Quick Answer: Texas Land Clearing Costs Per Acre
Understanding Land Clearing Costs in Texas
If you are planning to clear land in Texas—whether for building a home, preparing a commercial site, or reclaiming overgrown pasture—understanding costs is essential for budgeting your project. Our professional land clearing services serve homeowners, developers, and ranchers throughout the state.
The cost to clear land varies significantly based on several factors. A half-acre residential lot in the suburbs will cost very different from a 100-acre ranch covered in cedar and mesquite. This guide breaks down exactly what affects pricing and what you can expect to pay in different scenarios.
Cost Per Acre by Vegetation Type
Light Vegetation: $1,500 - $3,000 per acre
Light vegetation includes overgrown grass, weeds, and small brush under 3 inches in diameter. Common in abandoned residential lots, pastures with early brush invasion, and properties that have been neglected for 2-5 years.
Includes:
- • Tall grass and weeds
- • Small brush under 3 inches diameter
- • Light mesquite or cedar seedlings
- • Prickly pear and cacti
Typical Scenario:
- • Overgrown residential lot
- • Recently abandoned pasture
- • Light brush invasion on ranch land
Medium Vegetation: $3,000 - $5,000 per acre
Medium vegetation includes mixed brush with trees up to 6-8 inches in diameter. This is the most common scenario for Texas land clearing projects—properties that have been neglected for 5-15 years or pastures with established brush.
Includes:
- • Dense brush 3-8 inches diameter
- • Young trees (cedar, mesquite, oak)
- • Thick undergrowth
- • Some larger trees scattered throughout
Typical Scenario:
- • Undeveloped subdivision lots
- • Ranch pasture reclamation
- • Commercial site preparation
Dense cedar brush - typical medium to heavy vegetation requiring professional clearing
Heavy Vegetation: $5,000 - $8,000+ per acre
Heavy vegetation includes dense forest, mature trees over 12 inches diameter, and properties that have been unmanaged for decades. This requires more time, heavier equipment, and often multiple machines working together.
Includes:
- • Mature trees 12+ inches diameter
- • Dense hardwood forest
- • Heavy cedar or juniper thickets
- • Multi-layer canopy vegetation
Typical Scenario:
- • Undeveloped wooded property
- • Severely neglected ranch land
- • Large-scale development sites
How Acreage Affects Per-Acre Cost
Larger projects typically have lower per-acre costs due to economies of scale. Equipment mobilization is a fixed cost regardless of project size, and operators gain efficiency on larger properties.
| Project Size | Per-Acre Cost Range | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 acre | $3,500 - $5,000 | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| 1-5 acres | $2,500 - $4,000 | $2,500 - $20,000 |
| 5-20 acres | $2,000 - $3,500 | $10,000 - $70,000 |
| 20-50 acres | $1,800 - $3,000 | $36,000 - $150,000 |
| 50+ acres | $1,500 - $2,500 | $75,000+ |
Why Small Lots Cost More Per Acre
Equipment mobilization (transporting machinery to your site) costs $500-$1,500 regardless of project size. On a 0.5-acre lot, this adds $1,000-$3,000 to your per-acre cost. On a 50-acre project, it adds only $10-$30 per acre.
Cost Per Acre by Clearing Method
Forestry Mulching
- ✓ Most cost-effective for most properties
- ✓ Single-pass clearing
- ✓ No hauling or burning costs
- ✓ Mulch prevents erosion
- ✓ Eco-friendly option
Traditional Clearing
- ✓ Complete debris removal
- ✓ Better for construction sites
- ⚠ Requires hauling/disposal
- ⚠ May need burning permits
- ⚠ Higher total cost
Excavator-mounted forestry mulcher - ideal for heavy vegetation and steep terrain
Regional Cost Differences in Texas
Land clearing costs can vary by region based on local competition, vegetation types, and accessibility. Here is what to expect in different parts of Texas:
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro
Higher costs due to urban demand, stricter regulations, and traffic/logistics. More competition keeps prices somewhat competitive.
Central Texas / Hill Country
Rocky terrain and heavy cedar increase costs. Steep slopes require specialized equipment. Beautiful but challenging to clear.
Read our Hill Country guide →West Texas / Abilene Region
Generally lower costs due to flatter terrain and less dense vegetation. Mesquite and brush clearing is the primary need.
East Texas
Dense pine and hardwood forests increase costs. Higher rainfall means faster regrowth and denser vegetation.
Additional Services & Their Costs
Basic land clearing may not include everything you need. Here are common additional services and their typical costs:
| Service | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stump Removal | $100-$500 per stump | Or $500-$1,500/acre for heavy removal |
| Grading | $1,000-$3,000/acre | Depends on terrain and finish grade needs |
| Debris Hauling | $500-$1,500/acre | Only needed with traditional clearing |
| Tree Removal (Large) | $500-$2,000 per tree | For trees over 24 inches diameter |
| Root Raking | $800-$2,000/acre | Removes root systems from soil |
Real Project Example: What You Get for Your Money
Project Details
How to Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Property
Online estimates can only go so far. To get an accurate quote for your specific property, follow these steps:
Use Our Cost Calculator
Get a preliminary estimate based on your acreage, vegetation type, and location.
Try the calculator →Request a Site Visit
Most contractors offer free on-site estimates. This is the only way to get an accurate quote.
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare 2-3 quotes from different contractors. Be wary of prices significantly below market.
Ask About All-Inclusive Pricing
Make sure the quote includes everything: mobilization, clearing, and any additional services you need.
5 Ways to Save Money on Land Clearing
- 1.Choose forestry mulching over traditional clearing
Saves 20-40% by eliminating hauling and disposal costs.
- 2.Clear during off-peak seasons
Late fall and late winter often have better availability and pricing.
- 3.Bundle with neighbors
Splitting mobilization costs between adjacent properties can save 10-15%.
- 4.Prepare access beforehand
Clear a path for equipment to avoid accessibility surcharges.
- 5.Get quotes for the entire scope upfront
Adding services later costs more than including them in the original quote.