One of the number one questions we get, “How much will it cost per acre to clear my land?”
Clearing land before building a house, a barn, or shop, etc… can involve various costs, which may depend on a variety of factors such as the size and condition of the land, the type of vegetation that needs to be removed, and the regulations in your area. Here are some common costs associated with land clearing:
Tree and Stump removal: If your land has trees that need to be removed this will be the first part of the process followed by stump removal. The cost of this can vary depending on the number and size of trees, as well as any obstacles that may complicate the removal process.
Vegetation and Root removal: In addition to trees, your land may have other vegetation, such as shrubs, bushes, and roots matter from the trees that are left behind. This will need to be removed as well. The cost of this can depend on the extent of the vegetation and root matter. The preferred method would be to add a root rake to the front of a bulldozer to rip all the vegetation up while leaving the dirt behind. Most companies skip this process.
Grading and Excavation: Before building a house, the land may need to be graded or excavated to create a level surface. If you land is significantly sloped you may need to bring dirt in to to complete this process. The grading and excavation portion may require permits or inspections, which can add to the cost.
Disposal fees: Once the land is cleared, the debris and waste need to be disposed of properly. This can involve fees for landfill disposal, hauling, or recycling. In some instances you can burn the land clearing debris but that depends on county and city ordinances along with proximity to occupied homes and structures.
Overall, the cost of clearing land before building a house can range from a few thousand dollars per acre to tens of thousands of dollars per acre, depending on the size and complexity of the project. It’s important to budget for these costs when considering building a new home and work with reputable companies to ensure that the land is cleared safely, efficiently and legally.
If you have any questions regarding your land clearing project please do not hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to answer any and all questions.