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Lot Clearing / Site Prep Calculator

Line-item estimate for residential lot clearing. Includes selective or full clearing, driveway cut-in, building pad prep, grading, and stump removal. Built for homeowners and builders.

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The math, shown transparently

No black box. Here is exactly what the calculator computes. (Sources: RS Means 2024 construction cost data, NAHB site preparation surveys, HomeAdvisor)

// Cleared area and selective premium

clear_acres = lot_size x (clear_percentage / 100)

selective_premium = 1.0 + premium_percent (20-40% for partial clearing)

// Line items

clearing_cost = clear_acres x base_rate x selective_premium

driveway = length_ft x $10/linear_foot

building_pad = sqft x $2/square_foot

grading = clear_acres x $3,500/acre (rough grade)

stump_removal = clear_acres x $500/acre

// Total

total = clearing + driveway + pad + grading + stumps

Worked example

2-acre wooded lot, 60% cleared, heavy vegetation, 200 ft driveway, 2,000 sqft building pad, with grading:

clear_acres = 2 x 0.60 = 1.2 acres

selective = 1.35 premium (60% cleared)

clearing = 1.2 x $5,000 x 1.35 = $8,100

driveway = 200 ft x $10 = $2,000

pad = 2,000 sqft x $2 = $4,000

grading = 1.2 x $3,500 = $4,200

total = $8,100 + $2,000 + $4,000 + $4,200 = $18,300

Selective clearing vs full clearing

Selective clearing costs 20-40% more per acre than full clearing because the operator works around trees you want to keep. Every tree left standing means the mulcher has to maneuver around it instead of running straight lines. The operator slows down, changes direction more often, and risks damage to the trees being preserved.

On a 2-acre lot where you keep 40% of the mature oaks, expect to pay 35% more per cleared acre than if you cleared everything. The premium covers the precision work and the reduced production rate.

The tradeoff is worth it. Mature trees add $10,000-$30,000 to property value. A 200-year-old oak cannot be replaced. Spending an extra $2,000 to preserve four large trees on a building lot is one of the best investments in a new construction project.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to clear a lot for building?

Residential lot clearing costs $3,000-$15,000 for a typical half-acre to one-acre lot, depending on vegetation density and what work is included. Basic clearing runs $1,500-$7,000 per acre. Add $1,000-$3,000 for driveway cut-in (200 ft at $5-$15/lf), $2,000-$6,000 for building pad prep (2,000 sf at $1-$3/sf), $2,000-$6,000 per acre for rough grading, and $300-$800 per acre for stump removal.

What is site preparation?

Site preparation (site prep) is the work done to make raw land ready for construction. It includes clearing vegetation, removing stumps, cutting a driveway access, preparing the building pad (leveling and compacting where the structure will sit), rough grading for drainage, and sometimes installing erosion control. Site prep is typically the first phase of any new construction project.

Does selective clearing cost more than full clearing?

Yes. Selective clearing (keeping some trees and clearing others) costs 20-40% more per acre than full clearing. The premium covers the extra time needed for precision work: working around keeper trees, hand-cutting in tight spots, and more careful machine operation. It is worth the premium when you want to preserve shade trees, maintain privacy screening, or protect specimen trees.

Do I need a permit to clear my lot?

It depends on your location. Many jurisdictions require a land disturbance permit, timber harvest permit, or grading permit for clearing more than a certain area (often 1 acre or 5,000 sq ft). Some areas have tree ordinances that require permits to remove trees above a certain diameter. Check with your county planning or zoning office before starting work. Your contractor should know the local requirements.

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