Land Clearing Questions, Answered — and How to Get an Assessment

How much does land clearing cost?

Forestry mulching runs $250 to $400 per hour for a machine and operator, and most complete projects land between $2,000 and $10,000 per job. Traditional clearing is quoted by the project. See the Pricing Guide for what moves a quote.

How much can be cleared in a day?

It depends on density and stem size. Light brush and understory go fast; large mature timber is traditional work and moves slower.

What happens to the cleared material?

With mulching, material is ground in place and left as mulch. With traditional clearing, material is chipped, stacked for burning where permitted, or hauled — check current rules with the county or city.

Will the brush grow back?

Some of it will. Privet and Chinese tallow are the worst resprouters, with yaupon behind them. See the Invasive Species Guide for what clearing does and does not finish.

Do I need a permit?

It depends on city limits, burn bans, and the parcel. Check with Smith County or your city — this site gives no permit advice.

Will my timber pay for the clearing?

Never count on it. Timber value is never promised here; if a buyer offers a price, get it in writing on its own terms.

Does East Texas Land Clearing do the work?

No. East Texas Land Clearing is an information and referral service owned by Branch and Vine Capital, LLC. Independent local companies perform all clearing work with their own equipment, crews, and insurance, including equipment and liability insurance. Texas has no state land-clearing license, so ask about equipment and liability insurance instead.

What should I have ready?

Your acreage, terrain, end goal, and a photo or two of the property as it stands. This site uses no before-and-after photos; example images are labeled as examples only.

Get a Property Assessment

Tell us the acreage and what you want it to be — we will match you with a local operator who will walk it and price it straight.