Brush Removal Cost Calculator
This tool helps you estimate the potential cost of clearing brush from an area. Costs can vary significantly based on location, accessibility, specific type of vegetation, and contractor rates, but this provides a general estimate based on common factors.
Enter the approximate size of the area to be cleared and select the density of the brush.
Estimate Your Brush Removal Cost
Factors Affecting Brush Removal Cost
Brush removal costs are typically calculated based on several factors, with the primary ones being:
- Area Size: Larger areas naturally take longer and require more effort, increasing the total cost. Costs are often quoted per square foot or acre.
- Brush Density and Type: Clearing light grass and sparse bushes is much faster and cheaper than tackling dense thickets, thorny vines, or small trees. Heavy vegetation requires more powerful equipment and labor.
- Accessibility: Is the area easily accessible by machinery (like skid steers or brush hogs) or does it require manual labor with chainsaws and clearing saws? Difficult access (steep slopes, tight spaces, remote locations) increases cost.
- Terrain: Rocky, uneven, or sloped ground makes the work harder and potentially slower.
- Disposal: How is the cleared material handled? Chipping on-site (if feasible) is often cheapest. Hauling away large volumes of brush can be costly due to truck fees and dump/recycling fees. Burning may be an option depending on local regulations.
- Location: Labor rates and disposal fees vary significantly by region.
- Additional Services: Stump grinding, clearing roots, grading, or hauling away excess soil are usually extra costs.
Our calculator simplifies this by focusing on Area and Density, which are major drivers of the base clearing effort.
Brush Removal Cost Examples
These examples use hypothetical cost rates (e.g., Light: $0.20/sq ft, Medium: $0.50/sq ft, Heavy: $1.00/sq ft) for illustration. Actual rates vary.
Example 1: Small Backyard, Light Brush
Scenario: Clearing scattered bushes and tall weeds in a small residential backyard.
Inputs: Area = 500 sq ft, Density = Light
Estimated Calculation (using $0.20/sq ft): 500 sq ft * $0.20/sq ft = $100
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $100 (plus minimum service fees if applicable).
Example 2: Side Yard, Medium Brush
Scenario: Removing overgrown shrubs and moderate undergrowth along a fence line.
Inputs: Area = 800 sq ft, Density = Medium
Estimated Calculation (using $0.50/sq ft): 800 sq ft * $0.50/sq ft = $400
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $400.
Example 3: Large Area, Heavy Brush
Scenario: Clearing a section of undeveloped land with dense thickets, vines, and small trees.
Inputs: Area = 10000 sq ft, Density = Heavy
Estimated Calculation (using $1.00/sq ft): 10000 sq ft * $1.00/sq ft = $10,000
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $10,000. Heavy clearing is significantly more expensive per square foot.
Example 4: Small, Inaccessible Area, Heavy Brush
Scenario: Clearing dense, thorny bushes and vines in a tight corner of a yard that requires manual labor.
Inputs: Area = 200 sq ft, Density = Heavy
Estimated Calculation (using $1.00/sq ft): 200 sq ft * $1.00/sq ft = $200.
Note: Due to difficulty/accessibility, a contractor might have a minimum charge higher than this or quote hourly. This example shows the base area/density rate.
Conclusion: Base estimated cost around $200, but accessibility/minimums likely increase this.
Example 5: Medium Front Yard, Mixed Density
Scenario: Clearing some light undergrowth and a few moderately dense shrub clusters in a front yard.
Inputs: Area = 1500 sq ft, Density = Medium (as an average)
Estimated Calculation (using $0.50/sq ft): 1500 sq ft * $0.50/sq ft = $750
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $750 based on an average density assessment.
Example 6: Pasture Edge Clearing, Light
Scenario: Clearing light, scattered brush encroaching on a pasture edge.
Inputs: Area = 20000 sq ft (approx 0.46 acres), Density = Light
Estimated Calculation (using $0.20/sq ft): 20000 sq ft * $0.20/sq ft = $4000
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $4000. Large light clearing can still add up.
Example 7: Large Foundation Planting Removal, Medium/Heavy
Scenario: Removing established, dense foundation plantings (medium to heavy brush/shrubs).
