Forestry Mulching in Lakeland, Florida

Central Polk County city between Tampa and Orlando. Named for its 38 lakes. Mix of urban, suburban, and agricultural.

6"
Popular Package
1-3
Days Typical
DBH
Selective Clearing
24hr
Quote Response

Service Area Coverage for Lakeland

We service all of Florida from our New Smyrna Beach yard. Transport cost is based on actual drive time at $153.35/hr round trip.

View Service Map

Land Clearing in Lakeland

Local Context

Growing city with development pressure. Former citrus groves being converted. Lake Wales Ridge scrub habitat in eastern Polk requires environmental awareness.

Recommended Package
6" DBH

Lakeland area flatwoods and former citrus land is typically suited to the 6" package.

Local Challenges

  • Lake Wales Ridge endangered species
  • Former citrus grove conversion
  • Phosphate mining area variable soils
  • Florida Panther corridor in eastern county

West Central Florida Vegetation

Tampa Bay - Tampa Bay area and Gulf Coast properties

Mesic Flatwoods

Most common landscape type across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties. SAW PALMETTO DOMINATED.

Mulching Note: Dense palmetto thickets. Multiple stems per plant, horizontal rhizomes. Saw palmetto is the LARGEST contributor to understory fuels.

Lake Wales Ridge Scrub

One of the oldest and most biologically significant scrub habitats in Florida. Extends through Polk and Highlands counties. Elevation 150-312 feet (Sugarloaf Mountain is highest point in peninsular Florida).

Mulching Note: Thick waxy leaves adapted to drought. 85%+ converted to citrus groves and housing. Remaining fragments highly protected.
⚠️ 21 federally listed plant species. Many endemic (found nowhere else on Earth). Survey required.

Citrus Grove Conversions

1980s freezes drove citrus south. Many former groves now available for development or restoration.

Mulching Note: Site prep for residential development or habitat restoration. Variable vegetation density.

Invasive Species in Lakeland

These invasive plants are common in West Central Florida. Forestry mulching is one of the most effective removal methods.

Brazilian Pepper

high severity

Extremely common throughout Tampa Bay region.

Treatment: Mulching highly effective.

Cogongrass

high severity

Spreading through the region, especially disturbed areas.

Treatment: Combined mulching and herbicide treatment.

Lakeland Areas We Serve

Auburndale
Eastern neighbor
Winter Haven
Chain of lakes
Mulberry
Phosphate country
Bartow
County seat
Lake Wales
Ridge scrub area

Don't see your area? We serve all of Lakeland and surrounding areas. Get a quote for your specific location.

Environmental Considerations in Lakeland

West Central Florida has specific environmental requirements. We're experienced navigating these regulations.

Gopher Tortoise

Very common throughout region

Hillsborough County wetland setback 30-50 feet.

Lake Wales Ridge Endemic Plants

Survey required in scrub habitat

Scrub blazing star, pygmy fringe-tree, Carter's mustard, bear grass - all protected.

Florida Scrub-Jay

Present in remaining scrub fragments

Polk County has multiple ridges with populations. No clearing during nesting season.

Florida Panther Corridor

Eastern Polk County consideration

Part of Florida Wildlife Corridor. May require additional review for large projects.

Popular Projects in Lakeland

🏡
Former citrus grove clearing
🚜
Residential development prep
🌳
Commercial site clearing
🔥
Palmetto reclamation

Selective Clearing Packages for Lakeland

DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) selective clearing lets you choose exactly what gets removed. Most Lakeland properties use the 6" package.

4"
Light Package

Brush & saplings

Best for: View enhancement, trail creation

POPULAR IN LAKELAND
6"
Standard Package

Most residential

Best for: Lot clearing, invasive removal

8"
Heavy Package

Dense vegetation

Best for: Pasture reclamation, site prep

10"
Maximum Package

Near-complete

Best for: Development clearing, restoration

Lakeland Forestry Mulching FAQs

What about Lake Wales Ridge properties?

Eastern Polk County sits on the Lake Wales Ridge, one of the most biologically significant scrub habitats in Florida. Properties may have 21 federally listed plant species. Surveys often required.

Is former citrus land common?

Yes, the 1980s freezes drove citrus south. Many former groves are now being developed or restored. Typical vegetation includes dead citrus, volunteer oaks, Brazilian pepper, and palmetto regrowth.

Lakeland Area Projects

CAT forestry mulching equipment working near Lakeland Florida

Professional Equipment

CAT Forestry Mulcher

Dense vegetation before forestry mulching near Lakeland
BEFORE
Cleared land with mulch after forestry mulching near Lakeland
AFTER
Completed forestry mulching project near Lakeland Florida

Finished Results

West Central Florida

Lakeland is located in Polk County

County Overview

Region: Central Florida
County Seat: Bartow
Population: 725,046
Terrain: I-4 corridor, Polk County Parkway growth, phosphate mining legacy

Local Vegetation

Common species in Polk:

Saw palmettoLive oakCitrusSand pineLongleaf pine

Soil Types: Sandy, Ancient phosphate, Sandy loam

Permits & Regulations in Polk

Permit Authority:

Polk County Land Development Division

Requirements:

Standard permits, reclamation areas may have restrictions

Wetland Considerations:

Moderate - many lakes, Peace River headwaters

Other Cities We Serve in Polk

Also Serving Nearby

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