Discover site preparation cost estimates, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help homeowners budget for their next project.
How Much Does It Cost to Clear Land in Washington, D.C.? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $2,661 - $13,916
Land surveying costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
The size of your land has the biggest impact on the cost of clearing land in Washington, D.C.
Land-clearing professionals charge by the half-acre or acre.
In the nation’s capital, clearing a half-acre of land runs between $481 and $5,383, while clearing an acre costs $961 to $10,766.
The type of removal also affects how much it costs to clear land in Washington, D.C.
For example, you’ll pay between $961 and $3,845 per acre to remove trees but just $38 to $385 per acre to remove brush.
On average, you’ll pay $7,265 to clear land in Washington, D.C. However, depending on the size of the plot, the land’s condition, and other factors, you could spend anywhere from $2,661 to $13,916. Here’s how the specifics of your project affect how much it costs to clear land in Washington, D.C.
Land Clearing Cost Factors
From land size to terrain conditions, here are the key cost factors involved in clearing land in Washington, D.C.
Land Size
Most projects are priced per half-acre or per acre and take into account the level of vegetation and trees to be cleared.
Average Cost to Clear a Half-Acre of Land
In Washington, D.C., the cost per half-acre is $481 to $5,383. This is only for your basic clearing of trees, brush, and other debris. To get your lot ready for building, there are additional expenses for services, including topsoil stripping, landscape grading (leveling your lawn), digging, hauling yard waste, and otherwise prepping the land.
Land Clearing Cost per Acre
The cost per acre to clear land is $961 to $10,766. The price accounts for the range of vegetation that will need to be removed, as well as the intended use for the lot.
| Acreage | Cost to Clear Land |
|---|---|
| 1 | $961–$10,766 |
| 2 | $1,923–$21,532 |
| 3 | $2,884–$32,298 |
| 4 | $3,845–$43,064 |
| 5 | $4,806–$53,830 |
Type of Removal
For undeveloped land, a good portion of your total will go toward removing trees, stumps, brush, and overgrowth. The total for this portion of the job could fall anywhere between $385 and $10,766, depending on what you need your pros to remove.
| Removal Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Tree removal | $961–$3,845 per acre |
| Brush removal | $38–$385 per acre |
| Stump removal | $192–$288 per stump |
| Large rock removal | $1,250–$2,307 per acre |
| Small rock removal | $231–$288 per hour |
| Waste removal | $250–$711 |
Angi Tip
Tree removal poses significant risks, especially when cutting down large trees. To ensure your safety, hire a professional tree removal service and maintain a safe distance from the fall zone during the operation.
Land Condition
One of the most crucial factors to consider when estimating land clearing costs is the condition of your land. Light brush will cost the least to clear, while densely forested plots and those with large boulders scattered throughout will cost significantly more. The slope of your land also plays a role since a steep plot could prevent your professionals from using heavy machinery that speeds up the job.
| Acreage | Cost to Clear Lightly Forested Lots | Cost to Clear Densely Forested Lots |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | $481–$1,923 | $3,461–$5,383 |
| 1 | $961–$3,845 | $6,921–$10,766 |
| 2 | $1,923–$7,690 | $13,842–$21,532 |
| 3 | $2,884–$11,535 | $20,763–$32,298 |
| 4 | $3,845–$15,380 | $27,684–$43,064 |
| 5 | $4,806–$19,225 | $34,605–$53,830 |
Dumpster Rental
If you’re clearing a large plot of land or removing trees from your property, you might need to rent a dumpster to get rid of the debris. Here’s how much you can expect to pay:
| Dumpster Size | Maximum Weight (tons) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 yards | 2–3 | $433–$1,105 |
| 20 yards | 2–3 | $529–$1,346 |
| 40 yards | 5–6 | $673–$1,538 |
Existing Home or Structure
Is there a shed, pool house, or an even larger old structure in the way? Demolition costs can change the whole ball game, adding between $8 and $33 per square foot for the job. You may also need to check for underground electrical and gas lines before proceeding.
Land Clearing Pro Costs
There are a couple of final costs to keep in mind as you prepare for land clearing in Washington, D.C.
Labor
Land clearing pros in Washington, D.C., charge between $211 and $481 per hour for labor. Rates vary based on a few factors, including the condition of your land and the site’s accessibility. If you need excavation, tree removal, or other additional services, you’ll pay more (we’ll break down those costs below).
Permits
Depending on the exact details of your project, you may need a permit (or several permits) from the Washington, D.C., Department of Buildings (DOB). For example, before excavation can begin, you may need an excavation permit, which costs around $150. Your contractor can explain which permits your job requires and pull them on your behalf.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Clearing land is often the first step in a larger project. If that’s the case, you’ll likely need additional professionals for other parts of the job. These include:
Land clearing contractor costs: $2,686–$11,877
Forestry mulching cost: $769–$2,884
Tree removal cost: $385–$3,845 per acre
Excavation cost: $3,191–$12,938
Demolition cost: $6,921–$29,030
Does Clearing Land Increase Home Value?
Let’s say you’re clearing your backyard to install a composite deck. According to the Journal of Light Construction (JLC) 2025 Cost versus Value Report, homeowners in Washington, D.C., who complete this project recoup 107.1% of the costs.
Even if you’re just doing it to tidy up your yard, clearing land can make your property look nicer and boost its appeal in the eyes of potential buyers. But on top of that, if you use the newly cleared space to put in fresh landscaping or build a new structure, you can increase your home’s value, too.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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