Inputs: Area = 300 sq ft, Density = Heavy (due to root structure and density)
Estimated Calculation (using $1.00/sq ft): 300 sq ft * $1.00/sq ft = $300
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $300 for a relatively small but dense area.
Example 8: Stream Bank Clearing, Medium
Scenario: Clearing moderately dense brush along a stream bank (consider access issues might increase cost).
Inputs: Area = 1200 sq ft, Density = Medium
Estimated Calculation (using $0.50/sq ft): 1200 sq ft * $0.50/sq ft = $600
Conclusion: Base estimated cost around $600. Accessibility and environmental factors could increase this.
Example 9: Fence Line Clearing, Light
Scenario: Clearing sparse weeds and small volunteer saplings along a long fence line.
Inputs: Area = 700 sq ft, Density = Light
Estimated Calculation (using $0.20/sq ft): 700 sq ft * $0.20/sq ft = $140
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $140.
Example 10: Small Lot Perimeter, Medium/Heavy
Scenario: Clearing a perimeter strip around a small vacant lot with mixed medium and heavy brush.
Inputs: Area = 2500 sq ft, Density = Heavy (as a cautious average)
Estimated Calculation (using $1.00/sq ft): 2500 sq ft * $1.00/sq ft = $2500
Conclusion: Estimated cost around $2500.
Understanding Brush Density
Assessing brush density is subjective but crucial for estimating cost:
- Light: Scattered weeds, tall grasses, low-lying ground cover, very sparse small bushes. Easy walking through.
- Medium: Moderate density of shrubs, thicker undergrowth, some small saplings (less than 2-3 inches diameter). Requires some effort to walk through.
- Heavy: Very dense thickets, vines, thorny bushes, numerous small trees (up to 4-6 inches diameter). Difficult or impossible to walk through without cutting a path. May require specialized machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brush Removal Costs
1. How is brush removal cost typically calculated?
Costs are commonly calculated based on the area to be cleared (per square foot or acre), the density and type of vegetation, accessibility of the site, and disposal methods. Some contractors might also charge hourly rates for smaller or more complex jobs.
2. What factors have the biggest impact on the price?
Area size and brush density are usually the biggest drivers. Heavy, dense brush costs significantly more per square foot to clear than light brush. Difficult site access also substantially increases costs.
3. Does the estimated cost include hauling away the brush?
Often, a standard quote includes cutting and piling brush. Hauling away or chipping the brush on-site are typically separate costs that can add significantly to the total, depending on the volume.
4. Is removing trees included in brush removal?
Generally, "brush removal" refers to clearing undergrowth, shrubs, and small saplings. Removing larger trees (over a certain diameter, e.g., 4-6 inches) is usually considered tree removal and is quoted separately, often by the tree.
5. What's the difference between brush "clearing" and "removal"?
"Clearing" often implies cutting vegetation down to ground level. "Removal" might include removing roots and preparing the ground surface, which is a more intensive (and expensive) process.
6. Can I save money by doing brush removal myself?
Yes, doing it yourself can save on labor costs, but you'll need to factor in the cost of renting or buying equipment (chainsaws, clearing saws, chipper, etc.), the time and physical effort involved, and the cost and logistics of disposing of the brush yourself.
7. Do I need a permit to clear brush?
It depends on your location and the scale of the job. Some areas have regulations regarding land clearing, especially near waterways or in areas with protected vegetation. Always check with your local municipality or county planning department.
8. How long does brush removal take?
This varies greatly based on the area size, density, terrain, access, and the size and experience of the crew. A small, light job might take a few hours, while a large, heavy clearing project could take several days or even weeks.
9. What happens to the brush after it's removed?
Common disposal methods include chipping the brush into mulch on-site, hauling it away to a disposal facility or recycling center, or burning it (where permitted and safe). Disposal costs vary significantly.
10. Why do quotes from different companies vary?
Quotes vary due to differences in their hourly rates, equipment, crew size, experience, insurance/overhead, assessment of the job's difficulty, and their standard disposal practices. Getting multiple quotes is recommended.
