Introduction
If you own land in Arkansas and you’re thinking about selling, developing, or building on it, one of the first expenses you’ll face is land clearing. Whether it’s removing trees, brush, old structures, or stumps, the cost to clear land can add up quickly — and it varies depending on where your property is located.
This guide breaks down the average cost to clear land in Arkansas, explains the key factors that impact price, and shows you how to avoid spending money on land you don’t even plan to use.
Average Cost to Clear Land in Arkansas
Land clearing prices are typically calculated per acre or per square foot. As of 2025, here are the ranges you can expect in Arkansas:
- Light clearing (brush, small trees): $1,500 – $3,000 per acre
- Moderate clearing (trees, stumps, grading): $3,000 – $6,000 per acre
- Heavy clearing (dense woods, large trees, rocks, uneven terrain): $6,000 – $10,000+ per acre
Lot-size breakdown:
- ¼ acre lot (subdivision lot): $1,000 – $4,000
- ½ acre lot: $2,000 – $6,000
- 1 acre rural land: $3,000 – $8,000+ depending on trees and slope
Factors That Impact Cost
- Tree Density
- A wooded lot with mature hardwoods will cost far more than a brush-covered property.
- Removing big oak or pine trees may require heavy machinery and disposal fees.
- Stumps & Root Systems
- Stump grinding or complete removal can add $100–$500 per stump.
- Slope & Terrain
- Flat land is cheaper. Hills, rocks, and uneven ground require grading and equipment.
- Accessibility
- If the land is landlocked or has poor road access, contractors charge more to move equipment.
- Utilities or Old Structures
- Clearing land with power lines, septic tanks, or abandoned buildings involves extra labor and permits.
- County & Location
- Costs vary across Arkansas. In Pulaski or Benton County, demand and labor rates are higher than in rural counties like Izard or Fulton.
Typical Costs by County
- Pulaski County (Little Rock): $4,000 – $8,000 per acre
- Benton & Washington Counties (Northwest AR): $5,000 – $10,000 per acre (high demand, expensive contractors)
- Garland County (Hot Springs): $3,500 – $7,000 per acre
- Saline & Faulkner Counties: $3,000 – $6,000 per acre
- Rural Northern Counties (Sharp, Izard, Fulton): $2,000 – $5,000 per acre
Do You Need to Clear Land Before Selling?
Not always. Many landowners assume they need to clear their property to make it marketable, but in reality:
- Builders often prefer raw, uncleared land — they clear it to their own standards.
- Clearing can reduce profit if the cost outweighs the increase in land value.
- Investors buy land as-is — Shamrock Lands specializes in this, saving sellers thousands in unnecessary clearing costs.
Example
A seller in Saline County had a half-acre lot with heavy brush. They thought they’d need to spend $5,000 clearing it before listing. Instead, Shamrock Lands purchased the lot as-is, covered all costs at closing, and resold it to a builder who cleared it according to their needs. The seller saved money and walked away with cash immediately.
FAQ: Land Clearing in Arkansas
Q: Can I clear my own land to save money?
Yes, but renting equipment can still cost $500–$1,500 per day, and removing large trees or stumps usually requires professionals.
Q: Does clearing land increase property value?
Sometimes. In urban/suburban areas, cleared land sells faster. But in rural Arkansas, uncleared wooded lots often sell fine.
Q: Will I need a permit?
Some counties and cities in Arkansas require land clearing permits, especially if near waterways or if grading affects drainage.
Conclusion
The cost to clear land in Arkansas ranges from $1,500 to over $10,000 per acre, depending on location, tree density, and terrain. But before you spend thousands clearing land you don’t plan to use, consider selling it as-is.
At Shamrock Lands, we buy land in any condition — wooded, overgrown, or uncleared — and cover all closing costs. That means you keep more money in your pocket and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Contact Shamrock Lands Today
Website: www.shamrocklands.com
Email: damien@shamrocklands.com
Phone: 501-406-0051
