How Much Does Brush Removal Cost?

Last Updated on February 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Professional brush clearing services provide an affordable way to improve your land, but it’s important to understand the key factors that influence pricing. This article will break down the typical costs, services, and tips for maximizing value when hiring a company to clear brush.

Highlights

• Expect pricing from $100 to $700 per hour based on the scope of work.
• Per acre costs range from $1,500 to over $6,000 depending on density and terrain.
• Carefully evaluate what services are included and get firm price estimates.
• Choosing an experienced, properly insured company is worth the investment.
• Scheduling at off-peak times, phasing work, and DIY prep can reduce costs.
• Professional clearing provides environmental benefits when done responsibly.

How Much Does Brush Removal Cost?

Brush removal can cost anywhere from $500 to over $5,000 per acre depending on the density and amount of vegetation that needs clearing.

For residential properties, light brush removal may range from $100 to $500 per hour which can add up to $2,000 to $5,000 for clearing 1-2 acres. Denser vegetation and access difficulties will increase costs. Commercial projects are generally $300 to $700 per hour depending on the scale and density.

Clearing an open 1 acre lot averages $2,500 to $4,000 while heavy brush on steep terrain can be $6,000 or more per acre. Plan for higher per acre costs for smaller projects under 5 acres. Land clearing over 10 acres benefits from economies of scale and may range from $1,500 to $3,000 per acre on average.

Fire Dawgs Junk Removal provides a range of $145-$595+ for brush removal, depending on the amount of brush to be removed. This price includes transportation of the brush to a disposal site, labor involved with the removal process, and associated recycling fees.

HomeGuide provides a table of brush removal costs by service, ranging from $150-$1,000 per load, depending on the number of loads and the type of brush. The cost per acre ranges from $800 to $5,000, depending on the type of brush and the equipment used. Additional cost factors include pile size, site conditions, and service frequency.

LawnSite.com offers a forum thread discussing pricing for clearing brush and small trees. One member suggests charging $50 per hour for the tractor and charging stump grinding by the size of the stump.

When receiving estimates, confirm exactly what is included as some companies charge extra fees for hauling debris, dump charges, mulching, grading, and environmental remediation.

Factors That Influence Brush Removal Pricing

Several key factors determine the costs of clearing land:

• Property size – Per acre costs are higher for small lots under 5 acres. Larger projects over 10 acres enjoy lower per acre pricing.
• Brush density – Thick, overgrown land with years of unchecked growth will cost more than clearing younger vegetation.
• Terrain – Steep hills, wetlands, or other site challenges increase labor and equipment costs.
• Access – Limited access via narrow gates or roads will limit equipment size and efficiency.
• Location – Rural areas with lower labor costs tend to have lower rates than urban regions.
• Disposal fees – Local policies and landfill tipping fees determine debris disposal costs.

Typical Brush Removal Services

Professional brush clearing services typically include:

• Site evaluation – Estimate the work scope, access, equipment needs, and overall costs.
• Brush cutting – Using chainsaws, mowers, grinders, or forestry mulchers to clear vegetation.
• Debris removal – Loading and hauling away brush for disposal or recycling.
• Stump grinding – Eliminating remaining stumps and roots below ground.
• Land clearing – Grading, access roads, and preparing the site for development.
• Reseeding – Restoring ground cover or installing erosion control measures.

Many companies offer add-on services like weed control, invasive species removal, and comprehensive landscaping.

Choosing a Qualified Brush Removal Company

When selecting a brush clearing contractor, here are key considerations:

• Safety training and insurance – Ensure they carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance.
• Industry experience – Look for an established company with extensive land clearing experience.
• Equipment – Do they own grinders, mulchers, trucks, and other professional equipment?
• Workmanship warranty – The best will guarantee their brush removal work.
• Environmental practices – Choose a contractor that follows eco-friendly debris disposal methods.
• References – Ask for 3 to 5 references from past clients to evaluate quality.

You might also like our articles about the cost of transplanting a tree, trenching, or the price of a mini excavator.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Brush Removal Projects

If you have the time and capability, here are tips for reducing brush clearing costs:

• Perform light clearing yourself before hiring a service for dense areas.
• Schedule during the non-peak winter months for lower rates.
• Obtain a burn permit for on-site debris disposal where allowed.
• Evaluate government or conservation programs that may provide grants or assistance.
• Use a targeted, phased approach by only clearing priority areas first.
• Consider long-term land management to prevent excessive re-growth.

Environmental Benefits of Professional Brush Removal

While clearing land does impact the existing ecosystem, well-planned brush removal provides many environmental benefits:

• Prevents overgrown vegetation from choking out new growth and diversity.
• Can remove invasive species that threaten native plants and animals.
• Reduces wildfire fuel loads and pests like ticks in wooded areas.
• Prepares land for productive uses like agriculture and sustainable forestry.
• Restores landscapes impacted by storms, floods, and other disasters.

Responsible land clearing protects waterways, minimizes soil erosion, and replants ground cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of a lot of brush?

To remove a large amount of brush, the most efficient and affordable option is to hire a professional brush clearing company. Reputable land clearing services have heavy-duty equipment, like forestry mulchers and grinders, as well as the manpower to quickly chip loose debris or haul it away.

Ensure they follow eco-friendly practices like chipping for mulch or compost instead of burning or landfill disposal. For very large acreage, have the brush cleared in phases over time to spread out the costs.

DIY clearing is only practical for smaller projects using chainsaws, mowers or rental equipment.

How do you get rid of brush piles?

To properly dispose of brush piles, here are some options:

• Hire a brush removal service to chip or grind the debris for mulch, haul to a composting facility, or take to a transfer station. This is the quickest method.
• Obtain a permit to burn the pile on-site, following local guidelines on allowable materials, season, and safety precautions.
• Rent a wood chipper to process the brush into mulch that can be used on-site. Leaf mulch can go into your garden.
• Gradually compost small piles over several years. Chop into smaller pieces for quicker breakdown.
• Haul unusable woody debris to the landfill, being sure to cover and secure the load.

Will a brush pile decompose?

Yes, a brush pile will gradually decompose over time. However, the rate depends heavily on:

• Size – Large piles take vastly longer to break down. Chip or shred first.
• Composition – Green vegetation, leaves and twigs decompose faster than thick wood.
• Exposure – Sun and wind accelerates breakdown versus being packed tightly.
• Moisture – Turning the pile and watering periodically speeds decay.
• Temperature – Cool, slow composting may take 2-4 years versus several months in hot piles.
• Agitation – Turning or flipping the pile mixes contents for faster rotting.

With optimal conditions of moisture, smaller pieces, and periodic turning, a brush pile can fully decompose within 6-12 months. But big untreated piles can take 5 years or more in some cases.