Land Clearing Cost Guide
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Average Costs
- National Average: $3,150
- Typical Range: $500–$5,600 per acre
- Lightly Wooded: $500–$2,000 per acre
- Densely Wooded: $3,000–$5,600 per acre
Cost by Acre Size
| Acres | Light Clearing | Dense Clearing |
|-----------|---------------------|--------------------|
| 1 | $500–$2,000 | $3,600–$5,600 |
| 2 | $1,000–$4,000 | $7,200–$11,200 |
| 5 | $2,500–$10,000 | $18,000–$28,000 |
2. Key Cost Factors
- Labor Costs
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Professionals charge $110–$250 per hour, including debris removal.
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Tree Removal
- Lightly Wooded: $500–$2,000 per acre
- Heavily Wooded: $3,000–$5,600 per acre
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Per Tree: $700 for standing trees; $75–$150 for fallen trees
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Brush and Shrub Removal
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$20–$200 per acre for underbrush clearing
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Stump Removal
- Per Stump: $100–$150
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Stump Grinding Average: $320
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Forestry Mulching
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$400–$600 per acre: Includes cutting and mulching debris
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Rock Clearing
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$120–$150 per hour if specialized equipment is required
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Waste Removal
- Brush Burning: Free (if legal and safe)
- Dumpster Rentals:
- 10-yard: $200–$600
- 20-yard: $300–$700
- 40-yard: $350–$800
3. Additional Costs
- Grading and Leveling
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$1–$2 per sq. ft. or $2,100 average
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Permits
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Costs range from $200–$2,500 depending on the project scope
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Excavation
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$1,500–$5,100 for site preparation
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Land Survey
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Average $530, or $50–$500 per acre
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Soil Testing
- Basic: $110
- Geotechnical: Up to $3,000
4. DIY Land Clearing Costs
- Basic Tools: $30–$400 (e.g., gloves, rakes, small tools)
- Equipment Rentals:
- Bulldozers: $400–$1,200/day
- Excavators: $200–$500/day
Risks of DIY Clearing: Tree removal and stump grinding can be dangerous without proper equipment and expertise.
5. Location-Based Costs
| State | Average Cost |
|---------------|------------------|
| Colorado | $2,900 |
| Florida | $2,600 |
| Texas | $4,400 |
| Oregon | $2,200 |
| New York | $2,700 |
6. Money-Saving Tips
- Clear in Winter: Ground is stable, and trees are leafless.
- DIY Small Projects: Focus on brush or smaller shrubs.
- Bundle Services: Combine clearing, grading, and landscaping for discounts.
- Plan Around Large Trees: Remove smaller vegetation instead.
- Compare Quotes: Consult 3+ pros to find the best deal.
Land clearing prepares your property for projects like new construction or landscaping. Whether tackling a small patch or a dense forest, knowing your costs can save you money and time!
