Underbrush Clearing
At Classic City Arborists, one of the services we're proud to offer is professional underbrush clearing. This incredibly important component of land maintenance is often overlooked, because most people consider it to be a purely aesthetic choice. If you don't mind the sight of cluttered underbrush, why pay someone to do something about it? But underbrush clearing has many benefits beyond just enhancing curve appeal.
What is underbrush?
Underbrush is defined as “shrubs, bushes, or small trees growing beneath large trees in a wood or forest.” That’s about as on-the-nose as it gets! In the arboreal world, underbrush extends to yards as well—if you’ve got some tall trees lining your fence and a tangled mass of bushes and vines and shoots growing beneath them, then you’ve got underbrush.
Why should you get rid of it?
We already mentioned the widely-accepted reason for clearing underbrush, which is purely aesthetic. Your yard will look much cleaner and neater without the mess, especially if you’re looking to sell your home! Clearing out underbrush is like getting a fresh haircut before a job interview. It can up your curb appeal and the value of your land.
But for those who don’t mind the visual of rampant undergrowth, there’s still plenty of reason to clear it out.
Spiders, Termites, and Snakes, Oh My!
One of the biggest selling points when it comes to underbrush clearing is the removal of pests. Twisting vines and thick, low-to-the-ground shrubbery is the ideal home for all kinds of creepy crawlies (think snakes, spiders, mice, ticks, and more). While that idea in and of itself isn’t necessarily off-putting, consider how close to your home your underbrush is. A family of mice living in the bushes outside could easily explore their surroundings and decide that your attic makes a much nicer nesting ground than the cold, dirty ground.
And we don’t have to tell you the kind of damage termites could do to your house—you definitely want to keep them as far away as possible!
In addition to running off the rodents and terrorizing the termites, clearing underbrush also reduces the chances of snakes and other bugs. Sitting on your back porch enjoying a glass of sweet tea in the evening is a lot more appealing when you aren't being eaten alive by mosquitoes, and having your kiddos run through the yard is a lot less scary when you’re not afraid of snakes lying in wait under every leaf.
Removing that coverage is a sure-fire way to reduce the chances of all kinds of infestations. If you build it, they will come, and if you tear it down, they will go!
Cut out the competition
Excessive undergrowth also poses a threat to the trees and plants you actually do want around. Your new crepe myrtle needs a lot of water as it establishes itself in your yard, and it might not make it if it has to fight overgrown shrubs and vines for nutrients. Underbrush can also crowd out your new flower bed or vegetable garden, even if it doesn’t seem like it’s close enough—remember to account for the roots, because they spread a lot farther than you think.
Getting the most out of your land
Another reason to clear underbrush from your property is that it actually makes that property usable. Whether you’d like to have a nice outdoor fire pit for the cooler fall evenings, or you have fur babies who would love the chance to run around through open spaces, clearing underbrush gives you much more real estate to work with. Our clients are often surprised by just how much backyard they actually have once it’s not all cluttered with overgrown foliage!
Weed out the wildfires
Though this might not apply here in the Athens area, where we aren’t prone to frequent wildfires, underbrush is always at some risk for them. In dry seasons or after long dry spells, that undergrowth is all but self-lighting tinder ready to burn, and that’s the last thing you want anywhere near your home or family.
Okay, I get it - but why can't I do it myself?
Even if you do accept that underbrush is worth the effort of clearing, most people don't understand why you have to hire a professional to do it. It seems like a pretty easy thing, after all - just get out there and chop away, and you're done! Why pay someone for that?
In reality, brush clearing is time-consuming, strenuous, and (especially here in the South) hot-and-sweaty hard work. Getting to the job often gets pushed by the wayside in favor of smaller, less-exhausting projects, which leads to rampant undergrowth that becomes even more overwhelming by the day. Calling your friendly neighborhood arborist is a great way to ensure the brush is actually cleared.
But more than that, clearing underbrush can be dangerous. All those pests we mentioned? They might already be nice and cozy in those tangled vines, and they won't be too happy when you disturb them. Our team of professionals is prepared to deal with whatever nature has to throw our way, and we have the property equipment and safety gear to ensure no one (not even the pests!) gets hurt.
If you're ready to get that underbrush cleared so you can start enjoying a pest-free, accessible, and beautiful yard, contact us today to get a free estimate!
