Frequently Asked Questions

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Food plots can create significant value for property owners in several ways: 

1. Enhanced Wildlife Attraction 

• Increased Wildlife Presence: Food plots attract a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and other game animals, making the property more appealing for hunting and wildlife viewing 
• Improved Habitat: By providing a reliable food source, food plots enhance the overall habitat quality, supporting healthier and more diverse wildlife populations 

2. Increased Property Value 

• Higher Lease Rates: Properties with well-maintained food plots can command higher lease rates for hunting and recreational activities 
• Market Appeal: Enhanced wildlife presence and improved land aesthetics can increase the market value of the property 

3. Soil Health and Erosion Control 

• Soil Improvement: Food plots can improve soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients, promoting better plant growth 
• Erosion Prevention: Strategically placed food plots can help control soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with vegetation 

4. Recreational Opportunities 

• Hunting and Viewing: Food plots create prime locations for hunting and wildlife viewing, providing recreational opportunities for property owners and guests 
• Family Activities: They offer a space for family and friends to engage in outdoor activities, fostering a connection with nature 

5. Conservation Benefits 

• Biodiversity Support: By planting a variety of crops, food plots support a diverse range of wildlife species, contributing to conservation efforts 
• Sustainable Land Use: Implementing food plots promotes sustainable land management practices that benefit the environment 

We travel the State of Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.  Please note a mobilization or onsite initial consult charge may apply depending on distance.    

Here are some common misconceptions about food plots and the reality behind them:

1. Food Plots Are Only for Hunting 

• Misconception: Food plots are solely for attracting game animals for hunting. 
• Reality: While food plots do attract game animals, they also support a diverse range of wildlife, improve soil health, and enhance the overall ecosystem. 

2. Food Plots Require Large Areas 

• Misconception: You need a large area to establish a food plot. 
• Reality: Food plots can be created in various sizes, from small garden plots to larger fields, depending on the property owner's goals and available space. 

3. Food Plots Are Expensive to Maintain 

• Misconception: Maintaining food plots is costly and labor-intensive. 
• Reality: With proper planning and management, food plots can be maintained efficiently and cost-effectively, especially when using sustainable practices. 

4. Food Plots Are Harmful to the Environment 

• Misconception: Food plots negatively impact the environment. 
• Reality: When managed sustainably, food plots can enhance soil health, prevent erosion, and support local wildlife, contributing positively to the environment. 

5. Food Plots Are Only for Rural Areas 

• Misconception: Food plots are only suitable for rural properties. 
• Reality: Food plots can be established in suburban and even urban areas, providing benefits such as improved aesthetics and wildlife attraction. 

6. Food Plots Are Difficult to Establish 

• Misconception: Creating a food plot is a complicated and difficult process. 
• Reality: With the right guidance and equipment, establishing a food plot can be straightforward and rewarding. 

7. Food Plots Attract Pests 

• Misconception: Food plots will attract unwanted pests to the property. 
• Reality: Properly managed food plots attract beneficial wildlife and can be designed to minimize pest issues. 

Using experienced forestry mulching equipment and operators offers several advantages: 

1. Efficiency and Speed 

• Faster Clearing: Experienced operators can clear land more quickly and efficiently, reducing project timelines. 
• Optimal Equipment Use: Skilled operators know how to maximize the capabilities of advanced mulching equipment, ensuring effective land clearing. 

2. Quality Results 

• Precision: Experienced operators can achieve precise results, ensuring that the land is cleared according to the client's specifications. 
• Consistent Performance: With expertise, operators can maintain consistent quality throughout the project. 

3. Environmental Benefits 

• Sustainable Practices: Knowledgeable operators use techniques that minimize environmental impact, promoting soil health and reducing erosion. 
• Wildlife Preservation: Experienced operators can implement methods that protect and enhance local wildlife habitats. 

4. Safety 

• Reduced Risk: Skilled operators are trained to handle equipment safely, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to the property. 
• Compliance: They ensure that all safety regulations and guidelines are followed, protecting both the operators and the property owners. 

5. Cost-Effectiveness 

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Efficient land clearing reduces the need for frequent maintenance, saving money in the long run. 
• Avoiding Mistakes: Experienced operators are less likely to make costly mistakes, ensuring the project stays within budget. 

6. Expertise and Advice 

• Professional Guidance: Experienced operators can provide valuable advice on land management practices and help clients make informed decisions. 
• Problem Solving: They can quickly identify and address any issues that arise during the project, ensuring smooth progress. 

Mulching can be highly beneficial for a variety of projects. Here are some types of projects that benefit most from mulching:  

1. Land Clearing and Site Preparation 

• Efficient Clearing: Forestry mulching is ideal for clearing land quickly and efficiently, making it ready for construction or landscaping 
• Debris Management: Mulching helps manage debris by converting it into useful mulch, reducing waste 

2. Erosion Control 

• Soil Stabilization: Mulching helps stabilize soil, preventing erosion on slopes and disturbed areas 
• Water Retention: It improves water retention in the soil, reducing runoff and promoting healthier plant growth 

3. Habitat Restoration 

• Wildlife Habitat: Mulching can enhance habitats for wildlife by providing cover and promoting the growth of native plants 
• Invasive Species Control: It helps control invasive species, allowing native vegetation to thrive 

