Professional Lot & Land Clearing in Milford, MI
Fast, controlled clearing that protects your soil and prepares your land the right way
Professional Lot & Land Clearing Services
From overgrown backyards to full-scale property preparation
Whether you’re preparing a new home site, adding a pole barn, creating a pasture, building a pond, or simply reclaiming an overgrown backyard that’s been taken over by buckthorn and honeysuckle, we clear it fast, clean, and with minimal disturbance to the soil you want to keep.
Ivan’s Tree Services has cleared hundreds of acres across Southeast Michigan — from ¼-acre residential lots in Ann Arbor to 20+ acre parcels in Howell, Pinckney, and South Lyon.
We are fully licensed, insured for land clearing operations, and hold Michigan DEQ permits when required for wetland or drainage work.
We proudly serve Ann Arbor, Milford, Novi, South Lyon, Wixom, New Hudson, Southfield, Brighton, Pinckney, Howell, Plymouth, Commerce Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Northville, Walled Lake, Troy, Farmington Hills, Livonia, Dearborn, and Westland.
Our Equipment & Clearing Techniques
Professional machinery matched to each clearing objective
Using the right equipment ensures efficient clearing while protecting soil structure and surrounding areas.
Our equipment includes:
- Fecon & Diamond forestry mulchers on ASV RT-120 / Cat 299D3 track machines – mulches up to 14″ material in one pass
- Takeuchi TL12 with Denis Cimaf mulching head – for tighter areas
- Fecon Bull Hog on skid-steer – brush and saplings
- Cat 309CR mini-excavator with hydraulic thumb & shear – precise selective removal
- John Deere 333G with grapple – stacking logs or loading trucks
- Bandit 2890 whole-tree chipper – when you want everything chipped and hauled
- Tub grinders for massive brush piles if needed
What “Lot & Land Clearing” Actually Means at Ivan’s
We offer three main levels of clearing so you only pay for exactly what you need:
Brush Clearing & Mowing
(Understory Only)
Perfect for reclaiming neglected backyards or making properties show-ready for sale. We use skid-steers with forestry mower attachments or fecon heads to mow down brush, multiflora rose, autumn olive, honeysuckle, and small saplings up to 6–8″ diameter. Everything is mulched in place — no burning, no giant brush piles, no permits needed in most municipalities.
Selective Clearing
(Remove Invasives, Keep Desirables)
Most popular for wooded home sites. We hand crews with chainsaws plus forestry mulcher or mini-excavator with grapple/shear. We remove invasive species (common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, autumn olive, tree-of-heaven, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose) while preserving mature oaks, maples, hickories, and any trees you want to keep. We can GPS-mark keep trees in advance so nothing is accidentally removed.
Complete Clearing
(Everything Gone)
New construction or agricultural conversion. We remove all trees, brush, stumps, and surface roots. Options:
Traditional excavator + dozer push (fastest for large areas)
Forestry mulching only (leaves organic matter, no hauling, excellent erosion control)
Combination — mulch small material, merchantable logs sold or stacked for you, stumps ground or pushed
Service Details, Techniques & Special Situations
Soil protection, invasive control, and post-clearing options
Land clearing in Michigan requires special consideration for soil, invasive species, and future land use.
Why Forestry Mulching Is Usually the Best Choice in Michigan
Michigan has heavy clay soils that compact easily. Traditional clearing with dozers leaves ruts, removes topsoil, and creates erosion issues. Forestry mulching leaves a 3–6″ layer of organic mulch that:
- Prevents erosion on slopes
- Adds organic matter back to soil
- Suppresses future weed/invasive growth
- Allows immediate seeding or construction — no waiting for burn permits or debris removal
- Costs 20–40% less than traditional methods on most residential jobs
We’ve mulched over 200 acres in the last 3 years alone — we know Michigan soils and weather.
Invasive Species We Specialize In Removing
Southeast Michigan’s worst offenders:
- Common & Glossy Buckthorn – forms impenetrable thickets, kills native plants
- Autumn Olive & Russian Olive – nitrogen-fixers that destroy soil balance
- Tree-of-Heaven – releases allelopathic chemicals, hosts spotted lanternfly
- Oriental Bittersweet – strangles mature trees
- Multiflora Rose & Japanese Barberry – bird-dispersed, impossible to control without machinery
- Garlic Mustard & Phragmites – wetland invaders
We can treat cut stumps the same day with appropriate herbicides (if you want zero regrowth) or simply grind/mulch repeatedly for organic control.
Post-Clearing Site Options
After clearing we can:
- Stump grind remaining stumps
- Bring in screened topsoil and seed with Michigan-native or pasture mix
- Laser-grade for new construction or drainage
- Install silt fence or erosion control blanket
- Stack firewood or sell merchantable logs to offset your cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common concerns.
Do you need permits for land clearing in Washtenaw or Oakland County?
Sometimes for >1 acre or near wetlands. We check EGLE and local ordinances and handle paperwork if needed.
Can you clear in winter?
Yes — frozen ground is actually better. Less mud, no leaves = faster work and less damage.
Do you burn brush piles?
Only if required and permitted. 95% of our jobs are forestry mulched — no burning, no piles, no complaints from neighbors.
How long does it take to clear a 1-acre wooded lot?
Typically 2–4 days with mulching, depending on density.
Other Tree & Land Services We Offer
One team, full property solutions.
Our clients combine additional services for better results and savings.
Tree Removal
Safe removal of dead, diseased, dangerous, or unwanted trees using trained crews and professional equipment to protect your home and landscape.
Tree Trimming & Pruning
We improve the health, safety, and appearance of your trees with expert pruning that removes weak branches, shapes the canopy, and encourages strong growth.
Stump Grinding
Deep stump grinding eliminates tripping hazards, pests, and regrowth, leaving the area level and ready for new grass or landscaping.
Lot & Land Clearing
We clear brush, small trees, and overgrown areas efficiently to prepare your lot for building, fencing, or new landscaping projects.
Emergency Storm Damage
24/7 response for fallen trees and broken limbs. We secure the area, remove debris, and help you recover quickly after severe weather.
Tree Planting
Professional planting of the right trees in the right place, adding long-lasting shade, beauty, and value to your property.
Topsoil Delivery & Grading
Premium screened topsoil delivered and graded to fix low spots, improve drainage, and prepare garden beds or new lawns.
Mulch Delivery & Installation
Clean, attractive mulch installed around trees and beds to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and refresh the look of your landscape.
Grass Seeding & Lawn Restoration
We repair bare or damaged areas with proper soil preparation and seeding to create a thick, healthy lawn after tree work or construction.