Cost guide · Updated July 2026 Land Clearing Cost
Cost by clearing method
| Method | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Forestry mulching | $400 – $2,500 / acre | Brush, saplings, trees under ~8 in — ground in place |
| Traditional clear + haul | $1,500 – $5,000 / acre (light) | Mixed timber where debris must leave the site |
| Heavy clearing + grubbing | $3,500 – $8,000+ / acre | Dense mature woods, build-ready sites (stumps out) |
| Per-tree removal | $150 – $2,100 / tree | A handful of trees — see the removal guide |
What moves the price
- Tree density and size: the difference between light and heavy clearing is 2–3× per acre.
- Stump grubbing: pulling stumps and roots for buildable ground adds substantially — mulching leaves them ground flush instead.
- Slope and wet ground: steep or soft terrain slows equipment and can require specialized machines.
- Debris plan: hauling off-site costs most; chipping on-site or burning (where legal, with permits) less.
- Access and mobilization: remote parcels pay real money just to get machines there.
Land clearing FAQ
How much does land clearing cost per acre?
Land clearing costs $1,500–$5,000 per acre for lightly wooded land and $3,500–$8,000+ per acre for heavily wooded land in 2026. Small residential jobs are usually priced per tree or per day instead — figure $1,500–$3,000 per day for a crew with a skid steer and chipper.
What's the difference between land clearing and lot clearing?
Same work, different scale. 'Lot clearing' usually means preparing a fraction-of-an-acre building site — typically $1,300–$5,000 total depending on tree density. 'Land clearing' means acreage, priced per acre with heavy equipment (forestry mulchers, dozers).
Is forestry mulching cheaper than traditional clearing?
Usually, yes. Forestry mulching ($400–$2,500 per acre for light-to-medium brush) grinds everything in place with one machine — no hauling, no burn piles, no grubbing. It's ideal for brush and small trees, but can't handle large timber or produce a build-ready graded site.
Do I need permits to clear land?
Often. Beyond city tree ordinances, clearing can trigger grading permits, stormwater/erosion controls, wetland restrictions, and in some states timber harvest rules. Check before mobilizing equipment — wetland violations in particular carry severe federal penalties.