"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Why You Should Always Get a Land Survey Before Clearing or Grading in Texas

One Bulldozer Can Cost You Thousands Without a Survey

In fast-growing areas like Houston, Tomball, Magnolia, and Pearland, landowners are eager to clear and grade property for development. But jumping into land clearing without a professional land survey can lead to boundary disputes, drainage problems, and unintended legal issues that stall your entire project.

At South Texas Surveying, we work with developers, landowners, and contractors to survey land before clearing or grading—saving time, money, and liability headaches later.

What Can Go Wrong Without a Survey?

Clearing or grading land without a survey can result in:

• Encroaching onto a neighbor’s property

• Violating setback requirements or easements

• Improper drainage that causes flooding

• Removing protected trees or damaging utility corridors

• Delays in permitting or city inspections

• Costly rework of site plans and infrastructure

These issues are avoidable—if you start with a professional survey.

What Type of Survey Do You Need Before Clearing or Grading?

✅ Boundary Survey

Verifies exact property lines, so crews don’t cross into neighboring parcels.

✅ Topographic Survey

Maps the elevation and surface features of the land—essential for grading, drainage planning, and future foundation work.

✅ Tree & Utility Surveys

Identify protected trees, utility lines, poles, and visible infrastructure to avoid fines and hazards.

✅ Platting Survey

Required if you’re subdividing the land or preparing it for development review.

Real-World Example: Avoiding a Drainage Disaster in Spring, TX

A property owner in Spring began clearing a 5-acre lot for a new home build. When the grading started, runoff began flowing onto a neighboring property, causing erosion and a formal complaint. We were called in after the fact and had to do a retroactive topo survey and help redesign the grading plan—costing the client thousands in delays.

Had a topographic survey been completed before clearing, the issue would have been prevented entirely.

Why Land Clearing Has Tighter Oversight in Texas

Cities like Houston, Pasadena, Pearland, and Conroe have enacted stricter permitting and drainage review processes. Even on smaller lots, you may be required to submit:

• A topographic survey

• A grading plan

• Drainage analysis

• Tree removal permits

Having a survey upfront helps ensure compliance and speeds up approval.

Who Needs a Survey Before Clearing or Grading?

• Homeowners prepping to build

• Builders and contractors

• Developers preparing subdivisions or commercial pads

• Property flippers improving curb appeal

• Land investors enhancing raw land for resale

Why Choose South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Fast, reliable turnaround

• ✅ Local knowledge of Houston-area floodplain and permitting rules

• ✅ Trusted by contractors, developers, and landowners across Texas

• ✅ Surveys tailored for clearing, grading, and future construction

• ✅ Licensed and experienced field crews covering Harris, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Fort Bend Counties

Before the first tree comes down or the first load of dirt moves, call South Texas Surveying. A quick, accurate survey will keep your land-clearing project compliant, efficient, and headache-free from day one.