If you have big plans for an overgrown property, you likely know you need land clearing services. However, you may be unsure whether you can afford to clear the property and still have enough money left over to put your plans in motion.
Learn more about how to estimate land clearing and forestry mulching prices in NC.
Average Cost of Clearing Land in Central North Carolina
The average cost for clearing land in central North Carolina ranges from about $500 to $4,000 per acre. Depending on the condition of the property and the machinery required for the job, your price quote could be outside this range.
Although land clearing costs per acre are common in estimates, the size of your lot may only be a fraction of an acre, in which case you can expect to pay less.
When seeking land clearing services estimates, don’t accept a generic range of potential costs or a one-size-fits-all price per acre. Companies that fail to provide a detailed, itemized quote may be trying to scam you or simply not have enough experience to price their services correctly. Either way, the final bill might surprise you with extra hidden costs for work that you were not expecting.
To determine the most accurate estimate, companies need to inspect the parcel in person, with a drone, or via satellite photography. They can then use that information to come up with something fair.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Property Clearing
Among the factors affecting land clearing quotes are the following.
Size of the Property
It costs more to perform land clearing on a larger parcel than on a smaller one. However, some companies may charge extra fees for smaller sites if they need to bring specialty equipment to make the job feasible.
Thickness of the Vegetation
A site overrun with weeds and underbrush will cost more to clear than a piece of land that has sparse growth. Workers may need larger equipment to clear away thicker vegetation. They might also have to work more slowly to get the job done, leading to higher labor costs.
Presence of Large Trees
If you must cut down many large trees, the land clearing company might need to use chainsaws or large bulldozers. If the trees are tightly bunched, workers using chainsaws might be the only safe option to fell these trees, increasing the time required and labor costs.
Accessibility of the Property
If the property you want cleared is in a rural area of North Carolina with poor roads, the professionals might struggle to bring larger equipment to the site. If they have to rely on smaller machinery, the work will take longer and cost more.
Requirements for Land Grading
Some parcels need significant earth moving after clearing away the offending vegetation. Erosion over the bare soil after a rainstorm may become problematic.
Trustworthy land clearing companies will anticipate such problems and use bulldozers and excavators to adjust the grade accordingly. They can then direct the flow of water in the proper direction to reach nearby creeks and streams without causing erosion.
Plans for the Debris
After land clearing, you’ll have to decide how you want the professionals to handle the leftovers. Your decisions regarding cleanup and disposal play a key role in the final cost.
Choosing forestry mulching services is usually one viable way to keep the price quote lower. This technique involves using a single machine with a grinder attachment that chews up vegetation, downed trees, and bushes. It creates mulch that the machine leaves on the ground, enriching the soil.
Another option is to burn the vegetation and larger tree trunks. You would have to pay for a burn permit from the local fire authorities in central North Carolina. You’ll need a crane or skid steer to move debris to the burn location, which increases the cost of the work.
A final option is to haul debris via dump truck or trailer to a remote corner of the property or off-site. This is the most expensive option, as it involves several large pieces of machinery and significant fuel consumption.
Contact Carolina Forestry Solutions Today for a Free Cost Estimate
When you have questions about the cost of land clearing in North Carolina, rely on the experts at Carolina Forestry Solutions for answers. Although we can provide a range for the land clearing cost per acre in central North Carolina, we prefer to give you a detailed estimate based on your specific property plans.
When delivering your free price quote, we consider your property’s condition, your plans for the space, and the level and type of vegetation. Our cost estimates are always accurate. Call us today at (919) 893-0030.
