When Clearing Land, It’s Harder (and More Expensive) to Fell Trees First — Then Dig Out the Stumps

When Clearing Land, It’s Harder (and More Expensive) to Fell Trees First — Then Dig Out the Stumps

When clearing land for a new home, driveway, or building site, many property owners think it’s faster to have the trees cut first and then dig out the stumps later.
That approach actually makes the job twice as hard and a lot more expensive.

Here’s why.

1. You Lose the Tree’s Leverage

When our crew at North Georgia Excavation clears land, we don’t cut the tree down first — we use it to our advantage.
The weight and height of a standing tree act as natural leverage. When we push or pull the tree with the excavator, that leverage helps pop the stump and root system right out of the ground.

If the tree’s already been cut, that leverage is gone.
Now the operator has to rely solely on the excavator’s power, which means more digging, more fuel, and more time — all of which cost more money.

2. Digging Just the Stump Is a Tougher Job

Once a tree is gone, you’re left with a solid stump tied down by a web of roots.
Those roots are tough — some extend 10–15 feet out from the base. Without the tree’s weight to help break them loose, the operator has to dig deep and wide, tearing through the root system by hand or with a bucket or ripper.

That’s a slow, heavy process that also leaves a much larger hole to backfill later.

3. It Becomes a Two-Step Process Instead of One

Cutting the trees first means you’re paying twice:

• Once for a tree service to fell and haul the trees.

• Again for an excavation company to dig and remove the stumps.

When you hire a professional clearing company like North Georgia Excavation, we handle the entire process in one smooth operation — tree, stump, and root system all removed at once.
That efficiency saves you time, equipment costs, and cleanup work.

4. Professional Lot Clearing Is Safer and Cleaner

Attempting to remove stumps after the fact often leaves uneven terrain and deep holes. A full-service clearing crew removes the trees, roots, and debris in a controlled, organized way — ready for grading or construction right after.
It’s safer for your property, your future build, and your budget.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to clear land, don’t make it a two-step job.
Let a professional excavation and land-clearing team like North Georgia Excavation take care of it from start to finish — saving you time, fuel, and money while doing it right the first time.

👉 Call 770-255-8718 or visit NorthGeorgiaExcavation.com for a free estimate and expert land clearing done the right way.