Land clearing cost estimator for Seattle Eastside area properties

Land Clearing Cost Estimator

Get an instant cost estimate for forestry mulching and land clearing in the Seattle Eastside area. Adjust your property details below for a personalized estimate.

Estimate Your Land Clearing Cost

Select the type of vegetation currently on your property.

How Much Does Land Clearing Cost in the Seattle Area?

Land clearing costs in the greater Seattle and Eastside area typically range from $1,500 to $6,500 per acre, depending on vegetation density, terrain, and property access. The Pacific Northwest presents unique challenges that can affect pricing: wet soil conditions common during fall and winter months may limit equipment access, while the steep terrain found throughout Eastside communities like Issaquah, Sammamish, and Woodinville often requires specialized hillside clearing techniques. Invasive Himalayan blackberry, which grows aggressively in our region, can also add to project costs due to the dense root systems that need to be ground out.

Forestry mulching is one of the most cost-effective land clearing methods available in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike traditional clearing that requires multiple machines, hauling trucks, and burn permits, a single forestry mulcher can cut, grind, and clear vegetation in one pass. The mulched material stays on-site as a natural ground cover, which means no disposal fees and built-in erosion protection — an important consideration on the sloped properties common throughout King County. For properties on hillsides, our hillside mulching services use specialized equipment designed for steep terrain.

At Evergreen Land & Forestry, we provide free on-site estimates with transparent, upfront pricing. Whether you are preparing a lot for construction, restoring a fire break, or reclaiming overgrown acreage, our team has the equipment and experience to get the job done efficiently. Use the calculator above for a quick ballpark figure, then contact us for an exact quote tailored to your specific property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does land clearing cost per acre in Washington state?

Land clearing costs in Washington state typically range from $1,500 to $6,500 per acre depending on vegetation density, terrain slope, equipment access, and whether stumps need removal. Properties in the Seattle and Eastside areas, including Bellevue, Kirkland, and Issaquah, tend to fall within this range. Light brush clearing on flat ground costs less, while heavily wooded steep lots cost more.

What factors affect land clearing costs?

The main factors that affect land clearing costs include vegetation density (light brush vs. dense forest), terrain slope (flat vs. steep hillside), total lot size, equipment access to the property, whether stumps need grinding, and local permit requirements. In the Pacific Northwest, wet soil conditions and invasive species like Himalayan blackberry can also increase project costs.

Is forestry mulching cheaper than traditional land clearing?

Yes, forestry mulching is typically 20-40% cheaper than traditional land clearing methods. A single forestry mulching machine replaces the need for chainsaws, bulldozers, excavators, and hauling trucks. Since all vegetation is mulched on-site, there are no hauling or disposal fees, and no burn permits are required. The mulch layer also eliminates the need for separate erosion control measures.

How long does it take to clear 1 acre of land?

Clearing 1 acre of land typically takes between half a day and 2.5 days depending on vegetation density. Light brush and grass can be cleared in as little as half a day, while medium-density vegetation with small trees takes about 1 to 1.5 days. Heavily wooded acres with dense undergrowth and trees up to 12 inches in diameter may require 2 or more days to complete.

Do I need a permit to clear land in King County?

Permit requirements for land clearing in King County vary by city and jurisdiction. Cities like Bellevue, Issaquah, and Sammamish may require tree removal permits, especially for significant trees over a certain diameter. Properties near streams, wetlands, or steep slopes may be subject to critical areas regulations. We recommend checking with your local planning department or contacting us for guidance on your specific property.

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Call today for a free estimate. We serve a 40-mile radius from Kirkland, WA.

Call: (555) 123-4567