A Look Inside
Before any construction project can begin, the land must be prepared—and that’s where Kinsley Construction’s clearing crew comes in. This team plays an important role in laying the groundwork for new infrastructure projects, from schools and roads to commercial developments and more. With specialized equipment and a focus on efficiency, sustainability and safety, our clearing crew ensures every project starts off on the right foot. Let’s take a closer look at the team, their process and the impact they make on our projects.
A Team Built for the Task
Our clearing operations consist of 11 employees. Under the leadership of General Superintendent Kyle Backenstoes and Superintendent Ryan Kessler, this group includes eight highly trained operators and a dedicated truck driver. Together, they execute each project with care, ensuring that clearing operations are carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.
Clearing the Way for Progress
So, what exactly does our clearing team do? Using specialized equipment like feller bunchers, excavators with grapple saws, log skidders, log loaders and more, we provide a range of land-clearing services for both small- and large-scale projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Our services include:
Forestry Mulching:
This eco-friendly process grinds underbrush and small trees into mulch, which is then redistributed onto the ground. By minimizing soil disturbance and controlling erosion, forestry mulching helps protect the environment and meet stringent regulatory requirements.
Timber Harvesting & Logging:
We carefully remove trees to make way for construction while maximizing the use of harvested timber. Logs are repurposed for lumber, paper production or biomass energy, ensuring that valuable materials don’t go to waste.
Custom Grinding Applications:
Instead of sending wood debris to landfills, we grind it into mulch or other reusable materials. This sustainable approach reduces disposal costs while providing useful byproducts for landscaping, erosion control and biomass fuel.
Stumping & Grubbing:
The removal of stumps, roots and buried organic material is crucial for site preparation. By eliminating obstructions, we create a stable foundation for grading, infrastructure installation and future construction, helping projects stay on schedule.
Sustainable Operations: A Commitment to the Environment
Clearing land can sometimes carry a negative perception, but at Kinsley Construction, we ensure that every clearing operation is as sustainable as possible. Rather than simply removing vegetation and trees, our team focuses on repurposing and recycling materials whenever possible. Many of the logs we harvest are sold to sawmills for reuse, while green waste—such as brush and limbs—is ground into mulch, either for sale or to be redistributed on-site to stabilize soil. Our approach prioritizes sustainability, helping reduce landfill waste and supporting responsible resource management.
Safety: Protecting Our Team on the Job
Logging and land clearing are among the most hazardous jobs in the construction industry, requiring heavy machinery, precise execution and awareness of environmental conditions. To reduce risks, we rely on mechanized felling applications that minimize the amount of time our employees spend on the ground using chainsaws. This not only increases efficiency but also significantly lowers the risk of injury from falling trees and other aerial hazards. Additionally, every member of our clearing crew undergoes rigorous in-house training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and efficiently.
Making Way for What’s Next
Our clearing crew may be one of the first teams on-site, but their impact lasts well beyond the initial phases of a project. With the right skills, equipment and focus on sustainability, they make sure every project starts on solid ground. From repurposing materials to prioritizing safety, this team does more than just clear land—they help lay the foundation for what’s next. Thanks to their hard work, we’re able to turn sites into new opportunities and keep projects moving forward.
