Cost to clear & prep land in Nor Cal Sierra region?

[we5inelgr]

Hi all,

We're looking for property in the Sierra AVA to grow a vineyard, and most options that are in our (low) price range would require at least some moderate clearing of brush and some pines/oaks.

Anyone have a recommendation for a company that would be able to 1)Clear the brush/trees (including stump removal) and possibly 2) Rip or disk the soil in prep for planting?

Any idea of what an "average" cost per acre would be for such services?

Thanks!

 

[mgmarty]

That's a great question! I would probably post on the "commercial winery" as well. Good luck!

 

[Sage]

You don't mention the size of the trees. If big enough, a logger will clear it for you. If they're small, buy a used excavator and learn to run it. Sell it when you're done!!

 

[sour_grapes]

The Oregon Wine Research Institute (which is part of OSU) has a lot of resources/information for people contemplating starting a vineyard. Obviously, you are not in Oregon, but (1) a lot of the info will overlap, and (2) maybe one of Cali's ag schools or extensions has similar information specific to your area.

On the OWRI's site, I was thinking of documents like this:
Vineyard Economics: Establishing and Producing Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Grapes in Eastern Oregon, which is found (with some other similar documents) on this page: http://owri.oregonstate.edu/content/extension-information

 

[CheerfulHeart]

Fresno State University is a good source of information too.

 

[we5inelgr]

Thanks, all, for the replies.

FWIW, we've since contacted a few tree service company's in the area and only one has responded...saying they would charge $1,800 per day (4 guys + a large chipper truck).

Not sure I like the "per day" price, as that doesn't give them much incentive to remove as much as they can. A per tree price would be better. I realize there are variables involved, but a general idea would be nice...say per 30-40' tree, etc.

I graduated from Fresno State (years ago), BioChem. Had a look at the Fresno State web site and they don't have a whole lot of info there (many pages under construction).