How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,396 - $6,191
The average U.S. homeowner spends about $3,793 to clear land. Depending on the size, condition, and location, most spend between $1,396 and $6,191.
The average cost to clear land is $3,793, but the price can run as low as $1,396 and up to $6,191, depending on the terrain type. The cost per acre for land clearing is $500 to $5,600. Considering the tree-clearing cost and the site’s accessibility are the best ways to determine your final land-clearing prices. Keep reading to get the cost breakdown to budget for when planning your project.
- Average
- $3,793
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $15,000
Land-Clearing Cost Factors
To figure out your total land clearing cost, you’ll need to think about the size of your lot, how you’ll get rid of debris, tree clearing costs, and a few other factors.
Labor Cost
Some pros may charge an hourly rate for a land-clearing project, which typically runs between $110 and $250 per hour. This includes removing vegetation, trees, and debris, as well as disposing of waste from the project.
Land-Clearing Equipment
Professionals have access to heavy-duty equipment to clear heavy brush, remove small trees, and locate large rocks. Brush cutters and mulchers are the most common, but they may need specialty equipment for forestry mulching when cutting through very dense areas of wood. All in all, equipment will account for between $150 and $3,000 of the fee.
Removal Costs
Tree Clearing: You could pay between $500 and $2,000 per acre for the cost to remove trees on lightly wooded lots and between $3,000 and $5,600 per acre for heavily forested land. If your lot only has a few trees, you might pay around $700 per tree. Fallen trees cost far less, at $75 to $150 apiece.
Brush Removal: If you only have brush to worry about, this is much less expensive to remove. You might only pay around $20 to $200 per acre to clear shrubs and smaller overgrowth.
Stump Removal: You'll pay an average of $320 for the cost of stump grinding but could pay between $100 and $150 per stump if you require multiple removals in one job.
Forestry Mulching Prices
Forestry mulching goes for about $400 to $600 per acre. This involves the use of heavy equipment to cut down trees and shrubs, followed by mulching the material afterward. Consider it a win-win, as you won’t have to worry about brush removal and you’ll have a nice layer of mulch for your landscape.
Land Condition
The condition of your acreage also includes whether it’s on a slope or is relatively flat. Pros will need to bring in the right equipment to get the job done and will charge accordingly. For example, if you want to clear a hilly property and more specialized equipment is needed, you’ll likely pay more for the project. Erosion, slope, and density are other factors to consider = when assessing your land condition.
| Land Size by Acre | Average Cost Range to Clear Lightly Forested Lots | Average Cost Range to Clear Densely Forested Lots |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | $250–$1,000 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 1 | $500–$2,000 | $3,600–$5,600 |
| 2 | $1,000–$4,000 | $7,200–$11,200 |
| 3 | $1,500–$6,000 | $10,800–$16,800 |
| 4 | $2,000–$8,000 | $14,400–$22,400 |
| 5 | $2,500–$10,000 | $18,000–$28,000 |
Yard Cleanup
Waste Removal: Professional junk removal costs an average of $240, depending on the type of material and whether you need to rent a dumpster.
Brush Burning: If it’s safe (and legal) to do so, you can burn the brush and wood you’ve piled up. Only burn a small amount at a time, and be sure to have a water source handy to put out the flames. Take extra care to check if controlled brush burning is allowed in your area and during the current season.
Clearing Rocks and Boulders: Moving and disposing of large rocks may require special equipment, and professionals will charge between $120 and $150 per hour for the job.
Landscaping Dumpster Rental
If the yard waste bags aren’t cutting it, you might want to consider renting a landscaping dumpster. Depending on the size of the lot, the level of debris, and the area you’re located in, final costs vary:
| Dumpster Size and Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-yard dumpster for debris and dirt removal | $200-$600 |
| 20-yard dumpster for some trees and shrubs | $300-$700 |
| 40-yard dumpster for larger landscapes | $350-$800 |
Existing Home or Structure
Is there a shed, pool house, or an even larger old structure in the way? Demolition costs can change the whole ball game, adding between $4 and $17 per square foot for the job. In this case, you may also need a permit and need to check for underground electrical and gas lines before proceeding.
Location
Terrain and market demand vary across the U.S. See how these different areas stack up against the national average of $3,150 to clear land.
| State | Average Cost to Clear Land |
|---|---|
| Colorado | $2,900 |
| Florida | $2,600 |
| Maine | $3,200 |
| Nebraska | $3,200 |
| New York | $2,700 |
| Oregon | $2,200 |
| Tennessee | $3,100 |
| Texas | $4,400 |
Site Preparation
As is the case with any large landscaping project, it's always best to prepare for the job so it's done right. After hiring a landscaper, speak with them about the following steps.
