What does land clearing cost in Tennessee?
Land clearing in Tennessee is priced by how much ground is cleared and how heavily it is wooded, then by stumps, slope, rock and what happens to the debris. Brush and small trees cost the least to clear. Mature hardwoods with stumps pulled cost the most. What the land is for matters too, because a house pad needs more grading than a pasture.
Written by Morgan's Concrete and Excavation. Published 2026-10-20.
What sets the price of clearing?
Acreage and tree density set most of the cost. Brush and saplings come out quickly with a machine. Mature trees take longer, and pulling and disposing of large stumps is often the most time consuming part of the job.
Slope, rock and wet ground slow equipment down. Access matters too: a lot the machines can drive straight onto costs less than one reached through a narrow gap or across a creek.
- Acreage to clear
- Brush, small trees or mature hardwoods
- Stumps pulled, ground down or left
- Slope, rock and wet ground
- Debris hauled off or handled on site
- Grading after clearing
What happens to the trees and brush?
Debris can be hauled off, piled, or handled on site, and each option changes the price. If you plan to burn brush, the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires a burn permit during burning season, generally October 15 through May 15, and some cities restrict burning entirely. Check local rules before a burn pile is planned.
What if I am building a house?
Clear in the right order. TDEC asks that the septic area stay undisturbed until the soil evaluation is done, so mow or bush hog for access, then clear the house site, driveway path and work areas once the septic site is approved and marked. After clearing, the house pad is graded and compacted, and the driveway base can go in.
Morgan's does the clearing, grading, site prep, septic installation and concrete with its own crews, so one company can take a wooded lot to a finished driveway.
How do I get a price for clearing?
Send the acreage, a few photos and what the land is for through the request form at /request-estimate, or call the office. Joe walks the property and puts the price in writing.
Related questions
Do I need a burn permit to burn brush in Tennessee?
During burning season, generally October 15 through May 15, the Tennessee Division of Forestry requires a burn permit. Some cities restrict burning entirely, so check local rules first.
Should I clear my lot before the septic evaluation?
Only mow or bush hog for access. TDEC asks that the septic area stay undisturbed until the soil evaluation is done.
Does land clearing include stump removal?
It can. Pulling stumps, grinding them or leaving them is a choice that changes the price, so say which you want when you request the estimate.
Planning a land clearing project
See how Morgan’s handles land clearing jobs around Cookeville, or request a written estimate for your own project.