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What is Right of Way Clearing?

Right-of-way (ROW) clearing is the foundational process that allows for the safe development and maintenance of crucial infrastructure. Whether it’s the network of pipelines that deliver essential resources, the power lines that bring electricity to our homes, or the communication cables that keep us connected, ROW clearing creates accessible pathways for their installation, inspection, and repair.

This process involves the careful removal of obstacles that could hinder progress or cause safety hazards. This often includes trees, dense brush, rocks, debris, and even occasionally, existing structures.

We here at Franky’s Excavation have years of experience with ROW clearing, alongside Land Clearing, and below, we’ve compiled a broad overview of what ROW clearing is to give you an understanding of the basics involved. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Safety is the priority. ROW clearing establishes safe conditions for work crews and protects surrounding communities from hazards that could arise from overgrown or obstructed areas.
 
  • Vegetation poses risks. Overgrown trees and brush can lead to fires, downed power lines, damaged pipelines, and limited access to essential maintenance.
 
  • Sustainability is key. Responsible ROW clearing prioritizes eco-friendly practices, balancing project needs with environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Practices in ROW Clearing

Franky’s Excavation is dedicated to sustainable ROW clearing. We understand that protecting the Pacific Northwest environment is as important as the infrastructure we help build. Here’s how we put this commitment into practice:

  • Selective Clearing: We analyze the existing vegetation very carefully, removing only what directly impedes the project while preserving healthy trees and minimizing ecosystem disruption.
 
  • Protecting Wildlife: By listening to environmental specialists, we identify critical habitats and take proactive measures to protect native animals during clearing operations.
 
  • Recycling & Repurposing: We actively seek ways to repurpose cleared materials—turning wood into mulch, using biomass for renewable energy, or finding other beneficial uses.
 
  • Erosion Control: We safeguard nearby waterways by utilizing proven erosion control strategies that prevent soil runoff and sedimentation.
 
  • Native Plantings: In the proper areas, we promote the restoration of the natural ecosystem by reseeding with native plant species, ensuring the long-term health of the area.
 
What is Right of Way Clearing?​

Benefits of Right of Way Clearing in Washington

Here’s why infrastructure projects of all sizes choose Franky’s Excavation for their ROW clearing needs:

  • Safety is Paramount: Your property, our hardworking crew, and the surrounding community remain safe throughout the entire process.
 
  • Practical and Reliable: We complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner, minimizing disruption to your project timeline.
 
  • Cost-Effective Solutions: Avoid the delays, extra expenses, and potential long-term problems associated with improper clearing or attempting to tackle ROW clearing as a DIY project.
 
  • Environmental Stewardship: Our commitment to sustainable practices means you can meet your project requirements responsibly, protecting the Pacific Northwest for years to come.

Equipment for Right of Way Clearing

Equipment for Right of Way Clearing

Franky’s Excavation uses a range of well-maintained equipment to tackle ROW clearing projects safely and effectively:

  • Skid Steers: Masters of maneuverability, perfect for brush clearing, light excavation, and material handling in tighter spaces.
 
  • Excavators: Equipped with attachments like grapples, saws, and mulching heads, excavators handle various sizes of trees, brush, and debris removal.
 
  • Bulldozers: For large-scale projects requiring significant clearing and site preparation, we deploy powerful bulldozers for the task.
 
  • Chippers and Grinders: Transforming vegetation into mulch or other reusable resources, reducing the amount of material needing transport or disposal.
 
  • Trucks and Trailers: Essential for hauling materials, keeping the job site clear, and allowing for efficient transport to recycling, disposal, or re-use facilities.
 

Techniques for Right of Way Clearing for Washington

Techniques for Right of Way Clearing

Franky’s Excavation employs a variety of techniques to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious ROW clearing. Here are some of the most common methods:

  • Mechanical Clearing: This involves using heavy machinery like excavators with specialized attachments, bulldozers, and skid steers. Mechanical clearing is highly efficient for large projects or areas with dense vegetation.
 
  • Mulching: Specialized machines with rotating drums fragment trees and brush into smaller pieces. Mulching offers a faster alternative to traditional removal and the resulting mulch can be left on-site to reduce erosion and promote nutrient recycling.
 
  • Hand Clearing: For smaller sites or areas with sensitive environmental features, Hand Clearing is often the preferred method. This involves using chainsaws, brush cutters, and manual tools, allowing for more selective clearing.
 
  • Chemical Clearing: In certain situations, herbicides may be used to control vegetation growth or suppress targeted plants. This approach requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations to ensure environmental safety.
 

The Right Technique for the Job

Franky’s Excavation carefully selects the most appropriate ROW clearing techniques based on several factors:

  • Project Scope: The size of the area and the type of infrastructure being installed play a significant role in determining the right approach.

  • Vegetation Density: The thickness and type of vegetation will influence whether heavy machinery, hand tools, or a combination of methods is best.

  • Terrain: Steep slopes or inaccessible areas may call for specialized techniques or equipment.

  • Environmental Considerations: The presence of sensitive habitats, waterways, or protected species will require careful technique selection to minimize impact.

Why Franky's Excavation is your #1 Choice for ROW Clearing

With years of serving the Tacoma Area, Franky’s Excavation is here to help. We’re committed to quality work, transparent communication, and fair pricing. We also offer a range of other excavation services:

  • Hardscaping
  • Landscaping
  • Irrigation
  • Pool & Foundation Dig outs
  • French Drains & Flood Mitigation
  • Trenching
  • Limited Access Projects
  • Land Clearing
  • Property Maintenance
  • Retaining Walls
 

Ready to get started? Contact Us at Franky’s Excavation for a FREE quote on your Right-of-Way clearing project. Let’s make your infrastructure goals a reality!

You can get ahold of us by Phone at (253)335-4673

Or our Email here: Frankysexcavation@gmail.com

FAQ: Understanding Right of Way Clearing

ROW clearing is removing trees, brush, rocks, and other obstacles from a designated path to make room for installing or maintaining essential infrastructure like pipelines, power lines, and communication cables.

ROW clearing is removing trees, brush, rocks, and other obstacles from a designated path to make room for installing or maintaining essential infrastructure like pipelines, power lines, and communication cables.

  • Safety: Clearing keeps areas near power lines clear, preventing fires and electrical hazards. It also makes workspaces safe for crews to do their jobs.
  • Infrastructure Protection: Vegetation can damage underground pipelines and power lines over time. Clearing helps prevent costly repairs and service disruptions.
  • Ease of Access: A clear ROW ensures crews can quickly reach what they need for maintenance or emergencies, minimizing service outages for the community.

Not always! Responsible companies prioritize eco-friendly practices. This includes:

  • Selective Clearing: Only removing the vegetation absolutely necessary.
  • Protecting Wildlife: Working with specialists to identify and protect sensitive habitats.
  • Recycling/Repurposing: Finding uses for cleared materials, like turning wood into mulch.
  • Mechanical clearing: Uses heavy machinery like excavators and bulldozers for efficiency.
  • Hand clearing: Chainsaws and manual tools for precision or sensitive areas.
  • Mulching: Machines that shred vegetation into mulch, helpful for erosion control.
  • Chemical clearing: Herbicides may be used in specific cases, with strict regulations.