Land Clearing in Southeast Wisconsin

Professional land clearing for residential and commercial projects in Southeast Wisconsin. Russ Tree Service clears trees, brush, and stumps to prepare your property for construction, landscaping, or agricultural use. From selective clearing that preserves key trees to complete lot clearing, we have the equipment and experience to transform overgrown land.

32+ YearsFamily-owned since 1992
Fully InsuredLicensed & protected
Free EstimatesNo-obligation quotes

What Does Land Clearing Include?

Land clearing is the process of removing trees, brush, stumps, and vegetation from a designated area. Unlike regular tree removal, land clearing addresses entire areas rather than individual trees, and often includes grubbing (removing roots) and grading preparation.

Our land clearing services include:

  • Complete Lot Clearing - Removing all vegetation for construction
  • Selective Clearing - Removing specific trees while preserving others
  • Brush Clearing - Removing undergrowth and small trees
  • Stump Removal - Grinding or grubbing all stumps
  • Debris Removal - Hauling or on-site processing
  • Site Preparation - Leaving the site ready for next phase

We work with homeowners, builders, and developers on projects of all sizes. Our equipment can handle everything from small backyard areas to multi-acre commercial sites.

When Do You Need Land Clearing?

Land clearing is needed for new home construction, additions requiring more space, creating agricultural fields or pastures, installing pools, sports courts, or large patios, fire break creation, restoring overgrown properties, and preparing commercial development sites.

Land Clearing service

How Land Clearing Works

Land clearing is a systematic process that transforms wooded or overgrown areas into usable space.

1

Site Survey

We walk the property to assess tree density, terrain, access points, and any trees to preserve. We identify utilities, property lines, and any environmental considerations.

2

Permit Verification

Many municipalities require permits for land clearing. We'll advise on requirements and can help coordinate the permit process.

3

Vegetation Removal

We remove brush and small trees first, then fall larger trees. Material is chipped on-site, burned (where permitted), or hauled away.

4

Stump Handling

Depending on the site's next use, stumps are ground below grade or fully grubbed (root ball and all). Construction typically requires grubbing.

Equipment & Techniques: Land clearing uses skid steers, forestry mulchers, large stump grinders, and commercial chippers. Equipment selection depends on site conditions and project scope.

Timeline: Small residential lots (under 1/4 acre) typically clear in 1-2 days. Larger or heavily wooded sites take longer. We'll provide timeline estimates with your quote.

Safety Measures: Land clearing sites have many hazards. We establish clear work zones and coordinate with other contractors on the project.

How Much Does Land Clearing Cost?

Land clearing is typically priced per acre or as a flat project rate:

Service Type Price Range
Small lot (under 1/4 acre) $500-$2,000
Per acre (light vegetation) $1,500-$3,000
Per acre (heavy timber) $3,000-$6,000
Selective clearing Per-tree pricing
Stump grubbing (full removal) Additional 30-50%

Note: Prices shown are an approximate range and are not a guarantee. Please complete an estimate request or call (414) 422-9298 for an official quote. Prices reflected on our website are not an official quote.

Factors That Affect Cost

  • Acreage to be cleared
  • Tree density and sizes
  • Brush/undergrowth density
  • Terrain (flat vs. sloped)
  • Stump treatment (grind vs. grub)
  • Debris disposal method
  • Accessibility for equipment
  • Permit requirements

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We provide free on-site estimates. Commercial projects and larger properties receive volume pricing.

Call (414) 422-9298

Frequently Asked Questions About Land Clearing

Land clearing typically costs $1,500-$3,000 per acre for light vegetation and $3,000-$6,000+ per acre for heavy timber. Small lots under 1/4 acre usually cost $500-$2,000. Full stump grubbing adds 30-50% to the cost.
Yes, we specialize in selective clearing - removing specific trees while preserving others. We'll mark trees to keep with flagging tape. This is ideal for homeowners who want to open up views or create building sites while keeping mature trees.
We typically chip brush and smaller material on-site - chips can be spread on the property or hauled away. Larger logs can be salvaged if they have value, cut for firewood, or removed. We'll discuss options based on your preference.
Most municipalities require permits for clearing over a certain area or number of trees. Some areas have additional restrictions near wetlands, shorelines, or protected trees. We'll advise on local requirements.
A typical residential lot (1/4 acre) clears in 1-2 days. Larger or densely wooded properties take longer. Weather, soil conditions, and terrain can affect timing. We provide schedule estimates with quotes.
Yes, stump handling is part of land clearing. For lawn or landscaping use, we grind stumps below grade. For construction, we recommend full stump grubbing which removes the root ball entirely.
Yes, our equipment can handle sloped terrain. Steep slopes may require specialized techniques and additional safety measures. Severe terrain may affect pricing and timeline.
Yes, we work on commercial projects including retail sites, subdivisions, and industrial properties. We coordinate with general contractors and work to project schedules. Commercial projects receive competitive pricing.
Depending on the project, we use grapples, skid steers with forestry mulcher attachments, commercial stump grinders, and large capacity chippers. We select equipment based on site conditions.
Yes, on-site chipping is our standard approach for brush and branches. Chips can be spread on the property as mulch, left in piles, or hauled away. On-site processing is often more cost-effective than hauling.

We Provide Land Clearing Throughout Southeast Wisconsin

We provide tree services throughout Waukesha County and surrounding areas:

Related Tree Services

Get Your Land Clearing Estimate

Ready to get started? Call us now or request a free estimate online. We serve all of Southeast Wisconsin.

24-Hour Emergency Line:
(414) 422-9298