The most common method to clear and prepare land sites is by using bulldozers and excavators.
Land clearing cost may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the below.
Land size and location.
How much vegetation has to be cleared.
Whether the area is level or mountainous.
Type of equipment used.
Clearing 1 Ha (2.5 acres) average Australian native scrub (includes eucalyptus), low lying areas with little rocks/stones, using bulldozers starts from about $6,500 but can range from up to $10,500+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present.
Clearing 1 Ha of average Australian native scrub (includes eucalyptus), on flat areas with little rocks/stones, using a tree-spade starts from about $2,500 but can range to $5,000+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present.
Clearing 1 Ha of vineyards or farmland that has been previously bulldozed is usually much cheaper, around $300 per hectare in Victorian grape growing regions.
The costs above only cover specifically land clearing services, they don't include any site preparation such as land clearing permit, fertilising and seeding after clearing. Site preparation would add another few thousand dollars onto the costs below depending on how much work needs to be done at the site.
No matter what method is used to clear the land, 2 important factors drive up the average cost of clearing per acre:
How dense the vegetation is.
The terrain and topography of the area (for example how steep it is).
This is because more vegetation needs to be cleared from steep slopes or dense areas, while on flatter ground less vegetation needs to be removed. These two factors also determine which method of clearing should be used and the right equipment. For example, a machine clearing can not be used on steep slopes, but a tree spade can.
All cost estimates of land clearing jobs quoted below are per hectare although some companies charge per square metre and they may vary based on prevailing factors. 1 Ha of a wooded lot, low lying areas with little rocks/stones, on a flat ground starts from about $2,500 up to $7,000+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present. 1 Ha of forested land on a slope of around 40 degrees incline starts from about $5,000 but can range up to $12,000+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present 1Ha of lightly forested area on a slope of around 45 degrees incline starts from about $6,000 but can range up to $14,000+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present. 1Ha of heavily forested land on a slope of around 65 degrees incline starts from about $8,000 up to $20,000+ if rocky and hilly terrain, steep slopes and dense trees are present. Note that if there's a concrete slab that needs to be removed or any existing structures, the prices will increase. The cost might also reduce if there are just a few trees or more fallen trees to be cleared. Any heavily forested area will cost more than lightly wooded lots.
hey are heavy equipment commonly used for removing native vegetation on flat and relatively level ground and can work well in poorly drained areas such as swamps, bogs and soggy soils on a construction site. Bulldozers have difficulty working with steep slopes and dense vegetation due to their low mobility.
While some owners can hire excavators and bulldozers on their own, most require the help of an operator. Operators are more costly than machines themselves as operators must be licensed before they can operate them (including trucks) The cost of hiring an operator for any land clearing job consists of 2 parts; firstly there's the equipment rental fee which is usually around $95 per hour depending on the size of machine(s). Secondly, there are fuel costs, which varies depending on where you are but generally average out at around $70/hour (hefty if you don't have your own transport). To clear underbrush like small trees and fallen branches and stump grinding are just a few options for a permanent or a mobile home construction site. However, the whole root system for every single tree should be removed during the site preparation. During land preparation, erosion control and soil testing should be considered. The average price of clearing and preparation might change if other services like a land survey for clear property lines, land grading, topsoil stripping and inspection of underground utilities are required.
The cheapest way to clear land is by using tree spades. Tree spades are hydraulic devices used for pushing or pulling trees out of the ground. They work on some of the same principles as an excavator but are more mobile, compact and cheaper than excavators. Tree spades can work in dense vegetation, rocky areas and steep slopes. They can also do what a bulldozer does and help save money. Tree spades are suitable if you want to reduce your tree clearing cost. The cheapest method for clearing land is by hiring an operator with dozing equipment (bulldozers). It starts from around $95 per hour rental fee plus fuel at around $70/hour. Hiring your own machines and operator will cost you more than just hiring the machines. Nonetheless, consult a land clearing cost guide for an extensive overview. Specific trees especially the endangered ones should be spared.
A tree spade or a tree transplanting machine is a hydraulic device used to pull out trees from the ground. This method of tree removal can be done without damaging any surrounding plants. It's economical, fast and highly efficient. Tree spades are also good in rocky terrain as they don't generate vibrations that can damage the surrounding terrain. Tree spades can be used to extract a tree from any type of soil, loose or dense, rocky or non-rocky and save time & money compared to using an excavator. Tree spades work on a hydraulic mechanism that is powered by diesel engines. They have special blades fitted with teeth that dig into the ground enabling them to pull out large trees up to 50cm in diameter at a rate averaging 80 trees per hour. The process of pulling out a tree starts by digging the teeth underneath it so it grips firmly, then hydraulics are pumped down forcing some of the machine's weight below the surface enabling it to dig into the ground. Once the teeth are firmly embedded into the earth, high powered-hydraulics are pumped down forcing some of the machine's weight below the surface enabling it to literally dig into the ground. This causes a lever effect on both sides of hinges creating considerable lifting power enabling trees up to 50cm in diameter to be pulled out easily with minimal damage.
Cleared land is often associated with farmland which increases the value of the property. Also clearing vegetation has been shown to help decrease soil erosion.
Tree clearing, rocks, brush removal, stump removal and any other debris removal on your property before selling it can also increase your chances of selling your property faster. Cleared land is also easier to maintain and keep clean which can be a deciding factor when choosing where to build your house. A land clearing company can help get your land cleared to improve its value. However, always contact your local council for any necessary permits before clearing. The Queensland Government has specific guidelines to removing native vegetation. Check if similar regulations apply where you live.