For dense, extensive infestations of hardy invasives like barberry, autumn olive, wineberry, multiflora rose, bamboo, kudzu, and more, a large clearing event is often an important first step of an invasive species management program. Specialized equipment is used to mow down invasives and pile or chip the debris.

Care is taken to preserve any desirable native species during clearing, and this type of project often entails a preliminary botanical survey to identify and mark any valuable vegetation. This type of clearing leaves the understory open and readily accessible and brings any invasive regrowth down to a manageable size for follow-up treatment.