Clearing a slope all at once can start it moving. We take out brush and problem trees in sections and keep the roots that hold the hill.
Clearing around Pittsburgh is usually selective work on steep, wooded ground: overgrown hillsides behind houses, brushy lots between streets and former fields on the edges of the county. Knotweed, honeysuckle and grapevine take over open slopes fast, and dead ash still stands in many woodlots. We remove what has to go and leave the tree roots that are holding the hill together wherever we can.
On a slope, clearing can start a landslide or wash out a yard if it is done all at once. We work in sections, leave stumps on steep ground unless something will be built there, and cover bare soil with mulch or seed right away. Brush can be mulched in place to protect the surface, and logs are hauled or cut for firewood.
Before we cut, we check the limits: trees in the street right-of-way, stream buffers, steep-slope rules in some municipalities, and the erosion control DEP requires for any disturbance. Larger clearing for development needs a written erosion plan and sometimes a stormwater permit. We also confirm with you which trees are yours and which belong to the neighbor, since lot lines on wooded hillsides are often unclear. A survey settles any doubt before a tree comes down.
Land clearing in Pittsburgh: common questions
Is it safe to clear trees on a steep hillside?
It can be, if it is done in stages and the roots and stumps on the slope are left where nothing will be built. Clear-cutting a hillside at once can make it unstable.
Can you remove knotweed?
We can dig it out and haul the root mass, but it spreads from small pieces and often regrows, so plan on follow-up treatment.
What happens to the cleared brush?
It can be mulched in place to protect the slope, or chipped and hauled away. Logs can be left cut for firewood if you ask.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.