In This Guide
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of America's fastest-growing regions, with over 7.5 million residents across a vast urban and suburban landscape. As development pushes outward from the urban core, land clearing demand has exploded—search interest for "land clearing Dallas TX" has grown over 420% year-over-year.
Whether you're preparing a residential lot in Frisco, clearing ranch land in Weatherford, or developing commercial property in Arlington, this guide covers everything you need to know about professional land clearing in the DFW area.
DFW Area Land Clearing Overview
The DFW metroplex spans 13 counties with dramatically different terrain and vegetation patterns. Understanding your specific area is key to accurate pricing and planning:
🌳 East DFW - Eastern Cross Timbers
- • Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall
- • Post oak, blackjack oak, elm, hackberry
- • Blackland prairie in gaps
- • More strict urban tree ordinances
- • Moderate costs ($2,500-$4,500/acre)
🏜️ West DFW - Western Cross Timbers
- • Fort Worth west, Weatherford, Aledo, Granbury
- • Dense cedar (juniper) and mesquite
- • Rocky limestone terrain in hills
- • Fewer urban regulations
- • Variable costs ($3,000-$6,500/acre)
🌾 North DFW - Blackland Prairie
- • Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Prosper
- • Originally prairie, now largely developed
- • Clay soils (shrink-swell)
- • Lot clearing for new construction
- • Lower costs for open land ($1,500-$3,000/acre)
🏙️ Urban Core - Cities of Dallas & Fort Worth
- • Downtown, established neighborhoods
- • Mature trees, ornamental landscapes
- • Strict tree preservation ordinances
- • Tight access, careful equipment selection
- • Premium pricing ($5,000-$15,000/lot)
The landscape west of Fort Worth toward Abilene - typical cedar and mesquite terrain we clear regularly
Land Clearing Costs in Dallas-Fort Worth
DFW land clearing costs vary significantly based on location within the metroplex. Here's a detailed breakdown for land clearing costs:
| Area / Terrain | Price Per Acre | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Open Prairie / Light Brush | $1,500 - $2,500 | North DFW, open fields |
| Medium Brush / Oak Woodland | $2,500 - $4,000 | East DFW, mixed terrain |
| Dense Cedar / Mesquite | $3,500 - $5,500 | West Fort Worth, Parker County |
| Heavy Cedar + Rocky Hills | $5,000 - $7,000 | Palo Pinto, Hood County hills |
| Residential Lot (0.25-0.5 acre) | $2,500 - $8,000 | Suburban new construction |
| Urban Lot w/ Tree Ordinance | $5,000 - $15,000+ | Dallas, Fort Worth city limits |
💡 DFW Local Pricing Insight
As local Fort Worth contractors, we offer competitive pricing for DFW projectswithout travel fees within the metroplex. West of Fort Worth projects (Weatherford, Aledo, Granbury, Stephenville) are in our core service area, so we can often offer better rates than competitors traveling from Dallas.
