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
  • Professionals charge $110–$250 per hour, including debris removal.

  • Tree Removal

  • Lightly Wooded: $500–$2,000 per acre
  • Heavily Wooded: $3,000–$5,600 per acre
  • Per Tree: $700 for standing trees; $75–$150 for fallen trees

  • Brush and Shrub Removal

  • $20–$200 per acre for underbrush clearing

  • Stump Removal

  • Per Stump: $100–$150
  • Stump Grinding Average: $320

  • Forestry Mulching

  • $400–$600 per acre: Includes cutting and mulching debris

  • Rock Clearing

  • $120–$150 per hour if specialized equipment is required

  • 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
  • $1–$2 per sq. ft. or $2,100 average

  • Permits

  • Costs range from $200–$2,500 depending on the project scope

  • Excavation

  • $1,500–$5,100 for site preparation

  • Land Survey

  • Average $530, or $50–$500 per acre

  • 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!


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