Expense of Clearing Land in Marion? (home, buy, living in)

[A Little Hoarse]

As I mentioned in another thread, I am looking at properties in Marion County. I don't know a whole lot about rural land, though, so I am trying to catch up and become an complete expert by Tuesday, or, at the absolute latest, Wednesday.

One of the places that interests me has way too many trees. The whole lot is covered with them. I want trees, but I don't want to live in a forest, so I would want to clear the majority of the trees off the center of the property and leave more around the borders.

Does anyone here know how expensive it is to get oaks removed from properties in this area? I know the wood is useless for timber, but I have been told it has other uses, and it might be possible to get someone to clear it in exchange for the wood.

[KatesKat]

It cost us from $200 to $350 per tree to have some large oaks removed and the stumps ground down. That was a few months ago. It's costly unless perhaps you hire someone with a bulldozer to bulldoze them down and into a pile you can burn. No one wants the wood. We finally advertised it on CraigsList. Some man came and took most of it, but made a real mess in the process. Trampled some shrubbery and left what he didn't want scattered around the once neat pile. They will haul the wood off for you but they charge for that also.

With the heat here in the summer you may want to rethink removing trees to build your home or manufactured home. The shade makes a lot of difference.

[Dax13]

It also matters as to the type of oak tree you have, as well. Not as far as price, but as to desirability. I would not have any water oaks near my home. They are known for rotting from the inside with little or no obvious clues and the branches are prone to breaking. Living in fear of wind and thunderstorms is not fun.

Another related issue is termites. If you do have trees around your home removed, do not leave stumps or piles of wood for any length of time. I can almost guarantee that if they are still there next spring, you will have swarms that will scare the bejesus out of you.

Dax

[rjm1cc]

The county has rules on removing trees and replanting trees. Best check with the building permit department to see what the law requires.

[A Little Hoarse]

I appreciate the information. The realtors were claiming people would pay to timber the land.

[KatesKat]

Originally Posted by A Little Hoarse

I appreciate the information. The realtors were claiming people would pay to timber the land.

Some realtors will tell you anything or are mistaken. Check before you buy the land to see if the trees are worth anything. Those on our land were worthless.