Who This Guide is For
Building a New Home
Preparing raw land for new construction
Lot Clearing
Clearing overgrown residential property
Property Improvement
Expanding usable yard or outdoor space
Land Investment
Preparing land for resale or future development
Residential Land Clearing Costs in Texas
| Lot Size | Light Brush | Medium | Heavy/Wooded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Acre (10,890 sq ft) | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,800-$2,500 | $2,500-$4,000 |
| 1/2 Acre (21,780 sq ft) | $1,500-$2,200 | $2,200-$3,200 | $3,200-$5,000 |
| 1 Acre | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,500-$5,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
| 2-5 Acres | $2,500-$7,500 | $5,000-$15,000 | $10,000-$30,000 |
Additional Services Often Needed:
Stump Grinding
Required if building on the area
$200-$500/lot
Rough Grading
Level ground, establish drainage
$500-$1,500/lot
Fill Dirt
If lot needs building up
$15-$30/cubic yard
Erosion Control
Silt fencing, seeding
$200-$600/lot
Site Prep for New Home Construction
If you're building a new home, you need more than just clearing. Here's what "construction-ready" site preparation typically includes:
Land Clearing
Remove all trees, brush, and vegetation from building envelope plus 15-25' buffer
Stump Removal
Grind or remove all stumps in the building footprint area (can't build on stumps)
Rough Grading
Level the building area and establish proper drainage away from foundation location
Driveway Access
Clear and grade driveway path for construction equipment access
💰 Total Site Prep Cost for New Home Construction
Standard Lot (1/2 acre or less)
$2,500-$7,000
Larger Properties (1-5 acres)
$5,000-$20,000
Includes clearing, stump removal, rough grading, and basic erosion control
Homeowner's Land Clearing Checklist
Check if property is within city limits
Determines permit requirements
Measure any trees over 6" diameter
May need tree removal permit
Contact city planning department
Confirm permit requirements
Get 3+ quotes from licensed contractors
Compare costs and services
Verify contractor insurance
Liability + workers comp required
Mark property boundaries
Use survey stakes or flags
Identify utilities (call 811)
Locate underground lines before digging
Decide what trees to keep
Mark with ribbon or paint
Plan for debris/erosion control
Required for construction permits
Coordinate with your builder
They may have specific requirements
Money-Saving Tips for Homeowners
✓ DO This
- • Get quotes before buying raw land
- • Schedule clearing in winter (Oct-Feb)
- • Choose forestry mulching over traditional
- • Clear the entire area at once
- • Keep mature shade trees if possible
- • Coordinate timing with your builder
- • Get permits before starting work
✗ AVOID This
- • Hiring uninsured contractors
- • Skipping the permit check
- • Clearing without marking boundaries
- • Choosing cheapest quote without research
- • DIY for anything beyond light brush
- • Clearing in peak season (April-September)
- • Damaging neighboring trees