Prices to clear cedar per acre in the United States typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on density, terrain, and additional work like stump grinding or site prep. Key cost drivers include cedar density, brush thickness, terrain accessibility, required permits, and disposal options.
Understanding the cost helps buyers compare bids, plan budgets, and avoid surprise charges during cedar clearing projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Clearing | $350 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Per acre; density and terrain drive variance |
| Stump Grinding (Optional) | $100 | $350 | $900 | Per stump; affects total when many trees are present |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $150 | $600 | Varies by locality and burn or disposal rules |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $350 | $1,000 | Debris removal or mulch options impact cost |
| Equipment & Labor | $200 | $650 | $1,600 | Contractor rates depend on crew size and machinery |
Overview Of Costs
Assumptions: region, cedar density, terrain, and disposal method vary; per-acre estimates reflect a typical project with roadside access and standard equipment. Low–average–high ranges illustrate a complete project, including mobilization and typical contractor overhead.
Cost Breakdown
The cost breakdown below uses average project assumptions for a single acre and shows both total project ranges and per-acre benchmarks. Major drivers include density of cedar stands, root and stump presence, and access to the site.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 | $0 | $0 | Generally not applicable beyond disposal fees | Minimal consumables |
| Labor | $200 | $550 | $1,400 | Crew size and duration vary with density | 1–2 workers on light clears; 4–6 for dense stands |
| Equipment | $100 | $350 | $900 | Machinery rental or operator time | Skid steer, mulcher head, or dedicated stump grinder |
| Permits | $0 | $150 | $600 | Local rules may require burn or disposal permits | Residential or commercial zoning varies |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $350 | $1,000 | Debris removal, chipping, or mulching | On-site mulching vs off-site disposal |
| Contingency | $0 | $100 | $400 | Unforeseen roots, stumps, or terrain issues | 5–15% of project cost |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Depends on local tax rules | Generally included in contractor bid |
What Drives Price
Density and diameter of cedar stands are the primary cost drivers, affecting tree removal time and equipment use. Smaller trees can be cleared quickly, while large, thick stands or trees with tangled roots require more labor and heavier gear. Terrain and site access also shape bids; steep slopes or rocky ground slow work and raise risk, influencing hourly rates and mobilization
Additional factors include stump removal preference, debris disposal method, and whether the site requires grading or seed bed preparation after clearing. Formula: labor hours × hourly_rate provides a simple way to estimate labor costs once crew size and duration are known.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets, disposal options, and permitting processes. In the Northeast, per-acre costs tend to be higher to cover dense stands and stricter disposal rules. In the Midwest, larger tracts with easier access can push per-acre costs down. In the South, regional subcontractor rates and fuel costs influence bids, especially for roadside clearing. Expect +/-15–30% deltas between urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs scale with crew size and time on site. Short clears with light brush may require 2–6 hours per acre, while dense cedar blocks or steep terrain can take 1–3 days. Labor rates typically range from $50 to $150 per hour per worker, with crew sizes of 2–6 people common.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Consider potential extras such as stump grinding, invasive species management, erosion controls, or restoration work. Disposal method choices—mulching on site versus hauling away—significantly affect totals. Hidden costs often emerge from permits, timber rights, or seasonal price spikes.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical bids for cedar clearing per acre, with different project assumptions.
Basic Scenario — Density: light stands; Terrain: flat; Access: easy. Cedar clearing, minimal stump work, disposal on-site mulch. Labor: 2 workers, 4 hours. Materials: 0. Equipment: 1 skid steer. Total: $320–$720; per-acre: $320–$720.
Mid-Range Scenario — Density: moderate stands; Terrain: uneven; Access: moderate. Includes stump grinding for a portion of trees, off-site disposal. Labor: 3–4 workers, 6–12 hours. Equipment: 1–2 machines. Permits: optional for debris burn. Total: $1,000–$2,000; per-acre: $1,000–$2,000.
Premium Scenario — Density: heavy stands; Terrain: hilly; Access: restricted. Includes full stump removal, erosion controls, and site grading after clearing. Labor: 4–6 workers, 20–40 hours. Equipment: multiple heavy machines. Permits: required. Total: $2,500–$4,500; per-acre: $2,500–$4,500.
Assumptions: region, cedar density, terrain, disposal method, and permits vary; totals reflect mobilization and standard contractor overhead.
Cost By Region
Three typical regional contrasts are shown here to reflect market variability. Urban markets may carry higher labor and permit costs, while rural areas can offer lower per-acre rates with longer travel times.
- Urban Northeast: per-acre range $1,000–$2,000; common with stump grinding and disposal fees
- Suburban Midwest: per-acre range $600–$1,200; mid-density stands with moderate terrain
- Rural South: per-acre range $350–$900; easy access and lighter clearing often reduce costs