Land clearing cost per acre in 2026: brush, forestry mulching and a full clear
What brush clearing, forestry mulching and a full clear with stumps cost on a quarter, half and whole acre, what pushes the price up, and the tree rules to check in Central Texas first.
Land clearing is priced by the acre and by how much is growing on it. Here are three jobs on three lot sizes, what pushes the price up, and the tree rules to check in Central Texas before anything is cut.
What land clearing costs
| Type | ¼ acre | ½ acre | 1 acre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brush clearing | $1,500 | $1,545 | $2,591 |
| Trees and brush, mulched | $1,500 | $2,325 | $4,150 |
| Full clear with stump removal | $2,325 | $4,150 | $7,801 |
- Brush clearing: undergrowth, vines and saplings cut and mulched; the trees stay.
- Forestry mulching: a mulcher grinds trees to about 8 inches where they stand and leaves the mulch. Nothing to haul.
- Full clear: everything removed, stumps ground or pulled, and the ground graded ready to build.
Priced by the same engine our free quote tool uses, at its starter rates. Small lots hit the contractor's minimum, because the machine has to come either way; that is why a quarter acre of brush costs nearly what half an acre does. Hauling debris off site instead of mulching it is extra, often $800–$1,500 an acre.
What pushes the price up
- Density: thick cedar and large trees take hours per acre; light brush takes minutes.
- Stumps: grinding or pulling them, plus grading, is most of the gap between mulching and a full clear in the table above.
- Slope and rock: steep or rocky ground slows machines, and much of the Hill Country is both.
- Access: a gate too narrow for the machine means smaller equipment and more hours.
Check the tree rules first
- Protected trees: the City of Austin protects trees 19 inches in diameter and larger, and heritage trees from 24 inches. Removing them needs a permit. Other cities have their own rules.
- Oak wilt: the Texas A&M Forest Service advises against cutting or wounding oaks from February through June, when the beetles that spread oak wilt are active. Paint any oak wounds.
- Burning cleared brush is restricted in many counties, especially during burn bans. Mulching avoids the question.
Common questions
How much does land clearing cost per acre?
About $2,591 for brush, $4,150 for forestry mulching and $7,801 for a full clear with stumps.
Is forestry mulching cheaper than clearing and hauling?
Usually: nothing leaves the site.
Do I need a permit to clear trees in Austin?
For trees 19 inches in diameter and larger, yes. Check with the city first.
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