FAQs

A skid steer loader, or SSL, is a compact wheeled loader. The first skid steer was designed for a successful turkey farmer who needed a small, lightweight, agile machine for cleaning out his multi-story barns. It gets the name “skid” from the ability of the left wheels to turn independently of the right wheels, allowing it to practically turn in place (skid). It is lightweight enough to be pulled on a trailer behind a pickup truck, but powerful enough to be used for intensive material handling applications.

Skid steer loaders are still designed for jobs that require both power and excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. By using different attachments, SSLs can be used for all kinds of applications. Skid steer loaders work best on jobs that require pushing or lifting as opposed to pulling or digging. They are regularly used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, demolition, forestry, and more.

Skid steer loaders are still designed for jobs that require both power and excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. By using different attachments, SSLs can be used for all kinds of applications. Skid steer loaders work best on jobs that require pushing or lifting as opposed to pulling or digging. They are regularly used in construction, landscaping, agriculture, demolition, forestry, and more.

A tree dozer or rooter with heavy teeth (attached to the front of a tractor) that is used for uprooting small trees, stumps, or brush and pushing them into piles.

Bush-hogging, also referred to as brush-hogging, rotary cutting, tractor mowing, or heavy duty mowing is useful when a property needs to be cleared of light brush up to 1” in diameter. Bush-hogging is the most basic form of land clearing. 

The most common setup is a tractor with about 50hp pulling a 6’ rotary cutter. Bush-hogging is most effective when the property is somewhat level, dry, & clear of debris. Bush-hogging is a good choice when there is ample access for a tractor to operate. Bush-hogging is dangerous & flying debris can sometimes cause property damage. Be sure to check that your operator is licensed & carries liability insurance.

A brush hog can typically cut branches up to 1 to 2 inches thick, depending on the model and its blade strength. For heavier-duty brush hogs, cutting branches up to 3 inches thick may be possible. Always check your specific equipment's manual and use it within its recommended limits for safety and optimal performance.

Underbrushing is the process of removing the underbrush of a property, usually everything up to 3”-4” in diameter, while preserving the larger trees. Underbrushing is most commonly used to open up a densely wooded property to improve access, aesthetics, visibility, or to complete a survey. Underbrushing is a great way to improve the look of your property if you are planning on putting it on the market. An underbrushed property is less prone to fires.

 Methods of underbrushing may involve hand clearing, bush-hogging, environmental mulching, or a combination of various methods. The scope of work on an underbrushing project can vary greatly from “rough clearing” to a “finished park-like appearance”. Be sure to get a detailed proposal in writing before selecting a company. Underbrushing usually does not require permits.

Absolutely not. In Pinellas, Manatee, Hillsborough and Bradenton special permits are needed from either the State, City, County or EPC to touch anything in a conservation area, buffer, or wetland. Most often use of all machinery is prohibited and the work must be performed by hand. If you need help with a conservation area or conservation buffer, visit www.WeClearLand.com/conservation.

If the house has suffered any structural damage, cleaning it up can take some time and it is better to get this done via professionals. A normal hurricane cleanup can last between 24 to 48 hours.

In Flagler County, storm debris removal protocols are designed to ensure efficient and safe cleanup across all areas. While general guidelines apply countywide, specific municipalities may have additional instructions.

General Guidelines for Flagler County:

-Debris Separation: Residents are advised to separate storm-related debris from regular household garbage. This includes categorizing debris into vegetative waste (e.g., leaves, branches) and other storm-related materials.

-Placement: Place debris at the curbside without obstructing roadways, driveways, mailboxes, or utility poles. Ensure that debris does not block ditches or swales to prevent flooding.

City-Specific Guidelines:

- Palm Coast:

  - Debris Placement: Residents should place storm debris on their residential property near the curb but not on vacant lots. Debris should not be placed in bags, cans, or containers. 

- Bunnell:

  - Debris Separation: Debris must be separated into categories such as vegetative debris (leaves, branches) and bulk items (household trash, furniture). Hazardous waste is not collected curbside and should be taken to appropriate disposal facilities. 

- Flagler Beach:

  - While specific guidelines for Flagler Beach are not detailed in the provided sources, residents are encouraged to follow the general county guidelines and consult local authorities for any additional instructions.

Additional Recommendations:

- Avoid Obstructions: Do not place debris near or under obstructions such as overhead wires, mailboxes, or vehicles.

- Contractor Debris: Debris generated by contractors (e.g., tree services) is typically the responsibility of the contractor to remove and should not be placed curbside for municipal collection. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, residents should contact their local municipal offices or visit official city websites. 

Land leveling (also called yard leveling, ground leveling or lawn leveling) refers to the process of smoothing the surface of your lawn. Yard grading (also called land grading or lawn grading) alters the surface of your lawn so it slopes away from your home or other structures.

“Excavation” means the mechanical removal of earth material. “Fill” means a deposit of earth material placed by artificial means. “Grade” means the vertical location of the ground surface.

Crescent City has the following requirements for debris removal:

Debris Placement:

- Curbside Placement: Place storm-related debris at the curbside, within 10 feet of the curb, ensuring it is accessible to pickup crews and trucks. 

- Avoid Obstructions: Ensure debris does not block roadways, driveways, sidewalks, mailboxes, storm drains, or utility meters. Do not place debris near or under trees, power lines, or other structures that could impede removal efforts.

Debris Separation:

- Categorization: Separate debris into distinct categories:

  - Vegetative Debris: Includes leaves, branches, and plant materials.

  - Construction and Demolition Debris: Materials such as drywall, lumber, and shingles.

  - Household Hazardous Waste: Items like paints, cleaners, and pesticides.

  - Appliances and Electronics: Refrigerators, televisions, and similar items.

  - Household Garbage: Regular waste from daily activities.

Size and Weight Restrictions:

- Dimensions: Tree limbs and branches should not exceed four feet in length and four inches in diameter.

- Weight: No single piece of debris should weigh more than 50 pounds.

Contractor Responsibility:

- Commercial Services: If you hire professional services for tree removal or yard maintenance, the contractor is responsible for the collection and disposal of the resulting debris. 

Additional Guidelines:

- Debris Reporting: Residents are encouraged to register their address through the city's survey for debris pickup to assist in efficient removal. 

- Hazardous Materials: Dangerous materials or substances, such as poisons, acids, caustics, infected materials, ashes, explosives, and radioactive materials, will not be collected by the City. Such materials must be disposed of in a lawful and sanitary manner by the person(s) or business creating the refuse.