Land Clearing Cost Calculator

Land clearing costs $1,000–$6,000 per acre depending on vegetation density. Brush clearing (shrubs, weeds) costs $1,000–$3,000/acre. Light clearing (small trees, moderate brush) runs $1,500–$4,000/acre. Heavy wooded clearing costs $2,500–$6,000/acre. Grading and leveling adds $1,000–$3,000/acre. A typical quarter-acre residential lot costs $250–$1,500 to clear. Add $500–$2,500 for tree removal and $300–$1,000 for debris hauling.

Key factors include: vegetation density (brush vs. heavy woods), lot size (larger lots get lower per-acre rates), terrain and slope (steep slopes cost 20–50% more), soil type (rocky soil increases costs), accessibility (limited equipment access raises prices), tree size and count (large trees cost $500–$2,500 each to remove), stump removal needs, debris disposal method, and local permit requirements. Urban areas typically cost more than rural due to tighter access and disposal regulations.

Brush clearing: 1–2 days per acre. Light clearing: 2–3 days per acre. Heavy wooded clearing: 3–7 days per acre. A quarter-acre residential lot typically takes 1–2 days. Equipment used affects speed: bulldozer and excavator clear fastest, while hand clearing is slowest. Factors that slow work: steep terrain, large trees, stump grinding, and wet soil conditions. Grading after clearing adds 1–2 days per acre.

Most jurisdictions require permits for land clearing, especially in urban and suburban areas. Permit costs range $50–$500. Common requirements: tree removal permits ($50–$200 per tree for protected species), grading permits ($200–$500 for significant earth movement), erosion control plans, and wetland setback compliance. Some areas have tree preservation ordinances requiring replacement plantings. Rural areas may have fewer requirements. Always check with your local planning department before starting.

DIY brush clearing is feasible for small areas. Rent a brush mower ($200–$400/day) or use a chainsaw ($200–$500 to buy). DIY saves 50–70% on labor. However, heavy clearing with large trees requires professional equipment: bulldozers ($300–$600/day), excavators ($400–$800/day), and specialized operators. Safety risks include falling trees, equipment accidents, and utility strikes. Call 811 to mark underground utilities before any digging. Professional clearing is recommended for areas larger than a quarter acre.

Standard land clearing includes: cutting and removing vegetation (brush, trees, shrubs), stump grinding or removal, hauling debris off-site, and basic grading. Premium services add: topsoil preservation, erosion control installation (silt fence, straw wattles), tree protection for trees to keep, and fine grading for construction-ready sites. Debris disposal methods: hauling to landfill ($300–$1,000), chipping on-site (included with some contractors), or burning (where permitted).

Clearing removes vegetation (trees, brush, stumps) from the land surface. Grading reshapes the land by moving soil to create a level or properly sloped surface. Most projects need both. Clearing comes first at $1,000–$6,000/acre, then grading at $1,000–$3,000/acre. Grading ensures proper drainage away from buildings (minimum 2% slope), creates level building pads, and prepares for construction, landscaping, or driveway installation.

Individual tree removal during land clearing costs $500–$2,500 per tree depending on size. Small trees (under 30 ft) cost $500–$1,000. Medium trees (30–60 ft) cost $1,000–$1,800. Large trees (60+ ft) cost $1,500–$2,500. Stump grinding adds $100–$400 per stump. Bulk clearing with many trees gets discounted rates. Some contractors include tree removal in the per-acre price for heavy clearing. Specialty trees near structures cost more due to rigging requirements.