4. Agricultural Projects 

• Crop Protection: Mulching protects crops from extreme temperatures and conserves soil moisture 
• Weed Suppression: It suppresses weed growth, reducing the need for chemical herbicides 

5. Landscaping and Gardening 

• Aesthetic Improvement: Mulching improves the appearance of gardens and landscapes by providing a clean, uniform look 
• Soil Health: It enhances soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients as it decomposes 

6. Forestry Management 

• Forest Health: Mulching helps manage forest health by reducing underbrush and promoting the growth of healthy tree 
• Fire Prevention: It reduces the risk of wildfires by clearing flammable vegetation 

7. Urban and Suburban Projects 

• Green Spaces: Mulching is used in urban and suburban green spaces to improve soil quality and support plant growth 
• Community Gardens: It benefits community gardens by enhancing soil fertility and moisture retention

Land clearing costs fluctuate significantly and depend on a variety of factors. At a minimum, you should expect to pay around $500 for a basic clearing job, like removing brush to build a home patio. A very large piece of land with varied terrain and debris may cost tens of thousands of dollars to clear. The national average to clear a plot of land for a private home is currently approximately $5,000. There are several key factors to consider when estimating your land clearing cost.

Size of Land

It is a no-brainer that the larger your plot of land, the more it will cost to clear. The national average cost for a basic clearing job is around:

· $2.00 per square foot

· $2,000 per quarter for a of an acre (~11,000 feet) National Average

The number of personnel needed to clear your land and the end results you desire will be a determining factor in the project’s final cost. A larger plot will either take longer or will require more personnel to clear. Certain equipment may also require specialized personnel. To hire one extra worker may add at least an additional several hundred dollars to your project’s overall cost.

Type of Land

The type of terrain being cleared will contribute to the cost. A flat piece of land will be less expensive to clear than an uneven or hilly piece of land. If your land is hilly and you plan to construct a building, you will probably have to pay extra for “grading” or flattening the land for construction. The national average grading cost is as high as $12,000 per acre, and the type of land being graded can increase the cost even further.

Debris

The kind of debris, which can include trees, brush, rocks, and manmade material, and how much of it there is on your property can significantly impact the cost of land clearing services. For example, the average cost of removing one tree can be as high as $1000. The difficulty of cutting or breaking down the debris and removing it has a direct bearing on the cost and can vary by the following:

· Brush – Removal or Burning?

· Few trees – How old are they and how big?

· Wooded areas –

· Rocks – No equipment, no matter how good, likes rocks – we are experienced in Driftless regions and this requires special expertise

· Evasive Species – additional measures might be required

Debris type will also determine the kind of equipment the workers will use for removal and disposal. Equipment rental costs can vary widely:

· Rock drills –

· Bulldozer –

· Dump Truck –

WLS goal is to be transparent with our customers in pricing and what goes into your specific job. We pride ourselves on having a valuable upfront discussion and meeting to ensure we understand your expectations and provide you with an accurate estimate.

Action Photo in woods

Debris Disposal

Debris disposal can add at least several hundred dollars to the total cost of your clearing services. Some debris may be buried or burned on the property, but other waste may have to be transported to a landfill, which may incur added costs. One of the cheaper ways to dispose of trees and brush is to pulverize them using a mulcher. Mulching can cost up to $475 per acre. It may also be possible to sell trees, but that will depend on the availability of companies looking to buy lumber in your area. It is important to note disposal regulations in your area, including for any man-made debris, which may have to be disposed of at a specialized facility.

Local Laws and Regulations

There might be laws and regulations in place for safety and environmental reasons that guide or restrict land clearing services in your area. Permits may be required and can vary in price, adding $50 – $500 or more to your project’s total. You can be fined even if you unknowingly break the law. However, one benefit of hiring a clearing service is that the professionals typically know the local laws and will obtain any necessary permits.

Time of Year

While the timing of your land clearing project may not dramatically change the overall cost, weather conditions can have some impact on the cost of clearing services in general. For instance, if you are looking to clear a piece of land in summer, in the middle of growth season, your costs are likely to be higher compared to the same service during the offseason. If your project is not time-sensitive, it is worth considering whether the time of year you choose to start your project will impact the cost.

Wild -Rustic- UTV trails - Groomed – Walking trails

Ala Cart options

Bundling services can be a great way to offer value to your clients while addressing different needs. Here are three different service bundles you could offer:

1. Comprehensive Land Management Bundle

Ideal for property owners looking for full-service land management.

· Land Clearing: Forestry mulching and brush removal.

· Site Preparation: Excavation and grading.

· Vegetation Control: Managing invasive species and promoting healthy plant growth.

· Wildlife Restoration: Enhancing habitats and implementing erosion control.

2. Wildlife Enhancement Bundle

Perfect for property owners interested in attracting and supporting local wildlife.

· Habitat Creation: Establishing food plots and enhancing natural habitats.

· Erosion Control: Techniques to prevent soil erosion and protect wildlife areas.

· Vegetation Management: Promoting the growth of native plants and controlling invasive species.

· Wildlife Monitoring: Regular assessments to track wildlife presence and health.

3. Site Development Bundle

Designed for property owners preparing land for construction or agricultural use.

· Land Clearing: Efficient forestry mulching and debris management.

· Excavation: Preparing the site for building foundations or agricultural projects.

· Grading: Ensuring proper drainage and foundation stability.

· Soil Health Improvement: Enhancing soil quality for construction or crop growth.