All figures on this page are national figures from Angi or HomeGuide, with the source and date beside each one. They are not local quotes. Your price depends on the site and the job.
Published ranges
| Item | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Land clearing | $1,200 – $8,000 per acre | HomeGuide, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Forestry mulching | $500 – $1,000+ per acre | HomeGuide, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Brush removal | $800 – $3,000 per acre | HomeGuide, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Stump grinding and removal | $100 – $400 per stump | HomeGuide, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
| Leveling or grading | $2,000 – $5,000 for a small, mostly level home site, up to $50,000+ on rocky sites | HomeGuide, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
What drives the price
- Tree density and size: scrub and brush cost far less than mature hardwoods.
- Slope and rock, common on valley hillsides.
- Stumps: grinding versus full removal for a building pad.
- Debris: mulching in place, hauling or burning where allowed.
- Erosion control, which permits may require.
Local permit thresholds
| Locality | Land-disturbance trigger | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke County | Permit at 2,500 sq ft or more; engineered plan at 10,000 sq ft or more | Roanoke County, Checked Oct 10, 2026 |
| Botetourt County | Commercial/subdivision projects or over 10,000 sq ft; fee $100 up to 1 acre + $50/acre | Botetourt County, Checked Oct 10, 2026 |
| Franklin County | Over 10,000 sq ft, or over 3,000 sq ft within 200 ft of surface water | Franklin County, Checked Oct 11, 2026 |
In the City of Roanoke, clearing tied to development goes through development plan review. Check with your locality before starting; permits are cheaper than stop-work orders.
Before the crew arrives
- Mark property lines and trees you want kept.
- Call Virginia 811 at least three working days before any digging or stump removal.
- Agree in writing on what happens to stumps, logs and topsoil.
See land and lot clearing for how we approach these jobs.
Get a quote
Call (540) 904-1819 or use the form for a free quote based on your property.
Common questions
How much does land clearing cost per acre?
HomeGuide's national range is $1,200 to $8,000 per acre, depending on how heavily wooded the land is.
Is forestry mulching cheaper?
HomeGuide lists forestry mulching at $500 to $1,000+ per acre; it leaves mulch on site instead of hauling.
Do I need a permit to clear land in Roanoke County?
Roanoke County requires a land-disturbance permit at 2,500 square feet or more.
What about Franklin and Botetourt counties?
Franklin's trigger is over 10,000 sq ft (3,000 within 200 ft of water); Botetourt's is over 10,000 sq ft or commercial/subdivision work.