Texas Land Clearing Guide2025 Complete Resource Hub
Everything you need to know about clearing land in Texas. Methods, costs, permits, timing, equipment, and regional services all in one place.
Land Clearing Methods
Choose the right approach for your Texas property
Forestry Mulching
$1,500 - $3,500/acreUsing a forestry mulcher to grind brush and small trees into mulch on-site. No burning, no hauling, no debris.
✓ Pros: Eco-friendly, fast, no burn permits needed, mulch improves soil, one-pass operation
✗ Cons: Not for very large trees (>12" diameter), cedar doesn't regrow but mesquite will
Best for: Cedar removal, general brush, maintaining clear land
Traditional Clearing (Dozer)
$2,500 - $6,000/acreUsing a dozer to push and pile brush and trees. Often followed by burning or hauling.
✓ Pros: Handles any size trees, good for root removal, prepares land for development
✗ Cons: Creates debris piles, requires burning permits, disturbs more soil, higher cost
Best for: Development sites, large timber, root removal needed
Grubbing
$2,000 - $5,000/acreMechanical extraction of root systems using grubbing attachment. Removes roots 12-18" deep.
✓ Pros: Permanent removal of resprouting species (mesquite, huisache), no regrowth
✗ Cons: Higher cost, more soil disturbance, best for specific brush types
Best for: Mesquite, huisache, other resprouting species
Selective Clearing
$2,000 - $4,500/acreRemoving specific vegetation while preserving desirable trees. Often hand-cutting combined with machine work.
✓ Pros: Preserves mature trees, creates park-like appearance, maintains shade
✗ Cons: More labor-intensive, higher cost per acre, requires planning
Best for: Homesites, scenic properties, wildlife habitat
What Affects Land Clearing Costs
Understanding pricing for your project
Vegetation Density
Light brush (10%) vs heavy thicket (80%+) dramatically affects time and cost.
Vegetation Type
Cedar/juniper (one-pass) vs mesquite (grubbing needed) changes method and cost.
Tree Size
Small brush (<4" diameter) vs large trees (12"+) affects equipment needed.
Terrain
Flat pasture vs rocky hills vs creek bottoms impacts accessibility.
Total Acreage
Volume discounts available - clearing 100 acres costs less per acre than 5 acres.
Access
Easy road access vs gated/remote locations affects mobilization costs.
Texas Brush & Vegetation Guide
Know your enemy - understanding Texas brush types
Ashe Juniper (Cedar)
Hill Country, Central Texas, Edwards Plateau
Forestry mulching (permanent)
Honey Mesquite
West Texas, South Texas, Panhandle
Grubbing required (resprouts)
Eastern Red Cedar
North Texas, East Texas
Forestry mulching (permanent)
Huisache
South Texas, Coastal Plains
Grubbing required (resprouts)
Prickly Pear
Statewide
Mulching or mechanical removal
Blackbrush/Catclaw
South Texas, Edwards Plateau
Forestry mulching
Yaupon Holly
East Texas, Coastal Plains
Forestry mulching
Post Oak/Live Oak
Cross Timbers, Central Texas
Selective removal
Texas Land Clearing Permits
What you may need before clearing
Burn Permit
Required for any outdoor burning in Texas. Free from local fire marshal or TCEQ.
When needed: Only if burning debris (not needed for mulching)
TPWD Notification
Notify Texas Parks & Wildlife if clearing during nesting season in certain habitats.
When needed: Clearing during March-August in sensitive areas
County Permits
Some counties require land clearing permits, especially near waterways.
When needed: Check with county environmental office
Wetland Permits
Army Corps of Engineers permit if wetlands present.
When needed: Property has designated wetlands
Endangered Species
Golden-cheeked warbler habitat in Hill Country may have restrictions.
When needed: Central Texas cedar habitat, March-August
Good news: Forestry mulching eliminates the need for burn permits since there's no debris to burn. This is one reason it's the most popular clearing method in Texas.
Land Clearing by Region
Specialized services for your area of Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth Metro
DFW land clearing services
San Antonio Area
San Antonio and Hill Country
Austin Area
Austin and Central Texas
Houston Area
Greater Houston services
Hill Country
Cedar and brush country
Central Texas
Heart of Texas
North Texas
North Texas region
East Texas
Piney Woods region
West Texas
West Texas ranching
South Texas
Brush country
City-Specific Services
Our Land Clearing Services
Complete services for every project type
Forestry Mulching
Eco-friendly brush clearing with mulch benefits
Land Clearing
Complete property clearing services
Brush Clearing
General brush and vegetation removal
Cedar Removal
Permanent juniper eradication
Mesquite Control
Grubbing and control methods
Pasture Restoration
Restore productive grazing land
Fence Line Clearing
Clear brush from fences
Homesite Clearing
Prepare building sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about land clearing in Texas
What Our Clients Say
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers across Texas.
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