Expert Thinning & Land Clearing Services in the Willamette Valley & Portland Metro

Santiam Tree Service is your local partner for brush clearing, fire fuel reduction, and selective thinning in the Willamette Valley and Greater Portland area.

The Benefits of Professional Clearing

Clearing property requires more than just cutting trees—it demands expert planning. Whether managing rural acreage or an urban lot, we carefully navigate variables like existing structures, sidewalks, and ‘keeper’ trees. Unlike traditional logging, our specialized approach ensures your land is cleared safely, preserving both the ecosystem and your property value.

Fire Fuel Reduction

Overgrown underbrush is a significant fire hazard. Our thinning services create defensible space and reduce the fuel load, helping to protect your home and community during fire season.

Construction Preparation

If you are planning to build, we provide the clean slate you need, ensuring the ground is prepped and accessible for contractors.

Increased Property Value

A well-maintained, clear lot is not only more usable but also significantly more attractive to potential buyers.

Usable Space & Access

Overgrown vegetation limits how you can use your land. We clear invasive blackberry thickets and dense brush to reclaim your backyard, establish clear fence lines, or create recreational trails.

Our Tree Thinning & Land Clearing Process

On-Site Assessment

We identify which trees and vegetation should remain and which pose a hazard or obstruction.

Permit Assistance

Regulations vary significantly between the Portland Metro area and the Willamette Valley. We help you determine if a permit is required for your specific tree to ensure full compliance.

Selective Thinning & Underbrush Removal

We utilize specialized equipment to surgically remove unwanted vegetation, from heavy brush clearing to taking down hazardous trees.

Debris Management

We don’t leave a mess behind. Our team efficiently handles all debris removal, including chipping and hauling, leaving your property clean and ready for its next purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Invasive species like blackberries, Scotch broom, and poison oak are a major issue in Oregon. We use specialized equipment to cut these back to the ground. While clearing provides immediate access, we can also recommend maintenance plans to prevent them from taking over your property again.

Standard removal includes taking the tree down to a low stump (close to the ground). Complete stump grinding is an optional add-on service. We can grind the stump 4-6 inches below grade, allowing you to replant grass or a garden over the area.

 Selective thinning involves removing only specific hazardous, dead, or overcrowded trees while preserving healthy "keeper" trees and vegetation. This improves the health of your land and reduces fire risks without leaving the soil bare. Clear-cutting removes everything. We specialize in thinning that balances clearing with ecosystem health.

We prioritize low-impact clearing. Unlike standard logging operations, our equipment and methods are designed to maneuver around trees you want to keep without damaging their root systems. We are particularly careful in wet seasons to minimize soil compaction and rutting.

We offer full cleanup services. Depending on your preference and budget, we can chip the brush and spread it as mulch (which helps with erosion control), or we can haul the debris away completely for a clean, finished look. We discuss these options with you during your free estimate.

We're here to help.

We provide full tree removals, tree and hedge trimming, brush chipping, stump grinding, hazard tree removal, and more. Get a free estimate today!