FAQ
Straight answers about how this work actually goes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
How much does land clearing cost per acre?
It varies with tree density, terrain, and whether stumps need to come out. Light underbrush mulching is the cheapest per-acre option; heavy timber with stump removal costs significantly more. We walk the property and give a flat quote — no per-acre estimates over the phone.
Is forestry mulching cheaper than traditional clearing?
For brush and small trees, yes — it's a single-pass operation with no hauling. Heavy timber and stump removal still need a dozer and excavator. Many jobs combine both.
Do I need a permit for excavation?
Most rural residential dirt work in Alabama doesn't need a permit on its own. Foundations, septic, anything tied to a building permit, and work near streams, wetlands, or county roads do. We'll tell you what your specific job needs.
What size culvert do I need for my driveway?
For most residential driveways crossing a county ditch, 15–18 inches is typical. Heavier flow or a county-road tie-in may require 24 inches or larger. We size it to the ditch and any county requirement.
How long does driveway installation take?
A typical residential gravel driveway is one to three days, depending on length, how many culverts, and how much cut-and-fill is needed.
Can a pond be excavated on my property?
Usually yes, if you have enough slope or watershed and the soil holds water. We check clay content and look at where overflow will go safely. Ponds connected to a creek or wetland can require state permits.
How much dirt is needed for a house pad?
Depends on the slope. A flat half-acre lot may only need stripping and compaction; a sloped lot can need hundreds of cubic yards of fill. We measure and quote.
What is rough grading?
Bulk shaping of the site to within an inch or two of the final contours — the pass that gets the dirt close before the final tolerance work.
What is finish grading?
The final pass that hits design grade to close tolerance. For concrete or sod we work to roughly a quarter-inch; for gravel surfaces a half-inch is normal.
Do you work in wet weather?
We can, but it usually costs more and tears the site up. For most jobs we wait a few days after heavy rain.
Do you haul off debris or burn it?
Either. Mulching leaves chips on the ground. For piled debris we can burn on site with a permit, grind, or haul off.
How far do you travel?
Berry is our base. We work routinely across West Alabama from Tuscaloosa to Jasper to Cullman, into the Birmingham metro, and across the Mississippi line to Columbus and Starkville.