Updated November 9, 2026
What goes into the price
- How much ground. Clearing is usually priced by the area, but density matters more than acreage alone.
- What is growing on it. Brush, briars and saplings go fast. Mature hardwoods and big pines take much longer.
- How it gets cleared. Forestry mulching, cutting and hauling off, or pushing and piling all cost different amounts. More on that below.
- Stumps. If you are building, stumps usually need to come out. If you just want a usable pasture or hunting land, they can often stay.
- Slope, wet ground and access. Steep or soggy land and tight gates slow equipment down.
- What happens to the debris. Mulching it in place costs less than hauling it away.
- Travel. Land far from our bases in Elberton and Gwinnett County may include a mileage fee. We agree on it with you before any work starts, and many closer jobs have none.
Mulching vs hauling off
Forestry mulching grinds brush and small trees where they stand and leaves the mulch on the ground. There is no hauling and no burn pile, the soil stays covered and you can keep the trees you want. It is usually the most economical way to reclaim overgrown land.
Cutting and hauling leaves bare ground, which is what you want before grading for a house, pad or driveway. It costs more because the debris has to be loaded and taken away.
Burning is restricted. Many metro Atlanta and North Georgia counties are under the state summer burn ban from May through September, and other rules apply the rest of the year. Check with the Georgia Forestry Commission before planning to burn.
Permits and rules to know
In Georgia, disturbing an acre or more of land generally requires a land disturbance permit and an erosion control plan. Many counties and cities set a lower threshold. There are also protected buffers along streams and other state waters. Our permit guide covers this in more detail.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Mark what stays. Flag the trees you want to keep and the property corners before work starts.
- Decide on stumps up front. Leaving stumps on land you won't build on saves real money.
- Combine jobs. Clearing, grading and a driveway done together cost less than three separate visits.
- Mulch where you can. Mulching the parts you don't need bare is cheaper than hauling everything.
Common questions
Is forestry mulching cheaper than clearing and hauling?
Usually, yes, because there is no loading, hauling or disposal. It leaves a layer of mulch instead of bare dirt, so it suits land you want to reclaim rather than land you are about to build on.
Can you clear land and leave certain trees?
Yes. Selective clearing is common. Flag the trees you want to keep, or walk the property with us before the work starts.
How long does it take to clear an acre?
It depends on how thick the growth is and how big the trees are. Light brush can go in a day or less. Heavy woods take longer. We give a timeline with the estimate.