Land clearing cost for a typical half-acre to 2-acre lot is about $2,900 on average, with most projects between roughly $1,565 and $4,520. Per acre, the price depends on what's growing there. Brush-only land costs about $330–$630 per acre, lightly wooded land $580–$2,100 and heavily wooded land $3,300–$5,600. Stump removal, grading and debris disposal come on top.
Land clearing cost per acre
| Vegetation | Approx. cost per acre |
|---|---|
| Brush and overgrowth only | $330–$630 |
| Lightly wooded | $580–$2,100 |
| Heavily wooded | $3,300–$5,600 |
Land clearing cost by lot size
| Lot size | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| ½ acre | $405–$2,935 |
| 1 acre | $810–$5,870 |
| 2 acres | $1,620–$11,780 |
Contractors also bill hourly, often about $120–$265 per hour with equipment.
Land clearing methods
- Forestry mulching: a machine grinds trees and brush into mulch left on site, at around $450 per acre. It's fast, with little hauling and less soil disturbance, but leaves stumps at ground level.
- Bulldozing: pushes over trees and scrapes the site. It's good for full construction clearing, but disturbs topsoil and creates piles to haul or burn where allowed.
- Cut and grind: fell trees, then grind stumps. It's selective and tidy, suited to lightly wooded lots.
- Brush hogging or mowing: for overgrown fields with saplings and brush.
The right method depends on what comes next. A building pad needs stumps and roots removed. A pasture or trail may not.
Additional costs to budget for
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Tree removal (per tree) | $385–$1,070; under 30 ft about $285–$435, over 80 ft $1,160–$2,000 |
| Stump removal or grinding | $130–$350 per stump |
| Grading and leveling | $800–$4,000 |
| Yard waste disposal | $60–$515 |
| Dumpster (10–15 yd) | $270–$500 per week |
| Clearing permit | about $200–$250 where required |
| Land survey (½ acre) | $310–$750 |
| Geotechnical testing | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Demolition of existing structures | $1,500–$15,000 |
Factors that change land clearing cost
- Tree size and density: large hardwoods take more time and equipment
- Terrain: slopes, rocks and wetlands slow machines and may need special permits
- Access: narrow roads or soft ground limit equipment size
- Disposal: hauling away debris costs more than mulching on site; burning rules vary
- End use: a house site needs more thorough clearing and grading than a garden
- Season: frozen ground can help heavy equipment in some regions; wet seasons hurt
Rules and permits
Before clearing:
- Check local permits. Many towns regulate tree removal, grading and clearing over a certain area.
- Protect wetlands and streams. State and federal rules may apply. In New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation regulates many wetlands and stream areas.
- Erosion control. Larger disturbances may require silt fencing and a stormwater plan.
- Confirm boundaries with a survey so you don't clear a neighbor's land.
- Call 811 to locate buried utilities before any digging or grading.
Planning a building site
For a new home, clearing is only the first site cost. Next come excavation, foundation, driveway and utilities. See cost to build a house and gravel driveway cost. If the cleared lot slopes, you may also need retaining walls or drainage.
Use the Cubic Yard Calculator to estimate fill or excavation volumes. Use the Topsoil Calculator for restoring planting areas.
DIY land clearing
Small brush areas can be cleared with a chainsaw, brush cutter and rented equipment. A bulldozer rents for about $410–$620 a day and a stump grinder for $170–$310 a day. Tree felling is dangerous, and large trees near structures or power lines should always go to professionals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clear one acre of land?
Roughly $810–$5,870 depending on vegetation. Brush-only acres sit at the low end and heavily wooded acres at the high end.
What is the cheapest way to clear land?
For brush and small trees, forestry mulching or brush hogging is often cheapest, since debris stays on site.
Do I need a permit to clear land?
Often, depending on area, tree size, slopes and nearby wetlands or streams. Check with your local planning or building department.
Does land clearing include stump removal?
Not always. Ask whether stumps will be ground, pulled or left. It's often priced separately at about $130–$350 per stump.
National averages for planning only.