DFW Vegetation & Clearing Challenges
The DFW region sits at a unique ecological crossroads where the Eastern and Western Cross Timbers meet. This creates distinct vegetation zones with different clearing requirements:
🌿 Cedar (Ashe Juniper) - West DFW
The Problem
- • Forms impenetrable thickets
- • Consumes 30+ gallons water/day/tree
- • Highly allergenic pollen (cedar fever)
- • Fire hazard when dense
Our Solution
- • Forestry mulching is ideal
- • Grinds cedar into protective mulch
- • No burning needed
- • Prevents erosion on slopes
🌵 Mesquite - West & South DFW
The Problem
- • Deep tap roots (60+ feet)
- • Thorns damage equipment & tires
- • Spreads aggressively
- • Reduces grazing capacity
Our Solution
- • Cut at ground level or below
- • Forestry mulching prevents regrowth
- • Follow-up treatment for large trees
- • Ranch management plans
🌳 Post Oak / Blackjack Oak - East DFW
Characteristics
- • Native to Cross Timbers region
- • Often protected by ordinances
- • Provide valuable wildlife habitat
- • Slower growing, harder wood
Our Approach
- • Selective clearing when possible
- • Preserve specimen trees
- • Assist with permit applications
- • Mitigation planning if required
DFW Permits & Regulations
For detailed permit information, see our complete DFW Land Clearing Permits Guide. Here's a summary of key regulations:
● City of Dallas - Strict
- Protected Trees: 6" diameter or larger
- Permit Required: Yes, for any protected tree removal
- Fees: $50-$500+ depending on tree size and mitigation
- Mitigation: May require replacement trees or fee-in-lieu
- Contact: Dallas Building Inspection - Tree Preservation
● City of Fort Worth - Moderate
- Protected Trees: 8" diameter or larger
- Permit Required: Yes, for protected tree removal
- Urban Forestry: May require arborist consultation
- Buffer Zones: Creeks and flood zones have special rules
- Contact: Fort Worth Development Services
● Unincorporated Areas - Fewer Restrictions
- Tarrant County: Generally no tree ordinances outside city limits
- Parker County: Minimal restrictions, verify for specific areas
- Denton County: Varies by city, unincorporated is less restrictive
- Note: Deed restrictions and HOAs may still apply
🏠 We Help with DFW Permits
As local contractors, we're familiar with permit requirements across the DFW area. We can assist with permit applications, arborist consultations, and mitigation planning to ensure your project is fully compliant.
DFW Communities We Serve
Bear Claw Land Clearing is based in Fort Worth and serves the entire DFW metroplex. Here are the communities we regularly work in:
🌟 West DFW - Our Core Area (Best Rates)
Weatherford
35K+
Cedar & mesquite, ranch land
Aledo
7K+
Rural properties, brush clearing
Granbury
12K+
Lake properties, cedar removal
Stephenville
22K+
Ranch land, mesquite clearing
Mineral Wells
15K+
Rural, cedar and brush
Core DFW Metro
Dallas
1.3M+
Strict tree ordinances, urban lot clearing
Fort Worth
940K+
Tree protection, ranch land and urban
Arlington
400K+
Commercial and residential clearing
North DFW
Plano
290K+
Mature suburbs, tree preservation
McKinney
210K+
Fast-growing, mix of clearing needs
Frisco
220K+
Rapid development, lot clearing
Denton
160K+
University town, mixed terrain
Don't see your city? We serve all of DFW and surrounding areas!
View All Texas Service AreasDFW Land Clearing FAQs
How much does land clearing cost in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Land clearing in the DFW metro area typically costs $2,500-$5,500 per acre depending on vegetation density, terrain, and accessibility. Properties west of Fort Worth with heavy cedar and mesquite may cost $3,500-$6,500 per acre. Urban lots in Dallas proper can range from $5,000-$15,000 due to tight access and tree ordinances.
Do I need a permit for land clearing in Dallas or Fort Worth?
Yes, both Dallas and Fort Worth have tree preservation ordinances. Dallas requires permits for trees 6 inches or larger in diameter. Fort Worth protects trees 8 inches or larger. Many surrounding cities have similar or stricter regulations. Always check with your local municipality before clearing.
What areas in DFW do land clearing companies serve?
Professional land clearing services cover the entire DFW metroplex including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, McKinney, Frisco, Denton, Weatherford, Granbury, Aledo, and all surrounding communities in Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Collin, Ellis, and Parker counties.
What vegetation is common in DFW that needs clearing?
The DFW area features a transition zone between the Eastern Cross Timbers (post oak, blackjack oak) and Western Cross Timbers (cedar, mesquite). West of Fort Worth, dense cedar (juniper) and mesquite dominate. East of Dallas, you'll find more hardwood forests. Urban areas have various ornamental and native trees.
What's the best time of year for land clearing in DFW?
The best time for land clearing in DFW is October through March. Fall and winter offer dry conditions, dormant vegetation, and cooler working temperatures. Avoid late spring through early fall when vegetation is at peak growth and summer heat makes outdoor work challenging.
Ready to Clear Your DFW Property?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from your local DFW land clearing experts. We're based in Fort Worth and know this area inside and out.