Land Clearing, Excavation & Forestry Mulching in Richmond, VA
R.L. Elliott Enterprises Inc. is proud to serve Richmond, Virginia with professional land clearing, forestry mulching, excavation, logging, and tub grinding services. As a Class A licensed contractor headquartered in nearby Ashland, VA, we’ve been serving Richmond-area homeowners, builders, and developers for over 35 years.
Whether you need a residential lot cleared in the West End, excavation for a new development in the Southside, or forestry mulching on a rural property in eastern Henrico, R.L. Elliott has the experience, equipment, and local knowledge to get the job done right.
Our Services in Richmond, VA
Land Clearing
Complete tree, stump, and brush removal for residential lots, commercial properties, and large-scale development sites throughout the City of Richmond and surrounding areas.
Learn More →Forestry Mulching
Eco-friendly vegetation clearing for overgrown properties, trail creation, fence line clearing, and right-of-way maintenance. One machine grinds everything into mulch on-site — no hauling, no burning, minimal soil disturbance.
Learn More →Excavation & Grading
Foundation excavation, site grading, utility trenching, drainage solutions, and driveway construction for Richmond’s residential and commercial construction projects.
Learn More →Logging & Timber Sales
Timber harvesting, selective cutting, and on-site wood processing for Richmond-area landowners with marketable timber. Free timber assessments to determine if your trees have value before clearing begins.
Learn More →Tub Grinding & Mulch
High-volume wood and debris grinding for land clearing projects, storm cleanup, and commercial mulch production. Contract grinding available for Richmond-area contractors and municipalities.
Learn More →Richmond, VA Permits & Regulations
The City of Richmond and surrounding counties have specific requirements for land clearing projects:
- City of Richmond — Land disturbance permits required for projects disturbing 2,500 square feet or more. This is one of the strictest thresholds in the region
- Henrico County — Permits required for 2,500+ sq ft disturbance, plus tree removal permits may be required in zoned residential areas
- Chesterfield County — Similar land disturbance requirements with erosion and sediment control plans
- Erosion & sediment control — Required for most land-disturbing activities across all Richmond-area jurisdictions
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas — Properties near the James River, its tributaries, and local streams fall under additional buffer regulations
R.L. Elliott Enterprises navigates Richmond-area permitting requirements as part of our service. We’ve worked across every jurisdiction in the metro area for 35+ years and know the process inside and out.
Typical Land Clearing Costs in Richmond, VA
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Residential lot clearing (light vegetation) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Residential lot clearing (heavy forest, clear & grub) | $5,000 – $12,000+ |
| Per-acre clearing (light vegetation) | $1,500 – $3,000/acre |
| Per-acre clear & grub (heavy forest) | $5,000 – $12,000+/acre |
| Forestry mulching | $1,200 – $3,500/acre |
| Excavation/grading (residential) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Stump removal | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Exact pricing depends on vegetation density, tree sizes, terrain, accessibility, and project scope. We provide free on-site estimates for all Richmond-area projects. Read our complete Virginia land clearing cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Why Richmond Chooses R.L. Elliott Enterprises
Richmond’s diverse landscape — from dense urban lots to sprawling rural acreage — demands a contractor with versatile capabilities:
- Local expertise since 1989 — We know Richmond’s soil conditions, permitting requirements, and seasonal considerations inside and out
- Class A contractor’s license — Virginia’s highest level, qualifying us for projects of any size in the City of Richmond and throughout the metro area
- SWAM certified — Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned business certification
- Full-service capabilities — Land clearing, excavation, logging, and grinding under one contractor. No coordinating between multiple companies
- Full equipment fleet — Excavators, bulldozers, forestry mulchers, and grinders. Reliable availability and competitive pricing
- Established relationships — We work with Richmond-area builders, developers, real estate professionals, and utility companies every day
Areas We Serve in Richmond
Our Richmond service area includes the City of Richmond and all surrounding communities:
- City of Richmond (all neighborhoods)
- West End
- Southside
- Short Pump & Glen Allen
- Midlothian & Bon Air
- Hanover County
- Mechanicsville
- Ashland
Frequently Asked Questions — Richmond, VA
Do I need a permit to clear land in Richmond?
The City of Richmond requires land disturbance permits for clearing that disturbs more than 2,500 square feet — one of the lowest thresholds in the region. Henrico County and Chesterfield County have similar requirements. We help our clients navigate local permitting requirements as part of our service.
How much does land clearing cost in Richmond?
Residential lot clearing in Richmond typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 for light vegetation, and $5,000 to $12,000+ for full clear-and-grub on heavily wooded lots. Large-scale commercial clearing runs $5,000 to $12,000+ per acre. Forestry mulching is more affordable at $1,200 to $3,500 per acre for lighter vegetation. Read our complete cost guide or call for a free estimate.
How quickly can you start a project in Richmond?
We typically begin within 1-2 weeks of signing a contract for standard projects. Our Ashland headquarters is just 20 minutes north of Richmond on I-95, so mobilization is fast. Emergency storm damage response is available with shorter notice.
Do you provide free estimates in Richmond?
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation on-site estimates for all projects in the Richmond metro area. We’ll walk your property, assess the work needed, and provide a detailed written quote. Call (804) 550-1761 or request a quote online.
Can you clear both residential and commercial properties in Richmond?
Absolutely. Our Class A Contractor’s License qualifies us for projects of any size — from a quarter-acre residential lot to a 100+ acre commercial development. We handle residential clearing and commercial clearing with the same equipment fleet and experienced crews.
Get a Free Estimate in Richmond, VA
R.L. Elliott Enterprises — Richmond’s trusted land clearing and excavation contractor since 1989. Class A licensed, SWAM certified, fully insured.
Call (804) 550-1761 Request a Quote
R.L. Elliott Enterprises Inc. • 10291 Kings Acres Road, Ashland, VA 23005 • Serving Richmond Since 1989