Clearing land can often come with a hefty price tag, and locating affordable services might be challenging, particularly for those working within a limited budget. However, there are numerous methods by which you can have your land cleared at no cost.
You can be lucky to get your land cleared for free by giving out the trees away for wood or timber in exchange for the removal cost. If you’re also a DIYer and the trees on your land are small trees that you can handle, you can also consider removing them yourself.
Let’s find out several ways you can have your land cleared for free.
Here are several ways you can have your land cleared for free.
- Firewood sellers – Negotiating free tree removal in exchange for wood is a great place to start.
- Logging companies – sell your trees to logging companies
- Tree Removal Assistance Program – Some government grants are available to cover the cost of removing your trees.
- Plant nurseries close to you – Sell highly sought-after trees to nurseries so they can resell at a profit.
- DIY the job – With the right tools and skills, you can personally handle tree removal and bush clearing.
How much does it cost to clear 1 acre of land?
The national average cost to clear land is about $3,680 per acre. This is the price of an averagely dense acre of land that is lightly wooded with some larger trees. Heavily wooded lots of land with mainly large trees can cost up to $7,569 or more per acre of land.
The factors that determine the cost estimates of land clearing include tree density in the area, size of the tree, landscape, time of the year, and the tree service company.
Will loggers clear land for free?
Some logging companies and firewood sellers will remove your trees for free. This is an easy way for them to source lumber they can then sell at a profit. If the trees can be used for high-quality timber, it’s a win-win for both of you.
Selling trees for firewood is also a good choice even if it doesn’t sound as profitable as timber. Your aim of having someone cut down the trees will be achieved after all.
If you’re lucky to have exotic tree species such as Oak Tree for timber and some valuable palm species, it’s an added advantage. You will not only be getting your land cleared for free but may also get additional cash depending on the value of the trees.
Will you need a permit to clear your land?
If the land you are clearing is full of trees, you may need to check with your local council first before starting the process. It’s important to determine whether you will need a permit before you remove any or some of the trees.
Land clearing laws vary from state to state. In many cases, small and dead trees can be removed without a permit, but larger trees or a clearing of acres will need prior consent from the council.
Please refer to your local tree laws and ordinances to see whether you will need a permit before you start to clear your land.
Can I clear my land myself?
You can DIY your land clearing if you have access to the right tools. You should also be aware of the local state laws regarding tree removal before getting started. However, it is faster and safer to hire land-clearing professionals compared to doing it yourself. Also, if the cost of hiring tools such as chainsaws, mulching machines, and excavators is considered, it may be cheaper to hire land-clearing companies.
What tools will I need?
If you want to DIY your land-clearing project, there are several tools you will need. You can either buy or hire them from local tree service companies.
The tools you will need include a chainsaw, stump grinder, Ax, tree pruner, rake, scythe/machete, bow saw, weed Wacker/string trimmer, shovel, trash bags, topsoil/spare dirt, and so on.
You should also get PPEs such as gloves, helmets, eye protection gear, etc.
Unless you have hundreds of acres of land to clear or are planning to start a tree service company, buying the tools may be quite expensive. The best option is to hire the tools.
Steps for clearing your land DIY
Step 1: Remove standing debris
Rocks, fallen tree limbs, and trash will all need to be out of the way for easy tree removal. Ensure you get rid of them before you start the job.
Step 2: Mark and protect all desired vegetation
In case you’d like to keep some of the trees that appeal to you, you should mark them so they’re not mistakenly cut down. You should wrap landscape fabric around their base to protect them.
Step 3: Fell other trees
Once you’re able to mark the trees you’d like to keep, the next thing is to start felling other trees. If you know how to work a chainsaw, you can handle a small plot without much trouble. If there are lots of large-sized trees, you may need to hire more professional equipment to make the job quicker and easier.
Step 4: Get rid of the logs
To ensure that the land is properly cleared, you can have the felled trees hauled or cut them into firewood.
Step 5: Grub any remaining tree stumps
To remove a tree stump, start by digging down to the roots all around it with a shovel. Attach a heavy-duty chain around the stump, and then use a tractor to pull it out.
Step 6: Clear the bush
After getting rid of the trees, the next step is to clear the vegetation on the land. You’ll end up with clean land ready for use.
Land clearing tips
- Before you start clearing your land, you should check with your local government regarding any necessary permits that you may need. Some local governments require permits for land clearing as well as regulations on how to properly dispose of the timber. Land clearing is considered to be damaging to the environmental issue and there can be serious fines and fees for disregarding local laws and regulations.
- If you’re building anything, you will also need various building permits and so forth.
- If you have potentially usable timber on your land, you may want to consider saving as much of the lumber as possible. It is likely that you can reuse the lumber on your project, or you can sell it. There are even companies who will come and take down the lumber for you and pay you a small portion of the money for the timber.
- When you start cutting down trees, consider what technique you’re going to use in order to remove the trees and stumps. Removing the roots can help prevent any further growth from occurring.
Land clearing services near me
The fastest and easiest way is to get 3 Estimates from the most affordable land-clearing contractors by using this FREE service.
GoTreeQuotes.com quickly matches you with the 3 land clearing contractors voted #1 by previous users in your area.
- Scroll up to the top of the page and enter your ZIP Code in the blue form at the top of the page.
- Give us a few details about your land clearing job plus some contact information.
- Your tree details are forwarded to the closest three tree services all voted best priced who will also price your tree job.
