Land Clearing Cost Guide (2026)

Most land clearing jobs fall around $1,200–$4,500 per acre. Light brush can run $500–$2,000 per acre. Heavily wooded lots or a finished homesite with stump removal and haul-off often land around $3,500–$6,000 per acre. These are planning ranges, not quotes.

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Quick cost summary

$500–$2,000

Light brush per acre

$1,200–$4,500

Mixed brush & small trees per acre

$3,500–$6,000

Heavily wooded land per acre

Forestry mulching: $150–$350/hr typical. 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	Notes
Pasture / grass cutting	$400–$1,000 per acre	Brush hogging or grass cutting, not land clearing
Light brush & saplings	$500–$2,000 per acre	Mulching with material left on-site
Mixed brush & small trees	$1,200–$4,500 per acre	Typical residential clearing range
Heavily wooded, larger stems	$3,500–$6,000 per acre	Heavy timber and multiple passes
Finished homesite	$4,000–$6,500+ per acre	Stumps, haul-off, and rough grading included
Cleared land with stumps only	$150–$400 per stump	Stump grinding

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	Notes
Forestry mulching	$150–$350 per hour	Typical hourly range; large tracked machines can run higher
Forestry mulching (per acre)	$500–$2,500 per acre	Light to moderate brush
Traditional clearing / heavy timber	$3,500–$6,000 per acre	Heavily wooded land and larger stems
Finished homesite	$4,000–$6,500+ per acre	Stumps, haul-off, and rough grading
Brush hogging / pasture cutting	$50–$150 per hour	Grass and pasture maintenance only
Site prep + grading	$1,000–$4,000 per acre	After clearing, before construction

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	Notes
Texas (Hill Country)	$1,200–$4,500	Cedar, mesquite, oak — rocky terrain adds cost
Texas (East TX)	$1,000–$3,500	Pine timber country, competitive market
Tennessee	$1,200–$4,500	Hardwoods and rolling terrain
Southeast (GA, NC, SC, FL)	$1,000–$4,500	Pine and hardwoods, competitive mulching market
Oklahoma	$800–$3,500	Cedars, scrub oak, mixed terrain
Typical U.S. mixed clearing	$1,200–$4,500	Mixed brush and small trees per acre

Southeast and South-Central jobs often price at or a little under broader U.S. ranges because forestry-mulching capacity is dense. Wet lots, palmetto, clay, or haul-off push a job toward the top of the band — they do not change the typical band.

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 cost depending on volume and distance.
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.

Related guides

Forestry Mulching vs. Land Clearing

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How Much Does Land Clearing Cost Per Acre?

Plan a project budget by vegetation, terrain, access, stumps, haul-off, and finish.

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Do You Need a Permit to Clear Land?

When permits apply in your state and county, what triggers them, and how to avoid fines.

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