Excavation
Land Clearing Cost Per Acre in Oregon (2026 Pricing)
Cojo
March 6, 2026
7 min read
Land clearing is often the first major step in any construction or development project. Whether you are preparing a residential building site, clearing agricultural land, or developing a commercial property, understanding Oregon's land clearing costs helps you budget accurately from the start.
Oregon's diverse landscape means clearing costs vary widely. A flat lot in the Willamette Valley with sparse brush costs far less to clear than a steep, heavily forested parcel in the Coast Range or Cascades.
Industry Baseline Range
| Vegetation Level | Cost Per Acre | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Light brush and grass | $1,000 - $5,000+ | Grass, small bushes, saplings under 4" diameter |
| Moderate vegetation | $2,000 - $10,000+ | Mixed brush with scattered trees 4-12" diameter |
| Heavy brush / small trees | $3,500 - $15,000+ | Dense brush with trees up to 18" diameter |
| Heavily forested | $6,000 - $25,000+ | Large trees, dense canopy, significant biomass |
| Old growth / very large trees | $10,000 - $40,000+ | Trees over 24" diameter, complex root systems |
These figures reflect published industry averages. Current market pricing varies significantly and actual quotes may fall well outside these ranges based on terrain, access, soil conditions, disposal requirements, and environmental regulations.
These are per-acre costs for clearing only. Grading, grubbing (root removal), and debris disposal may be included or priced separately depending on the contractor.
The industry baseline ranges above represent ideal conditions — flat terrain, easy access, nearby disposal, and no environmental restrictions. In practice, actual project costs frequently exceed published averages by 2 to 3 times or more when complications arise. Steep slopes, wet or marshy ground, rocky terrain, environmental permitting, wetland setbacks, protected species surveys, and remote locations can all push costs well above baseline figures. The only reliable way to know your actual cost is through an on-site assessment.
Land clearing projects frequently encounter hidden conditions that change project scope and cost:
This is the single biggest cost driver. A lot covered in blackberry brambles and grass clears in a fraction of the time and cost of one covered in mature Douglas fir and Oregon white oak. Key factors include:
Oregon's varied terrain significantly affects clearing costs:
Getting equipment to and from your site affects cost:
How cleared material is handled significantly impacts cost:
Most residential land clearing projects in Oregon involve lots of 0.25 to 2 acres. Costs scale with lot size and vegetation density, but smaller lots tend to have higher per-acre rates because mobilization costs are spread over less area. Request an on-site estimate for your specific lot.
A typical residential clearing bid covers:
Items usually priced separately: fine grading, topsoil import, erosion control measures, utility trenching, and retaining walls.
Larger projects benefit from economies of scale but introduce additional complexity.
Commercial land clearing in Oregon typically involves 2-20+ acres and may include demolition of existing structures. Significant additional costs may apply for environmental assessments, wetland delineation, erosion control plans, protected species surveys, and archaeological assessments.
Converting wooded or brushy land to agricultural use has its own cost profile that varies by the intended use — pasture conversion, cropland preparation, and orchard/vineyard prep each have different grading, soil amendment, and infrastructure requirements.
Land clearing in Oregon involves several regulatory layers:
Many Oregon cities and counties regulate tree removal, especially for significant trees (typically defined as 6 inches diameter or larger at breast height). Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction — Portland, Eugene, Salem, and unincorporated areas each have different regulations.
If burning debris on-site, you need a permit from the Oregon Department of Forestry. Burning is typically limited to dry season and may be restricted during high fire danger periods.
Get at least three bids from licensed and insured contractors. Each bid should specify what is being cleared, disposal method, equipment to be used, timeline, what is NOT included, and insurance/licensing information.
Land clearing is often the first phase of a larger project. Bundling services with one contractor can save 10-20% compared to hiring separate companies for each phase. Common combinations include:
At Cojo, we handle the full spectrum of site preparation, from initial clearing through final grading, so your project stays on schedule with one point of contact.
Get a free land clearing estimate or learn more about our excavation services. You can also view our completed projects to see examples of site work across Oregon.
How much does land clearing cost per acre in Oregon? Industry sources have historically reported land clearing at $1,000 to $10,000+ per acre for lightly to moderately wooded land, and $6,000 to $40,000+ per acre for heavily forested land with large trees. Actual costs vary significantly based on vegetation density, terrain, access, disposal requirements, and environmental regulations. Current market pricing can fall well outside published ranges, so an on-site assessment is essential for accurate budgeting.
What is included in land clearing? Land clearing typically includes removing trees, brush, stumps, and debris from the site. It may also include grubbing (removing roots), grading the cleared surface, and hauling away or burning debris. Stump removal is often priced separately.
Do I need a permit to clear land in Oregon? In most cases, yes. Oregon requires permits for tree removal in many jurisdictions, especially in urban and suburban areas. You may also need a burn permit from the Oregon Department of Forestry if burning debris, and wetland permits if the site includes protected areas.
How long does land clearing take? A typical residential lot (0.25-0.5 acres) with moderate vegetation can be cleared in 1-3 days. Larger or heavily forested parcels may take 1-2 weeks or more. Weather, permit timelines, and disposal logistics also affect the schedule.
Can I clear land myself to save money? Small lots with light brush can be cleared by homeowners with basic equipment. However, large trees, stumps, and significant earthwork require professional equipment and expertise. DIY clearing also carries safety risks and may not meet permit requirements.
What a French drain costs in Oregon for 2026: interior and exterior drains, yard drainage, and foundation waterproofing. See the breakdown and get a free quote.
Compare drainage solutions for standing water in your yard, ranked by effectiveness and cost for Oregon's climate: French drains, regrading, dry wells, more.
Plan your above-ground pool site prep with Oregon-specific guidance on leveling, base pads, and drainage. Industry baseline pricing and what affects cost.
Have a question about this topic? We'll respond within 24 hours.