Clearing trees

[Paul Ohlson]

I have just purchased a plot of land in a downtown area (with surrounding rural communities) that is starved for parking. I'd like to convert the land into a parking lot, but the land is full of trees that I need to clear. Anyone know of the most cost-effective way to do this? I'm trying to avoid/minimize/re-coop my clearing expenses. Will logging companies/tree service companies/landscaping companies clear the lot for free in exchange for keeping the wood and selling it as firewood or mulch? Should I have the clearing company split the logs and/or turn it into mulch and sell it myself in order to re-coop some of the cost of the clearing? Is there something else I could do? Advice from someone experienced with clearing properties would be most appreciated, although all suggestions are welcome.