The Lake Wales Ridge runs through the heart of the county, supporting globally rare sand scrub ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Deep sandy ridges alternate with lake-dotted lowlands, flatwoods, and the remnants of once-vast citrus groves. TreeShop LLC provides professional land clearing, forestry mulching, and site preparation across Highlands County — serving Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid, Venus, Lorida.
Citrus grove clearing and conversion as the industry contracts, residential lot preparation in Sebring and Lake Placid, ranch pasture reclamation in the western lowlands, hunting property management on large tracts, homesite preparation on lakefront parcels, and sand mine reclamation projects on depleted ridge sites.
Forestry mulcher heads grind trees, brush, and woody vegetation up to 8 inches in diameter. Mulch stays on-site as ground cover — no hauling, no burning.
Full-scale clearing with excavators and track loaders. Standard full loadout at $5,000/day, finish and detail work at $2,875/day. Complete site preparation for construction or development.
High-capacity rotary mowing for overgrown fields, pastures, and grassy lots. Ideal for tall grass, weeds, and light brush that doesn't require forestry mulching equipment.
Below-grade stump removal for build-ready or landscape-ready sites. $450 minimum per visit. Most stumps take 15-30 minutes depending on size and root structure.
Quarterly to annual regrowth control for previously cleared properties. Scheduled return visits with forestry mulching or mowing equipment to protect your clearing investment.
Targeted removal of Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, Australian pine, and other invasive vegetation. Selective clearing that preserves desirable native trees and landscape.
Restore overgrown pasture and agricultural land to productive use. Mulch the overgrowth, grind stumps at grade, and leave a surface ready for seeding or fencing.
Site grading, drainage swales, retention areas, foundation prep, driveway cuts, and earth moving. Proper water management for Florida's flat terrain and high water table.
Complete removal of land clearing debris through hauling, on-site burning, chipping, or grinding. We handle the full lifecycle — clear the land, then clean it up.
The Lake Wales Ridge runs through the heart of the county, supporting globally rare sand scrub ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Deep sandy ridges alternate with lake-dotted lowlands, flatwoods, and the remnants of once-vast citrus groves. Western areas transition to cattle ranch and wet prairie connected to the Kissimmee River basin. Highlands Hammock State Park preserves ancient hardwood hammock with champion-sized trees.
Citrus greening disease continues to decimate remaining groves, creating thousands of acres needing clearing or conversion. Sebring and Lake Placid attract retirees seeking affordable lakefront living, driving steady residential clearing demand. The cattle industry in western Highlands requires ongoing pasture maintenance. Solar energy companies are evaluating former citrus land for utility-scale installations. Archbold Biological Station's prescribed burn programs occasionally require firebreak clearing on adjacent private lands.
The Lake Wales Ridge harbors the highest concentration of rare and endangered plant species of any region in the continental United States. Archbold Biological Station conducts internationally recognized research on scrub ecology and provides scientific oversight that influences land management countywide. Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida's original state parks, protects virgin hardwood hammock and cypress swamp. The Florida scrub jay -- a species found only in Florida -- has critical habitat designations scattered across ridge parcels. Any clearing on sandy ridge soils almost certainly triggers listed species surveys.
Soil: Archbold fine sand -- the signature soil of the Lake Wales Ridge -- is excessively well-drained, nutrient-poor, and supports the endemic scrub vegetation that makes this region globally significant. Astatula and Tavares fine sands occupy other ridge positions. Lower elevations feature poorly drained Myakka and Immokalee fine sands typical of flatwoods. Placid and Samsula muck soils occur in lake margins and depressional wetlands. Former citrus lands sit primarily on Candler and Lake fine sands with good internal drainage.
Get a free on-site estimate from TreeShop LLC. Owner Jeremiah Anderson will walk your property and provide transparent T&M pricing for your project.
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Highlands County enforces moderate tree regulations, but the real permitting complexity comes from state and federal listed species protections on the Lake Wales Ridge. Parcels with scrub habitat require FWC-coordinated scrub jay surveys during breeding season (March-June), and positive findings can mandate habitat conservation plans or mitigation bank credits. Sand skink and mole skink surveys add additional requirements on deep sand ridge properties. Gopher tortoise relocation permits are standard across most upland sites. Properties near Archbold Biological Station face heightened scrutiny. Former citrus grove sites generally have fewer species concerns but may require Phase I environmental assessments if pesticide history is uncertain.
Land clearing services in Highlands County