Land Clearing Cost Guide (2026)
How much does land clearing cost? The national average is $1,500–$5,000 per acre, but price varies widely by vegetation, method, terrain, and region.
Quick cost summary
$500–$2,000
Light brush per acre
$1,500–$5,000
Mixed vegetation per acre
$3,000–$8,000+
Heavy timber per acre
Forestry mulching: $150–$500/hr. Stump grinding: $150–$400 per stump.
Cost by vegetation type
Vegetation density is the single biggest cost driver. A lightly brushed 5-acre lot clears very differently than 5 acres of heavy timber.
| Vegetation type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Light brush & grass | $200–$800 per acre |
| Moderate brush & saplings (under 3") | $800–$2,000 per acre |
| Heavy brush & small trees (3–6") | $1,500–$3,500 per acre |
| Mixed trees (6–12" diameter) | $2,500–$5,000 per acre |
| Heavy timber (12"+ diameter) | $4,000–$8,000 per acre |
| Cleared land with stumps only | $150–$400 per stump |
Cost by method
Different clearing methods use different equipment and price differently. Forestry mulching is quoted by the hour or acre; bulldozer work is typically hourly.
| Method | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Forestry mulching | $150–$500 per hour |
| Forestry mulching (per acre) | $800–$2,500 per acre |
| Bulldozer clearing | $100–$250 per hour |
| Excavator + haul away | $2,000–$6,000 per acre |
| Brush hogging / bush hogging | $50–$150 per hour |
| Site prep + grading | $1,000–$4,000 per acre |
Cost by region
Labor rates, contractor availability, and vegetation types vary by region. The South and Southeast tend to have competitive rates and many specialized mulching operators. See local pricing for Atlanta land clearing, Charlotte, Nashville, and Houston.
| Region | Per-acre range |
|---|---|
| Texas (Hill Country) | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Texas (East TX) | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Tennessee | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Southeast (GA, NC, SC) | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Oklahoma | $800–$3,000 |
| National average | $1,500–$5,000 |
What affects land clearing cost?
- Vegetation density & tree size
- The biggest factor. Light brush is fast. Heavy timber is slow and requires heavy equipment.
- Acreage
- Most contractors discount larger jobs. Per-acre cost typically drops for jobs over 5 acres.
- Terrain
- Rocky, sloped, or wet land is harder to work and raises cost. Flat, dry ground is fastest.
- Debris disposal
- Forestry mulching leaves mulch on-site (no disposal cost). Haul-away adds $500–$2,000+ depending on volume.
- Access & site conditions
- Hard-to-reach land, wet ground, or tight spaces for equipment all add time and cost.
- Time of year
- Spring and fall are busiest. Winter jobs in some regions may cost slightly less due to lower demand.
Tips to save money on land clearing
- 1. Get at least 3 quotes. Pricing varies 30–50% between contractors for the same job. Always compare.
- 2. Consider forestry mulching for brush. For jobs without large timber, mulching is often 30–50% cheaper than full clearing with haul-away.
- 3. Clear in stages. If budget is tight, clear the most critical areas first and do the rest in a second phase.
- 4. Avoid peak season. Ask about off-peak scheduling — some contractors offer small discounts in slower months.
- 5. Ask what's included. Make sure quotes include stump removal, grading, and cleanup — or know what's excluded so you can compare apples to apples.
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