Eliminating smaller shrubs, underbrush, and grass from your property can create additional functional space. This action not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your property from the street but also boosts its overall worth.
We look at a few key questions when considering brush-clearing services:
- How much does it cost?
- Who to hire, tree or garden service?
- DIY Vs. professionals
How much does brush clearing cost?
Brush clearing cost ranges from $1,900 – $3,800 per 1/4 acre depending on the density of overgrown vegetation on the land. Brush-clearing machines can get through small bushes, but once you see small trees, other tools such as chainsaws can be more time-consuming.
You can also get higher rates depending on the type of company and the season.
During the cooler season like winter and early spring, you will find there is little work for brush and land clearing companies, so they are more likely to charge cheaper rates.
| Amount | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Acre (10,890 ft. sq.) | $1,900 | $4,500 | $3,800 |
| 1/2 Acre (21,780 ft. sq.) | $3,500 | $10,200 | $6,900 |
| 1 Acre (Standard football field) | $5,200 | $18,200 | $9,700 |
| 2 Acres | $9,300 | $28,000 | $15,000 |
| 5 Acres | $15,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 |
The cost of brush cutting1 is dependent on different factors:
- Type, size, and density of the vegetation.
- Size of the landing being cleared.
- Climatic seasons.
- The kind of tree debris on the ground and other hazards such as old metal and stones.
Should I use a tree service or a garden maintenance company?
Choosing a tree service or a garden maintenance company will largely depend on the size of the overgrown bushes or trees and the type of trees within the land. If you have mostly grass and brush, then a garden maintenance company will be a cheaper option.
Tree services are better suited to thicker vegetation with medium to larger trees mixed in. Tree services have different equipment and skills and they generally charge higher premiums due to larger overheads.
In some incidences, you may end up using the two services, firstly to remove larger trees and bushes, and then to get the grass right down.
Choosing between a tree service or a garden maintenance service is essential because it translates to the price and the quality of work. Both services have their place in land clearing, but if you are unsure, get both types of companies out to give you an estimate.
What is the cost per acre?
Brush clearing 1 acre of land will cost you $9,700 on average with $5,200 being on the low end and $18,000 on the high end.
Land clearing for 1/2 an acre will cost $6,900 on average with 1/4 of an acre being closer to $3,800.
As mentioned, the number of trees or the size of the vegetation will impact the price. Land with dense trees and shrubs is likely to be more expensive than one that has scattered bushes.
How to find lot clearing companies near me?
You can easily find a clearing company near you through Google search.
Pro Tip: Skip page 1 of Google. Companies pay a premium to be shown at the top of search engines, so they generally charge more too as they need to recoup that money spent on marketing.
You will find companies of equal quality, but cheaper prices on pages 2 and 3 of Google search.
What a shortcut?
The fastest and easiest way to get 3 Estimates from the most affordable tree services near you would be by using this FREE service.
GoTreeQuotes helps to match you with the three local tree arborists who have been voted previous users in your area as being quality acts.
- Scroll up to the top of the page and enter your Zip code.
- Fill out the quick 23-second form with details about your tree job.
- Your tree details are forwarded to the closest three tree services who will bid on your job at a great price.
Should I DIY brush clearing?
You can go ahead and have a DIY brush cleaning if the bushes and the grass are not too large. You have the right skills and safety equipment for the job and equipment.
Basically, anything smaller than 15 ft. in height should be okay to clear yourself. Make sure you are properly trained in the use of a chainsaw and that you have all the correct PPE equipment.
Chainsaws and brush-clearing equipment can be hired at reasonable daily rates and will turn out to be a lot cheaper than hiring a professional company.
How much can I save with DIY brush clearing?
DIY will save you about $8,000 per acre after hiring and dumping costs have been taken into account.
Saving on DIY is all but guaranteed, but will depend on the time taken and equipment hiring costs.
Do I need a permit to clear brush?
Depending on your local county and state, you may need a permit to clear land. Generally, for a smaller brush, you will be fine, but for anything that resembles a tree, you may need to get approval.
Brush clearing tips
These great tips will come in handy as you start brush clearing:
- Regularly clear the dead, dry, and unwanted vegetation on your land to avoid enormous expenses and increased work.
- Try to DIY; this is cheaper and more convenient as you can do it at your pleasure.
- Hire a constant gardener to take care of the garden so that you don’t always have to source for a new person whenever you want clearance on your land. A gardener will save you time and cost, and it is more convenient as the gardener or the arborist understands your property better and can offer specialized services.
- Always use the right equipment for different work. Do not use a heavy machine such as a chainsaw or a tree pruner to clear light vegetation that would only require a machete or clutters, and vice versa.
- While trimming grass, ensure that it is of an ideal height in that it is not too short or too long to maintain neatness and protect the land.
- Always approach the brush clearing companies during winter as they have a reduced workload, and they are likely to give you a discount on their work.
- Check in with the laws regarding tree cutting in your state and ensure that you get authorization from the state council before proceeding.
Clearing the ground of brush is a smart move as overgrown bushes are an eyesore, and they are likely to promote the spread of bushfires, especially in certain states where it is more prevalent. When it rains, the extra bushes act as a habitat for flies and mosquitoes, which are a nuisance to homes.
- Alec Pow, (2024) How Much Does Brush Removal Cost? <https://www.thepricer.org/brush-removal-cost/> Accessed: 27-02-2024
