How Much Does Forestry Mulching Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $400 - $1,500
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $800 per acre for forestry mulching. Depending on terrain, density, and the material being mulched, most spend between $400 and $1,500 per acre.
The average cost for forestry mulching is $800 per acre, although average costs can range between $400 and $1,500 per acre. Forestry mulching is an effective way to clear large amounts of brush and other vegetation from your land. Forestry mulchers use heavy equipment to process unwanted growth and leave behind mulched material.
- Average
- $800
- Low end
- $250
- high end
- $3,500
Forestry Mulching Cost Factors
How much you’ll pay for forestry mulching depends on factors like size, equipment needed, and more.
Acreage
Your forestry mulching cost will depend on the size of the area being cleared. On average, forestry mulching costs from $400 to $1500 per acre.
| Number of Acres | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/2 | $200–$750 |
| 1 | $400–$1,500 |
| 2 | $800–$3,000 |
| 5 | $2,000–$7,500 |
| 10 | $4,000–$15,000 |
Time
Some forestry mulching companies price their jobs by the hour rather than by acreage. Residential forestry mulching costs an average of $125 to $400 per hour. Most residential jobs can be completed in one to two 8-hour days, but larger jobs may take longer than that.
| Job Length (Hours) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 | $250–$800 |
| 4 | $500–$1,600 |
| 8 | $1,000–$3,200 |
| 16 | $2,000–$6,400 |
Type of Material
When using forestry mulching, the cost to clear your land can also depend on what type of material is being mulched. Smaller, easier-to-clear materials like sparse underbrush and saplings will cost less to clear and process than larger, more dense brush and vegetation.
| Material Type | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Underbrush and small trees | $125–$200 |
| Underbrush with grading | $150–$300 |
| Heavy, dense brush | $200–$400 |
Equipment Needed
Different kinds of forestry mulching call for different equipment. The larger and more complex the equipment, the higher your cost. Smaller jobs like clearing light underbrush may only require a skid steer or tractor mulcher attachment, which will help keep costs down. Larger projects will require a bulldozer or excavator, which work quickly but come with a higher price tag.
Terrain
The type of terrain being cleared and its accessibility will affect your project cost. Flat, easy-to-navigate areas can be cleared quickly and will cost less. Areas with steep inclines or heavy rock density, as well as areas that are hard to access, will increase the price of the job.
Density
Expect to pay more for areas that are densely packed with vegetation. Sparse vegetation can be cleared quickly, while dense vegetation can require larger equipment, slower work, and a higher price tag.
Permits
Most forestry mulching will require a permit before work can start, so check with your contractor or local building authority before beginning. Permit fees will vary based on local regulations, but expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a land clearing permit.
Land Survey
Getting a land survey before forestry mulching will ensure you’re only clearing your own property, and a survey may be required before the project can get underway. Land surveys cost an average of $400 to $1,200, depending on the size of the area being surveyed.
Ongoing Forestry Mulching Costs
In most cases, once your land has been cleared and mulched, there won’t be much in the way of ongoing costs. If you aren’t repurposing the land in a way that will manage further growth, you may need to have the area re-mulched to clear new growth after a few years, which will cost much less since you’re dealing with a smaller amount of growth.
If you’re using your cleared land as a yard or other outdoor recreation space, you may want to hire someone to do yard work on an ongoing basis to keep the area in good shape.
DIY Forestry Mulching vs. Hiring a Pro
Homeowners who are comfortable handling heavy equipment may be able to tackle smaller projects by renting a mulcher. Renting a skid steer with a mulching attachment can average between $1,200 and $3,000 a day. Purchasing a mulching attachment for a tractor or skid steer costs an average of $1,700 to $5,200 if you already have the equipment.
For most homeowners, hiring a forestry mulcher is the safest and most efficient way to clear brush and other vegetation from a large area. A local mulching company will have the equipment and expertise for your project.
Cost of Common Forestry Mulching Add-Ons
Mulch removal: If you don’t want to keep the mulch created during the mulching process, it’ll cost an average of $50 to $100 per cubic yard to remove. You may want to keep it, though—many kinds of mulch created from forestry mulching can be used in plant beds and other uses around your property.
Tree removal: Mature trees are often too large to be processed through forestry mulching. Tree removal costs can average between $200 and $2,000 per tree.
Stump grinding: Large stumps may need to be ground down after mulching. Stump grinding costs an average of $150 to $500 per stump.
Boulder removal: You may need to have boulders removed prior to forestry mulching. Boulder removal costs between $650 and $1,200 per boulder on average.
How to Save Money on Forestry Mulching
Forestry mulching can come with a hefty price tag, but there are some ways you can save on this fast and efficient process.
Be flexible with your timeline. If you are able to schedule your project during a slow season for mulching pros, you may be able to save.
Leave large trees and boulders. The cost of removing these can quickly add up, so if you can work around them, it’ll cost less.
Rent equipment to tackle smaller jobs. Plenty of forestry mulching work is DIY-friendly. If you’ve got the time to do it yourself, you can save some cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a large area of brush and vegetation to clear, forestry mulching may be the best option. This method works well for relatively flat areas that don’t have many large rocks or mature trees to clear. Forestry mulching is a relatively quick process that improves soil health, reduces fire risk, and leaves behind usable mulch.
Depending on the size of the machinery used and the density of the vegetation being cleared, forestry mulching can clear one to five acres a day or more. Thick, dense vegetation will take longer to clear, while lighter vegetation, like underbrush, can be cleared quickly.
Some drawbacks of forestry mulching include leaving behind a thick mulch layer, not being suitable for extremely rocky areas, creating conditions that attract pests, and not being able to fully remove large trees and stumps. You may need to pay extra to have larger trees felled and stumps ground in order to fully clear your land.