Your scope and the work involved
How our crew handles the work
Clearing a site begins with agreement on vegetation, structures and ground that must remain. Access and the next use of the space help determine the removal scope.
Trees are the first question. The City of Markham protects many trees on private property under its tree preservation by-law, and trees near a property line or on City land have their own rules. Before any cutting, we ask whether a tree permit is needed and whether an arborist report exists, and we do not remove a tree that has not been cleared for removal.
Once trees are cleared for removal, we work from the outside in. Brush and smaller growth come out first so the ground can be seen, then trees are felled in a planned direction, limbed and cut into manageable lengths. Root balls and stumps are pulled or ground depending on what the next stage needs.
Debris is separated where it makes sense. Wood and brush can go for chipping or processing, and old fencing, sheds and dumped material go to the right disposal stream. Loads leave in bins or trailers placed where you agree.
We keep neighbours in mind on clearing jobs, because saws and chippers are loud. Work runs inside Markham's construction hours and branches are kept inside the property line as trees come down.
The handover records the agreed clearing and any included rough grading. Required locates and private-service arrangements precede affected ground disturbance. The receiving contractor reviews the remaining condition before excavation, final grading or construction; any structure or slab removal must be separately identified in the accepted scope.
See this kind of removal
Use the work collection to compare visible conditions with your project, then discuss the scope with us.
View this service's work collectionMarkham and wider service coverageWhat to expect
What to expect, step by step
Step 1
Walk the lot
We look at trees, growth, structures, access and anything that must stay.
Step 2
Check tree rules
We confirm whether a City of Markham tree permit or arborist report is needed before cutting.
Step 3
Clear brush
Undergrowth and small material come out first to open up the site.
Step 4
Fell and remove
Approved trees are felled, cut and removed, and stumps or root balls pulled as scoped.
Step 5
Haul and grade
Debris is hauled and any agreed rough grading completed. The receiving team reviews the condition for the next stage.
Photos from our jobs
Site Clearing
Local questions
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to remove trees in Markham?
- Often yes. The City of Markham regulates removal of many trees on private property based on size and location. Check with the City before any tree is cut.
- Can you remove stumps and roots too?
- Yes. Root balls can be pulled with a machine or stumps ground down, depending on what is planned for the site next.
- What happens to the wood and brush?
- It is loaded and hauled. Where practical it is kept separate from other debris so it can be chipped or processed rather than landfilled.
- Can you clear a lot and demolish a structure on it at the same time?
- Clearing and an accepted demolition package can be coordinated in one scope. Identify each removal and the receiving condition; later excavation, grading and construction remain separately assigned.
Related
Related services
Agree the handover between clearing and construction
| Stage | Boundary to record |
|---|---|
| Agreed clearing | Authorised vegetation, roots or debris removed; retained features identified |
| Excavation | Separate design, services information and accepted earthworks scope |
| Final grading or landscaping | Receiving contractor's levels, surface and completion requirements |
Required locates and private-service arrangements precede affected ground disturbance, including relevant root removal; they are not a task deferred until after clearing. Follow current Ontario locate guidance and the actual project requirements. Clearing completion does not establish that excavation or final construction can begin without the receiving team's review.