How Much Does Lot Clearing Cost in Virginia? Complete 2026 Price Guide

Lot clearing in Virginia typically costs $1,500-$5,000 per acre for light clearing and $3,000-$8,000+ per acre for heavy clearing. For a standard residential lot (1/4 to 1/2 acre), expect to pay $1,000-$4,000. As Hampton Roads' experienced lot clearing professionals, here is our complete 2026 pricing guide.

Quick Answer: Lot Clearing Cost in Virginia

Here is what you can expect to pay for lot clearing in Virginia in 2026:

• Light brush clearing: $1,500-$3,000 per acre
• Medium clearing (small trees + brush): $3,000-$5,000 per acre
• Heavy clearing (large trees + stumps + grading): $5,000-$8,000+ per acre
• Typical residential lot (1/4-1/2 acre): $1,000-$4,000

Lot Clearing Cost by Type

The type of clearing needed is the biggest factor in your total cost. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Factors That Affect Lot Clearing Cost

1. Tree Density and Size

A heavily wooded lot with mature hardwoods costs significantly more to clear than a lot with only brush and small saplings. Large trees require more equipment time and create more debris to haul away.

2. Terrain and Slope

Flat land is cheaper and faster to clear. Slopes, hills, and uneven terrain require more careful equipment operation and may need additional grading work after clearing.

3. Debris Disposal

Disposing of cleared material accounts for 20-40% of the total cost. Options include:

• On-site burning: Cheapest option where permitted (check local fire codes)
• Chipping and mulching: Moderate cost, material stays on-site or is hauled
• Hauling to landfill or recycling: Most expensive, typically $50-$150 per truckload

4. Access to the Property

Equipment needs to reach the work area. If the lot has no road access, no cleared entry point, or is surrounded by other properties, mobilization costs increase.

5. Permits and Regulations

Permit fees in Hampton Roads cities typically run $100-$500. Some cities also require erosion and sediment control plans, tree preservation surveys, or environmental assessments that add to costs.

What's Included in Professional Lot Clearing

A comprehensive lot clearing service typically includes:

• Tree removal: Cutting and removing all trees on the lot (or selective removal)
• Stump grinding or removal: Grinding stumps below grade or excavating root balls
• Brush clearing: Removing all undergrowth, vines, and small vegetation
• Rough grading: Leveling the cleared area for basic drainage and site prep
• Debris hauling: Removing all wood, brush, and cleared material from the property

Lot Clearing Cost by Hampton Roads City

Pricing varies somewhat across Hampton Roads due to differences in soil conditions, tree species, local permit requirements, and travel distance.

DIY vs. Professional Lot Clearing

For very small areas with only brush and saplings, DIY clearing is possible. However, most residential lot clearing projects benefit from professional service.

Permits for Land Clearing in Virginia

Before clearing land in Virginia, you need to understand the permitting requirements for your specific city:

• Land Disturbance Permit: Required in most Hampton Roads cities when disturbing more than 2,500 square feet. Fees range from $100-$500.
• Tree Removal Permits: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk have tree preservation ordinances. Removing trees above certain diameters may require city approval.
• Erosion & Sediment Control: Required for larger projects to prevent runoff into nearby waterways, especially important near the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
• Wetland Considerations: Parts of Hampton Roads contain protected wetlands. Clearing near wetlands requires Army Corps of Engineers approval.

How to Save Money on Lot Clearing

• Get multiple quotes: Always get 3-4 estimates from licensed, insured contractors
• Keep usable timber: Some contractors will reduce costs if they can sell or keep valuable hardwood
• Allow on-site chipping: Letting the company chip and spread mulch on-site eliminates hauling costs
• Clear in winter: Demand is lower in winter months, potentially resulting in better pricing
• Bundle services: Combining clearing with stump grinding, grading, and site prep saves on mobilization costs
• Know your boundaries: A clear survey prevents accidentally clearing neighboring property (which creates costly disputes)

Our Lot Clearing Services

At Tree Stump Removal and Excavation, we provide complete lot clearing services throughout Hampton Roads. Whether you are preparing a building lot, cleaning up overgrown property, or clearing for a new project, we have the equipment and experience to get the job done right.

Our lot clearing services include:

• Complete lot clearing and land preparation
• Tree removal (selective or complete)
• Stump grinding and stump removal
• Brush clearing and undergrowth removal
• Grading and excavation
• Debris hauling and disposal

We serve Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield, Yorktown, Williamsburg, and all surrounding areas. Call or text (757) 899-9700 for a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to clear 1 acre in Virginia?

Clearing 1 acre in Virginia costs $1,500-$3,000 for light brush clearing, $3,000-$5,000 for medium clearing with small trees, and $5,000-$8,000+ for heavy clearing with large trees, stumps, and grading. Costs vary by terrain, tree density, and debris disposal needs.

Do I need a permit to clear land in Virginia?

In most Hampton Roads cities, you need a land disturbance permit if clearing more than 2,500 square feet. Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk also have tree preservation ordinances that may require approval before removing certain trees. Check with your city's planning department before starting.

How long does it take to clear a residential lot?

A typical residential lot (1/4 to 1/2 acre) takes 1-3 days to clear depending on tree density, stump removal needs, and grading requirements. Light brush clearing may take just a few hours, while heavy clearing with stump grinding and grading can take a full week.