Brush clean up typically costs $250-$2,500 for a residential job, with an average near $900; clearing a heavily overgrown acre can cost several thousand dollars. Brush volume, access, hauling distance, disposal method, and whether crews cut, chip, or remove plants drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small yard cleanup | $150 | $350 | $700 | Light debris, about 1-2 hours |
| Overgrown residential lot | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Cutting and hauling included |
| Brush clearing per acre | $1,500 | $3,500 | $8,000+ | Density and terrain affect rate |
| Chipping without hauling | $75 | $125 | $200 | Per crew hour; minimum charges may apply |
What homeowners pay to clear brush from a yard
For a typical suburban yard with scattered shrubs, vines, and fallen branches, expect $250-$900. A dense half-acre lot may run $1,000-$3,000, while thick brush across one acre can reach $8,000 or more when equipment, difficult terrain, or extensive hauling is involved. Prices usually cover cutting and gathering; stump removal or tree work may be separate.
Most ordinary yard jobs land between $350 and $1,500. Per-acre figures are useful for larger properties but should not be treated as a flat rate: light vegetation may cost $1,500-$3,000 per acre, compared with $4,000-$8,000+ for dense growth. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, ordinary access, brush under about 2 inches thick, and no major tree removal.
How cutting, hauling, and disposal shape the quote
A written estimate should distinguish labor from debris removal. Some crews leave chipped material onsite, while others load it for transport. Disposal fees vary by local facility and material type, so ask whether the quote includes dump charges and cleanup after loading.
| Quote item | Typical price | Common basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting and hand clearing | $50-$100 per worker-hour | Labor time | Brush density and safety hazards |
| Brush hog or forestry work | $150-$350 per machine-hour | Equipment and operator | Terrain, access, and machine size |
| Chipping | $75-$200 per hour | Chipper and crew | Branch diameter and volume |
| Hauling and disposal | $100-$600 per load | Truckload or dump run | Distance and disposal fees |
| Permit or site protection | $0-$300 | Local requirement or setup | Protected areas and access route |
Hauling can add hundreds of dollars when brush fills multiple truckloads. gives a useful labor estimate, but equipment, travel, and disposal are often quoted separately.
Brush height, acreage, and access change the rate
Vegetation type and density matter more than acreage alone. Grass and weeds under 2 feet are generally faster to cut than thorny shrubs or saplings 4-8 feet tall. Brush with stems over 2 inches may require a chainsaw or heavier machine rather than a mower, increasing labor and equipment charges.
Flat, open ground can be cleared efficiently with a brush hog. Slopes steeper than about 15 degrees, wet soil, rocks, fences, and narrow gates can limit machine access and push the job toward slower hand work. A crew may also price around trees or landscaping that must remain undamaged.
Ask the contractor to state the acreage, vegetation height, and included equipment in the quote. A price for mowing low weeds is not comparable to one covering woody growth, selective clearing, and debris removal.
How many crew hours does a typical cleanup take
A two-person crew may finish a lightly overgrown quarter-acre in 3-6 hours. A half-acre with dense shrubs can take 1-2 days, particularly when debris must be sorted and hauled. Machine clearing can shorten cutting time, but setup and transporting equipment may add a minimum charge.
Hourly labor commonly falls around $50-$100 per worker, with higher rates in expensive metro areas or for specialized saw work. Some companies quote a fixed project price after an onsite visit instead of billing by the hour. Confirm whether travel, equipment setup, and final raking are included.
Regional brush clearing prices across the United States
Rates in high-cost metro areas and parts of the Northeast or West Coast can be 15%-30% above national midrange estimates. Rural areas may be 10%-20% lower for labor, but long travel distances or limited disposal facilities can erase that savings. Fire-prone regions may also have seasonal demand for defensible-space clearing.
These differences are not guaranteed local price lists. Get estimates from contractors who serve the property’s county, and compare the same scope, including whether debris is chipped onsite or hauled away. Local disposal fees and travel charges can matter as much as the hourly rate.
When chipping onsite costs less than hauling brush
Chipping can be economical when the property has a suitable place to spread mulch and the branches fit the machine. It avoids multiple dump runs, though the crew still charges for operating the chipper. Hauling is more practical when the site must be left clear, the material is too large to chip, or local rules restrict debris piles.
Expect roughly $75-$200 per hour for chipping, compared with $100-$600 per truckload for hauling and disposal. Burning is not always a legal or safe alternative; local fire restrictions and permit rules vary. Ask for separate prices for chipping onsite and removing all debris.
Three brush cleanup quotes for common property sizes
| Job example | Work included | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small backyard, 2 workers for 4 hours | Cut weeds and shrubs; one debris load | $450-$850 |
| Half-acre lot, 2 workers for 10 hours | Hand clearing, chipper, partial hauling | $1,400-$2,800 |
| One wooded acre, machine and 3-person crew | Selective clearing; haul several loads | $4,000-$8,000+ |
Actual bids depend on brush volume, equipment access, and local rates. These examples assume no large-tree removal, stump grinding, or extensive grading.
Ways to lower the price without leaving a messy lot
Mark plants and trees to keep before work begins, move movable items, and clear a path for trucks or equipment. Request a quote for cutting and onsite chipping separately from full hauling; keeping chips onsite can avoid disposal loads if mulch is acceptable. For a large property, ask whether phased clearing is less expensive than clearing the entire area at once.
Compare at least three written estimates with the same boundaries, cleanup standard, and debris plan. Avoid paying for stump grinding or grading if those tasks are not needed. Controlling the scope and agreeing on what happens to cut material are the clearest ways to manage the bill.