Land Clearing Cost in San Antonio2025 South Texas Pricing Guide

Land clearing in San Antonio typically costs $1,800-$4,000 per acre depending on the service needed. Brush clearing runs $1,000-$2,800 per acre, mesquite removal costs $2,000-$4,500 per acre, and cedar removal (for northern SA/Hill Country areas) costs $2,200-$4,500 per acre. Site preparation ranges from $2,500-$6,500 per acre. San Antonio's unique position between Hill Country and South Texas brush country creates varying conditions and pricing.

San Antonio sits at the intersection of several Texas ecosystems, creating diverse clearing needs: 1) North San Antonio (Stone Oak, Helotes): Heavy cedar and live oak, similar to Hill Country; 2) South/East San Antonio: Mesquite, huisache, and South Texas brush; 3) Throughout: Prickly pear cactus, agarita, persimmon, and various thorny brush. Each vegetation type requires different approaches and affects pricing.

Yes, proper mesquite removal typically costs 20-40% more than standard brush clearing ($2,000-$4,500/acre vs. $1,000-$2,800/acre). This is because mesquite has extensive root systems that can extend 50+ feet and regrow from any remaining root tissue. Effective mesquite control requires grubbing (root removal) or repeated treatments, not just cutting. Without root-level removal, mesquite regrows quickly.

San Antonio land clearing typically costs 10-25% less than Austin. Southern San Antonio with flatter, less rocky terrain can be quite affordable ($1,000-$2,500/acre). Northern San Antonio in Hill Country terrain approaches Austin pricing ($2,500-$4,500/acre). The key difference is San Antonio has more areas with accessible, rock-free terrain, while Austin is predominantly rocky Hill Country.

San Antonio has tree preservation ordinances protecting significant trees (10+ inches in diameter) and heritage trees. Permits are required for removal of protected trees. ETJ (extraterritorial jurisdiction) areas have fewer restrictions. Bexar County unincorporated areas generally don't require permits. We help clients navigate San Antonio's tree preservation requirements.

The best time for land clearing in San Antonio is late fall through early spring (October-April). This avoids the brutal summer heat that affects crew productivity and equipment performance. For brush regrowth control, clearing in late winter before spring growth is ideal. Avoid clearing during extended dry periods when fire danger is highest.

Clearing a typical half-acre to 1-acre suburban lot in San Antonio costs $2,500-$5,500. Lots in Stone Oak, Helotes, or other Hill Country-adjacent areas with cedar and rocky terrain cost $4,000-$6,500. South side lots with mesquite and brush typically cost $2,000-$4,000. Flat lots with light vegetation may cost as little as $1,500-$2,500.

Caliche is a hard, calcium carbonate-rich layer common in San Antonio soils. It doesn't significantly affect brush clearing or forestry mulching, but it dramatically impacts site preparation costs if grading or excavation is needed. Caliche may require rock-breaking or special equipment, adding $500-$2,000 per acre to site prep costs. We assess caliche presence during our free estimate.