are most overgrown or most urgent, then returning to clear remaining sections. This can spread the cost over time while still making measurable progress.