Creating a new purpose for a remote piece of property often begins with land clearing. When you need tree removal, erosion control, and other services, you might wonder what the final bill will be.
The cost of land clearing in western New York state averages almost $3,000 per acre. However, the actual price tag depends on vegetation density and the full list of services required. Read on to get a better sense of what you can expect for your project.
Low End of the Cost Range for Clearing a Parcel
If you have a limited amount of vegetation on the parcel and only a few trees, the cost for land clearing services could be as low as $500 per acre. When the crew doesn’t have to work as long or use as much machinery to remove trees and brush, it will charge less for the job.
Lots that are flat and don’t have low spots that can become muddy should also cost far less than average. It can be a challenge to work on a hilly parcel or one with bluffs, creeks, and other environmental features that complicate moving equipment across it.
If you choose to have the team clear the property by using forestry mulching techniques, your cost per acre should be on the lower end. Forestry mulching cuts down and mulches vegetation and small trees in a single pass, saving time and money.
Why Some Properties Have a Higher Cost for Clearing
If you have a parcel that’s difficult to clear, you might pay as much as $11,000 per acre. One of the most common reasons a land clearing company might charge more than usual is the presence of densely packed, large trees. It’s difficult to drop these trees safely, so the workers may need to cut them manually with chainsaws.
When clearing a parcel in a remote area that’s also difficult to access, you may pay a higher-than-average price. If the team can’t easily transport its equipment to the site because of poor-quality rural roads, for example, you’ll probably pay more.
Companies doing land clearing will need to work more carefully if you have existing infrastructure on the property. When working near homes, outbuildings, fences, or utility lines, workers cannot drop trees haphazardly. They must precisely direct each tree’s fall to avoid damage.
If you want stumps removed and large tree trunks cut for firewood, you’ll pay extra for the work. Moving trunks to a remote area of the property or to an off-site location means more time and labor.
Why Trail Clearing Is an Option for Saving Money
Rather than clearing an entire acre, some property owners opt to clear smaller sections of the parcel to save money. Trail clearing works well for creating a road for hiking, biking, reaching a hunting blind, or for ATV use. If you want to add utility services to a remote area of the parcel, clearing a trail gives utility workers room to work on the lines.
You can expect to pay an average cost of $2,250 per linear mile for trail clearing. However, the actual amount you’ll pay depends on the terrain of the trail, the density of the trees, the need for boulder or stump removal, and whether land grading is necessary.
The width of the trail also affects the cost. Some people may only need about six feet of width for hiking. If you want to move vehicles across the trail, a width of 12 feet or more may be necessary. A land clearing company might need to trim overhead trees and limbs when creating a trail, which could increase costs.
How To Protect Yourself From Hidden Costs
You should watch for hidden costs when hiring a company that provides land clearing services. Some companies might give you a basic estimate without inspecting the property. Then, they might later find problems with dense trees or uneven terrain that increase the cost of the work beyond what was promised in a non-binding verbal estimate.
Always ask for a written estimate and a signed, written contract before agreeing to hire any company. If a company refuses to provide either, you’ll want to look elsewhere to avoid surprises when they hand you your bill.
Trust CVP Innovations LLC for Land Clearing and Site Preparation
Although some land clearing work can be pricey, working with the right professionals helps you recoup those costs through increased property value. At CVP Innovations LLC, we handle all aspects of tree and vegetation removal that give your parcel a fresh look and prepare it for whatever new purpose you have in mind.
For a free quote to clear your property, contact us today at (716) 261-2833. We serve North Tonawanda, NY, and the surrounding area.