Land Survey: Land surveying costs an average of $530, depending on the size of the job. For example, large survey jobs often cost anywhere from $50 to $500 per acre.
Permits: Working with a local land-clearing service should be able to walk you through local laws regarding the cost of building permits. Outdoor projects can add anywhere between $200 and $2,500 per project.
Grading and Leveling: The cost of lawn regrading is an average of $2,100, or between $1 and $2 per square foot.
Soil Testing: Garden soil testing costs around $110, whereas more complex, geotechnical testing for building stability can cost upward of $3,000.
Excavation: Excavation costs around $1,500 to $5,100. You’ll want to find a local excavation company to handle this for about $40 to $150 per hour.
How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land per Acre?
Most projects are priced on a per half-acre or per acre basis and take into account the level of vegetation and trees to be cleared.
Average Cost to Clear a Half-Acre of Land
Generally speaking, the land-clearing cost per half-acre is around $250 to $2,800. This is only for your basic clearing of trees, brush, and other debris. To get your lot ready for building, there are additional expenses for services, including topsoil stripping, landscape grading (aka leveling your lawn), digging, hauling yard waste, and otherwise prepping the land.
Land Clearing Cost per Acre
The cost per acre to clear land is approximately $500 to $5,600. The price accounts for the range of vegetation that will need to be removed, as well as the intended use for the lot. Common sizes and cost ranges are in the table below.
| Land Size by Acre | Average Cost Range to Clear Land |
|---|---|
| 1 | $500–$5,600 |
| 2 | $1,000–$11,200 |
| 3 | $1,500–$16,800 |
| 4 | $2,000–$22,400 |
| 5 | $1,250–$28,000 |
Cost to Clear Land by Condition
Whether you want to clear land to build a home or addition or add a gazebo or pool, the price you’ll pay depends on your land’s current condition. Here’s a look at average costs based on tree density.
| Land Size by Acre | Average Cost Range to Clear Lightly Forested Lots | Average Cost Range to Clear Densely Forested Lots |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | $250–$1,000 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 1 | $500–$2,000 | $3,600–$5,600 |
| 2 | $1,000–$4,000 | $7,200–$11,200 |
| 3 | $1,500–$6,000 | $10,800–$16,800 |
| 4 | $2,000–$8,000 | $14,400–$22,400 |
| 5 | $2,500–$10,000 | $18,000–$28,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clear Land
Because trees don’t always fall where you want them to and deeply rooted shrubs are harder to pull up than expected, land clearing can be a dangerous DIY task. You should always leave this to a local landscaping pro rather than attempting it yourself.
However, if you're clearing a loosely wooded area, tools will be the major factor in your DIY land-clearing cost. For big jobs with lots of debris and trimming, budget around $400 for all the supplies you need, including the rental prices for excavators, mulchers, or bulldozers. If you’re just clearing a small amount of precut landscaping waste, you might only need around $30; this will get you gloves, a bucket, and a steel rake.
How to Save Money on the Cost of Clearing Land
Clearing land doesn't have to break the bank before you even get started on your gardening or new construction project. There are a few clever ways around the highest costs to keep in mind.
Clear land in the winter when you can see the area more clearly (without all those leaves), and use equipment on solid ground.
If you don't work in the winter, time land clearing around the best time of the year to landscape so you can compact your projects into one large project.
Consider working around large trees and focusing on smaller, younger brush.
Hire landscapers for multiple projects for bulk project prices.
When replanting your cleared land, consider grass alternatives to lower maintenance costs.
Speak with at least three landscapers to compare quotes and service offerings.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
A land-clearing project begins with assessing and preparing the property and pulling any necessary permits with your municipal building department. Clearing can begin after the project details are ironed out between you and your pro and a written contract is signed. Pros will bring out the necessary equipment and crew to first remove trees, stumps, brush, and vegetation. All the project debris will then be loaded up and hauled off-site to be disposed of properly.
Clearing 1 acre of land may take a few hours. The amount of time needed to complete the project depends on the size of your acreage, the land’s condition, the size of the pro’s crew, and what type of equipment they are using. Smaller projects typically take a few hours, while larger projects may require one or two full workdays.
Costs vary, but you might spend around $1,000 to $4,000 to prepare land for a mobile home or before you build a house. You’ll need to clear enough land for the foundation, which may require leveling or grading and removing trees, stumps, and plants. Don’t forget to plan for permits and fees and the installation of a gas line, water line, and sewer main.