What is the average cost to clear land

Removing land features such as concrete or tree stumps, the size of the land, and land grading all affect the total cost of land clearing. Many home improvement projects require some site preparation before work begins. When building a guest house, barn or home on a piece of land, or when embarking on a major landscaping project, clearing the land is an important first step. Land clearing projects vary in scope and cost, depending on the square footage or acreage and the complexity of the work involved.

Ask a land clearing company for a free estimate, or ask multiple companies to quote the average cost before making your choice. Clearing land for construction is much more complicated than clearing an overgrown backyard for landscaping.

Hauling away the debris cleared from a site incurs an additional charge, depending on what is being removed. Heavier debris, such as broken concrete, costs more because the landfill charges more to accept it. Expect to pay by the square foot if concrete removal is required.

Some concrete removal specialists charge a minimum fee for smaller projects, such as removing walkways and sidewalk and to cover transportation costs, tools, labor and other business overhead.

The company only agrees to remove a sidewalk if the company is hired to pour concrete at the same time. Tree stump removal entails removing the entire root ball of a tree from below the soil. This process leaves a large hole in the ground and takes considerably more time and labor than stump grinding.

For an old tree with a large root system or one that's embedded in very hard soil, stump grinding may be more cost-effective than removal. When grinding the stump, professionals use a chipping machine to grind away the above-level tree stump.

The total cost to hire a pro will vary depending how much land needs to be cleared, how severe the slope is and whether you need to install an irrigation system. When clearing land to build a structure on it, a land survey may be required in addition to zoning permits. Some land clearing projects may require a permit from the local planning department, depending on the applicable zoning laws.

Just as a building permit was required to build the existing structures on your property, you may need a permit to clear the land before new work can take place. For projects that require excavation, a representative of the local utility company or the local planning office may need to visit the site to help identify where underground pipes and other utility lines are buried. To avoid disruption of utility service and prevent injuries, it is very important to clearly flag lines and pipes before lot clearing begins.

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, then we share those prices with you. Browse profiles, see prices and use filters to find pros who match your project. Join as a pro. See all. Events and more.

Other Info. Cancel Search. There are no limits to your dream landscape design except your budget. How long has an in-ground pool been part of your dream home? With the land cleared, the ground is ready for installing the perfect in-ground pool. The three most common pool types include vinyl liner, concrete, and fiberglass.

Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable, with concrete pools costing the most. The prices listed in this land clearing cost guide are all national averages.

On a local scale, prices will likely vary depending on where you live. The bigger and more powerful the equipment, the more you can expect to pay in rental fees. The time it takes to clear a 1-acre lot will depend on the pro you hire and the equipment he or she uses.

On average, it takes about two to four hours to clear land. How many acres a team of pros can clear in one day depends on the land clearing company you hire and the equipment they own.

Generally, pros can clear 2 to 4 acres a day, and sometimes more. Yes, pros can work around specific trees as long as you let them know which trees you intend to keep. Before disrupting the earth, check for underground utilities. Call and request a utility company to come to your lot and identify the utility locations.

Most utility companies will perform this service for free. Clearing land is a mighty project, so be sure to have your checkbook or credit card ready. Total spending will vary depending on how much land you need cleared, the type of debris removed, debris removal, and the method of clearing. Call a local landscaping professional near you who can pour a concrete patio, plant flower beds, install a water garden , erect a fence around your property, or handle any other myriad landscaping improvements.

Anything you want to put on your cleared land — or a pool you might want to put in the ground now — will cost extra. On This Page. How long does it take to clear an acre of land? How many acres of land can professionals clear in one day?

Can you keep specific trees intact when clearing land? How much does it cost to check for underground utilities? Another huge thing to make sure of is that your contractor is insured.

Ask for proof the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. And insurance guarantees that you are not liable for any accidents that occur on the property during site preparation. Any reputable contractor first comes to take measurements and survey the land. Feel free to try to negotiate because the worst possible scenario is they say no and your price remains the same. It never hurts to try.

You should get what you want, but at the right price. Ultimately, there are many factors that come into play when looking into having land cleared.