The Real Cost of Land Clearing in Tennessee
If you’ve ever looked into land services in East Tennessee, you’ve probably run into this problem:
“I just need someone to clear this lot, why is it so hard to get a straight answer on the price?”
That’s the question we kept hearing before starting Fieldworks. People would call us after getting confusing quotes from five different companies or individuals with skidsteers, each with vague line items or fine print that made them uneasy. We don’t blame them, this industry hasn’t exactly built a reputation for transparency or professionalism.
The truth is, moving dirt isn’t necessarily cheap. But it also shouldn’t be a guessing game. There’s a wide range of fair prices depending on your land, but the main issue we seek to solve is variability in prices, including added fees or changing scope after the work starts.
What Land Clearing Really Costs in Tennessee
For a typical parcel of land, clearing in Tennessee usually costs between $1,800 and $3,500 per acre. But that’s just the starting point.
The final number can vary depending on:
Tree density (Are we clearing brush or thick hardwood?)
Stump removal (Grinding and hauling costs more)
Topography (Is it flat, or are we bringing in equipment for a slope?)
Access (Can we drive in, or do we need to build a path?)
Hauling (Do you want the debris left in piles, burned, or fully hauled away?)
Permits (Yes, some counties require them)
So while the base price might sound great, the actual cost can easily climb thousands of dollars if you're not asking the right questions.
The Hidden Costs No One Talks About
Here are the most common “surprise” charges we’ve seen tacked onto land clearing jobs:
Extra equipment charges (skid steer, dozer, mulcher)
Debris removal and hauling fees
Stump grinding (charged separately from clearing)
“Access clearing” to get to the site
Fuel surcharges
Travel fees for remote areas
Additional grading or smoothing that wasn’t quoted up front
If you're not careful, a $2,500 quote can turn into $5,000 without warning — just because no one told you what wasn’t included.
How Fieldworks Does It Differently
At Fieldworks, we believe customers deserve to know what they’re paying for — before we ever show up.
That’s why we use flat rate pricing for most of our land clearing services.
That means:
No surprise debris hauling fees
Stump grinding is built in (if needed)
We include fuel, travel, and basic access work
Our equipment costs are baked into your rate
You get one clear number for the job
If the scope stays the same, your price stays the same. Simple.
A Better Outcome for Landowners
Let’s say you’re sitting on a 1.5-acre parcel outside Chattanooga. Maybe it’s your future homesite, maybe you’re prepping it for resale. You want it cleared, stumps removed, and the surface roughed in for your builder.
We can get you a price that includes:
Equipment
Hauling
Labor
Cleanup
Grading prep (if needed)
You’ll know the total cost before we ever turn the key.
How to Protect Yourself (Even If You Don’t Hire Us)
If you’re getting quotes from other contractors, ask these questions:
What’s included in the price, and what isn’t?
How will stump removal and debris be handled?
Are there any travel or equipment surcharges?
Is this a day rate or flat project price?
Will I get a written estimate?
Good contractors will welcome those questions. And if they don’t, that’s your sign.
Final Thoughts
Clearing your land is a big step. Whether you’re prepping for construction, cleaning up an overgrown lot, or just trying to unlock the value of your property, you deserve a process that’s transparent and fair.
We started Fieldworks to deliver exactly that.
If you’re ready for a quote that doesn’t change halfway through, we’d love to talk.
👉 Request a quote here