Franklin Tree Specialists provides professional land clearing and grading in Herkimer, NY and nearby Mohawk Valley towns. Whether you’re opening space for a new build, reclaiming overgrown acreage, or preparing a driveway or pad, our fully insured local crew clears trees and brush, removes stumps and roots, and shapes the ground for proper drainage using low-impact methods that protect your property. We begin with a free onsite assessment to review access, utilities, soil conditions, slopes, and your project goals. From selective clearing to full lot clearing, we use careful techniques, ground protection mats where needed, and thorough debris management (chip on site or haul away). For grading, we establish correct pitch, build stable sub-bases, and finish with topsoil and seed so your project area is clean, safe, and ready for its next step.

Land Clearing & Grading

Land Clearing

• Lot clearing & site preparation

• Selective clearing (keep desired trees)

• Brush cutting & overgrowth removal

• Field & pasture reclamation

• Fence-line and property boundary clearing

• Trail, driveway & right-of-way clearing

• View clearing (pruning & removals)

• Debris chipping on site or haul-away

• Root and stump removal for build areas

Grading

• Rough grading for new construction

• Final grading for lawns & landscapes

• Driveway grading & resurfacing

• Pad grading for sheds, garages & additions

• Drainage grading (swales, re-pitching)

• Culvert and ditch shaping (where applicable)

• Topsoil installation & lawn prep

• Erosion-control best practices (as needed)

• Seed, straw, or hydroseed coordination

Choose selective clearing to preserve your best trees or full lot clearing when you need a clean slate. For grading, we focus on long-term stability and drainage—establishing the right slopes, compacting sub-bases, and finishing with topsoil and seed so your lawn ties in smoothly with driveways, patios, and future structures. We can coordinate private utility locating before work begins and provide photo documentation of progress if requested. When the job’s done, you’ll have a clean, build-ready site or lawn-ready finish without ruts or surprises.

Franklin Tree Specialists proudly serves homeowners, farms, and businesses across Herkimer, Ilion, Mohawk, Little Falls, Frankfort, Utica, New Hartford, Rome, Whitesboro, and surrounding communities within roughly a 40-mile radius. Ready to clear land, fix drainage, or prep for your next project? Request a free onsite estimate today or call (315) 717-7317 to schedule.