Land Clearing Cost Calculator
Price a clearing job by the acre — machine time, stumps, debris and permits, every rate editable.
Estimated clearing cost
$5,853.50
- Area
- 1.00 acres
- Clearing
- $1,440.00 (8.0 machine hr)
- Mobilization
- $500.00
- Stump removal
- $1,800.00 (15 stumps)
- Debris haul-off
- $1,350.00 (3 loads)
- Rough grading
- $0.00
- Permits
- $0.00
- Subtotal
- $5,090.00
- Contingency (15%)
- $763.50
- Cost per acre
- $5,853.50/acre
Estimates only — density, slope, access and haul distance move these numbers substantially.
Cleared and ready to plant? Price the yard with the landscaping calculator →
How this is calculated
acres = sq ft / 43,560
clearing = acres × machine hours per acre × operated rate
grubbing = acres × stumps per acre × price per stump
haul-off = ceil(acres × loads per acre) × price per load
grading = acres × rate per acre
total = (clearing + mobilization + grubbing + haul + grading + permits)
× (1 + contingency%)Machine time is the dominant variable, so the density preset seeds hours per acre rather than a finished price per acre — that keeps the estimate honest when your site is steeper, wetter or farther from a disposal site than average. Truck loads round up because half a load still costs a trip. Mobilization and permits are flat because they do not scale with acreage, which is why clearing a quarter acre rarely costs a quarter of clearing a full one.
Typical land clearing price ranges
| Item | Typical range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Light brush & grass | $500-$2,000 | per acre |
| Medium brush & saplings | $2,000-$5,000 | per acre |
| Heavily wooded | $4,000-$12,000 | per acre |
| Dense forest, steep or wet | $8,000-$20,000+ | per acre |
| Operated dozer or mulcher | $150-$300 | per hour |
| Stump removal | $60-$350 | per stump |
| Debris haul-off | $300-$700 | per truck load |
| On-site chipping | $100-$300 | per hour |
| Rough grading | $800-$2,500 | per acre |
| Mobilization | $300-$1,500 | flat |
| Land disturbance permit | $100-$2,000 | flat |
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to clear an acre of land?
Light grass and scattered brush commonly runs $500 to $2,000 per acre, medium brush with saplings $2,000 to $5,000, and heavily wooded acreage $4,000 to $12,000 or more. The spread comes almost entirely from how many machine hours the vegetation demands and what happens to the debris.
Is stump removal included in land clearing?
Not usually. Clearing typically means cutting and removing above-ground vegetation, while grubbing — pulling stumps and root balls — is quoted separately at roughly $60 to $350 per stump depending on diameter. If you plan to build or farm the land you need the grubbing, so ask for it in writing rather than assuming.
What makes land clearing more expensive?
Slope, wet ground, poor access for equipment, buried debris, protected trees and distance to a disposal site all raise the price. A flat, dry, roadside acre and a steep wet acre with a half-mile haul can differ by a factor of three with identical tree cover.
Can I burn or chip the debris instead of hauling it?
Often yes, and it is the single largest saving available. On-site chipping or burning can cut the debris line by half or more, but burning requires a permit in most counties and is banned outright in many. Confirm with the local fire marshal before budgeting for it.
Do I need a permit to clear land?
Frequently. Many jurisdictions require a land disturbance or grading permit above a threshold — often one acre — plus an erosion and sediment control plan. Wetlands, protected species habitat and heritage trees trigger additional review, and clearing first and asking later carries real fines.
Should I sell the timber to offset the cost?
Only if you have merchantable volume, generally several acres of straight mature hardwood or pine. A logger may clear at reduced cost or pay for the stand, but small lots and mixed scrub rarely cover the mobilization cost of getting equipment on site.
All figures are planning estimates that vary by region, season and contractor. They are not quotes and not professional forestry, engineering or environmental advice. Clearing may require permits and can carry penalties where wetlands, protected trees or habitat are involved — confirm local requirements and get written bids before committing.