Who Should You Hire To Clear Land for Your Next Big Project?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are deciding who to hire to clear land, a land‑clearing specialist delivers a safe, efficient result. These pros bring the right equipment, manage permits, and protect underground utilities and nearby vegetation. In some areas, an arborist is required for certain tree removals, and many land‑clearing companies have one on staff.

Benefits of Hiring a Land‑Clearing Specialist for Land Clearing

A local land‑clearing specialist brings the equipment and experience to clear sites quickly and safely. They reduce delays from equipment rentals and inexperience, and they help prevent damage to utilities and surrounding trees and shrubs. Many can convert removed trees into mulch for on‑site use, streamlining cleanup and prep.

Consider these reasons to hire a land‑clearing specialist:

• Brings dedicated heavy equipment.

• Handles tree removal, stump grinding, brush, and grass together.

• Checks for underground utilities before any digging or grinding.

• Minimizes damage to nearby trees, shrubs, and root zones.

• Moves rocks, boulders, and heavy debris safely and efficiently.

• Regrades and levels land to prepare for construction or landscaping.

• Acquires necessary permits to stay compliant with local rules.

• Provides clear timelines so your next phase starts on schedule.

• Can process removed trees into mulch for reuse.

Can I Hire a Arborist or Forestry Mulching Specialist for Land Clearing?

Arborists excel at tree‑focused tasks like tree removal, brush removal, stump grinding, and preserving healthy root systems. Some building codes require an arborist for tree removals, though land‑clearing companies often have one available. An arborist may not have the machinery to move boulders or other heavy, non‑organic debris. Forestry mulching clears above‑ground vegetation, but it leaves mulch behind that you must remove before construction, which increases overall costs.

If your project involves significant tree or brush removal, you might want to consider hiring a local arborist to ensure the job is done safely and in compliance with local regulations.

How Do Pros Clear Land?

Land clearing pros survey the site, plan equipment and methods, and sequence work for safety and efficiency. They assess slopes for regrading needs and confirm the location of underground utilities before any excavation.

Professionals follow these steps to clear land:

1. Acquire permits.

2. Remove large trees from the top down.

3. Grind or mulch small trees, or cut them down.

4. Grind down tree stumps.

5. Remove shrubs and cacti.

6. Clear grass and brush.

7. Move rocks, boulders, and other debris.

8. Trim trees that obstruct planned work.

9. Regrade and level the land.

How Much Does Land Clearing Cost?

Land clearing costs an average of $3,800, with a range of $400 to $15,000. Most land clearing professionals charge between $40 and $150 per hour. Small areas that only need mulching for plants and shrubs fall near the lower end of costs, while removing many large trees and boulders pushes costs higher. Forestry mulching averages about $800 per acre. Scope, vegetation density, permit requirements, and debris cleanup determine the total price. Project timelines often run one to two days, extending for larger or denser sites.