Land Clearing Services in Austin TX
Ace Construction Texas provides land clearing services for residential and commercial properties throughout Austin, TX, and Central Texas. We have been clearing lots and sites across the Austin metro since 2010 — over 16 years and more than 1,000 completed projects. Our land clearing scope covers tree felling, stump grinding, brush clearing, root raking, and debris hauling. We are fully insured and work with third-party permit partners to confirm what each property requires before any equipment arrives.
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Land clearing in Austin requires more planning than in most markets. Austin has a tree preservation ordinance that governs the removal of heritage trees, clearing near creek buffers and watershed zones involves additional regulatory review, and the terrain varies significantly from the dense cedar of the hill country suburbs to the lighter scrub of the eastern metro. Our crews have worked this terrain for over 16 years and handle both the regulatory and operational sides of clearing in Austin.
Land Clearing for New Construction
Most land clearing we do is in direct support of new construction — clearing a residential infill lot before grading, clearing a multi-acre commercial development parcel, or preparing a rural acreage property for a new home or agricultural structure. In each case, clearing is the first phase, and the quality of the clearing work determines how smoothly the grading and site preparation phases proceed.
We leave cleared sites in genuinely construction-ready condition. All debris is removed, stumps are ground to below grade, and the lot is ready for the grading crew or site prep contractor to start without obstacles. When both clearing and grading fall under the same scope, the transition between phases is seamless, and no time is lost.
Residential Lot Clearing
Residential infill lots in Austin’s established neighborhoods require a selective clearing approach. Many Austin lots have heritage trees that must remain and other trees that can be removed. We assess each property, identify protected trees, confirm permit requirements, and work methodically through what needs to go without damaging what stays.
Austin’s tree ordinance requires permits for the removal of heritage trees and provides specific protections during construction for heritage trees within the critical root zone. We work with third-party permit partners to handle the permit application so homeowners do not have to navigate the process themselves.
Acreage and Rural Clearing
Larger acreage clearing projects in the Austin suburbs and surrounding counties require different equipment and a different sequencing approach than residential lot clearing. Cedar, juniper, and live oak are the dominant vegetation types across most of the Austin hill country and western suburbs. Dense cedar thickets require a forestry mulcher to clear efficiently. Large hardwoods require excavator work for stump removal after felling.
We assess each acreage property individually before estimating. Vegetation density, tree size distribution, slope, equipment access, and disposal method all affect scope, timeline, and cost. A satellite image does not capture the difference between light scrub and impenetrable cedar at the same property scale — we walk the site before we quote it.
Brush Clearing and Vegetation Control
Properties that have been left unmanaged for years have accumulated significant brush, invasive cedar, and undergrowth that need to be cleared before any land-use improvement. We handle brush clearing for residential yards, agricultural land, fence lines, and utility easements using brush hogs, forestry mulchers, and hand clearing, depending on the density and terrain.
Brush clearing is also common before grading and drainage, and for corrections on established properties where vegetation overgrowth has contributed to drainage problems or is encroaching on structures.
Tree Removal
For individual tree removal on residential and commercial properties, we safely fell trees, remove all debris, and grind the stump to below grade. Tree removal near structures, fences, or utility lines requires careful rigging and sequencing to control where sections fall. Our crew handles this work daily and carries the insurance required for tree work near structures.
Austin Tree Permits — What You Need to Know
Austin’s tree preservation ordinance applies to heritage trees, those with trunk diameters of 19 inches or greater at 4.5 feet above grade for most species, with different thresholds for cedar elm, Arizona walnut, and bald cypress. Removing a heritage tree without a permit can result in fines and requirements to replace the tree.
Commercial site clearing, when tied to a development permit, is handled as part of the broader land development application. Removal of residential heritage trees is permitted separately through Austin Development Services. We confirm what applies to each property before any work begins, so there are no surprises or stop-work orders mid-project.
Disposal and Site Cleanup
After clearing, we remove all debris from the site, leaving it ready for the next phase. Disposal options include chipping material into mulch on-site, hauling all material to a disposal facility, or burning on-site where permitted in Travis County. For properties with commercially valuable timber, we can coordinate with timber buyers before clearing begins.
We also review the land clearing cost with clients before the project starts, so the choice of disposal method reflects both the site conditions and the budget.
Serving Austin and Central Texas
Ace Construction Texas clears land across the full Austin metro and surrounding communities, including South Austin, East Austin, North Austin, Central Austin, West Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Leander, Pflugerville, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Hutto, Buda, Kyle, and Manor.
Get a Land Clearing Estimate
If you have a land clearing project coming up in Austin, request an estimate, and we will walk the property with you. We can also be reached at 512-265-1198.
Frequently Asked Questions
What land clearing services does Ace Construction Texas provide?
Ace Construction Texas provides tree felling and removal, stump grinding, brush clearing, root raking, debris hauling, lot clearing for new construction, acreage clearing, vegetation removal for utility easements, and coordination with permit requirements for heritage trees throughout Austin, TX, and Central Texas.
Do I need a permit to clear land in Austin?
Austin requires tree removal permits for heritage trees, generally those with trunk diameters of 19 inches or more at 4.5 feet above grade for most species. Standard brush clearing and removal of non-protected vegetation typically does not require a permit. We work with third-party permit partners to confirm what each property requires before any clearing begins.
How much does land clearing cost in Austin?
Land clearing costs in Austin run from roughly $2,500 to $8,000 per acre, depending on vegetation density, tree size and quantity, site access for equipment, and whether stump grinding is included. Properties in the hill country west of Austin with dense cedar and rock tend toward the high end. See our land clearing cost guide for detailed per-acre pricing by density tier.
How long does land clearing take?
A typical residential lot in Austin takes one to three days to clear, depending on vegetation density and tree size. Larger commercial or acreage properties take longer; a heavily wooded acre with large hardwoods can take two to four days. We provide a project-specific timeline estimate during the site assessment before any work begins.
What happens to the trees and brush after clearing?
Cleared material can be chipped into mulch on-site, hauled off to a disposal facility, burned on-site with a permit where applicable in Travis County, or, in some cases, sold as timber if commercially valuable species are present. We discuss disposal options during the estimate so homeowners can choose the approach that works best for their project.
Can you clear land near a creek or waterway in Austin?
Clearing near waterways, creek buffers, and watershed protection zones in Austin requires additional review and permits from the Austin Watershed Protection Department and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers. We confirm the property’s specific regulatory requirements before any clearing begins near sensitive areas.
What equipment do you use for land clearing in Austin?
Our land-clearing equipment includes chainsaws and hand tools for selective tree felling; track excavators with thumb attachments for stump removal; forestry mulchers for heavy brush and cedar; skid steers for debris collection and site cleanup; and dump trucks for hauling materials. Equipment selection depends on vegetation type, density, lot size, and access.
Is Ace Construction Texas insured for land clearing?
Yes. Ace Construction Texas is fully insured on all land clearing projects. We provide certificates of insurance upon request before any work begins.
How do I get a land clearing estimate?
Call 512-265-1198 or use our contact page to schedule a site visit. We walk the property, assess vegetation density and site access, confirm permit requirements, and provide a written estimate before any equipment arrives.