What "land clearing" usually includes
- Cutting or pushing over trees and brush
- Grubbing: pulling stumps and root mats so the ground can be graded
- Piling and hauling off debris, or burning where it's allowed
- Rough leveling of ruts
Often quoted separately
- Grading for a building pad or drainage
- Gravel driveways
- Stump grinding of individual stumps
- Erosion control (silt fence, seeding)
National reference prices (not local quotes): Angi's 2026 data puts the average land clearing project at about $3,778, with per-acre costs from about $500 to $5,600. For forestry mulching, HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide gives $400–$1,500 per acre, while OWNR OPS's 2026 guide gives $1,800–$4,000 per acre, noting the Southeast tends to run 10–20% lower. Density, terrain, access and whether stumps and hauling are included move the price more than anything. The contractor will price your land.
Rules to check
- Burning: South Carolina requires notifying the SC Forestry Commission before most outdoor burning outside city limits, and some areas restrict it. Your contractor should handle this or haul instead.
- Stormwater: disturbing an acre or more of land can trigger stormwater permit requirements. Ask your contractor and the county before a large job.
- Wetlands: low areas may be regulated wetlands. If you're unsure, ask before clearing.