“Should I clear this myself or hire professionals?” 

At first glance, the DIY approach seems like an obvious way to save money. After all, how hard could it be to rent some equipment and clear your own land? As it turns out, quite hard. And potentially much more expensive than you might think.

At ARG Outdoor Services, we’ve helped countless property owners who started with DIY land clearing only to call us halfway through—often after spending more time and money than professional services would have cost from the beginning. 

Let’s break down the real costs of both approaches to help you make an informed decision.

The Hidden Expenses of DIY Land Clearing

Think DIY land clearing will save you money? 

The truth is, between equipment rentals, disposal fees, and unexpected setbacks, it often ends up costing far more than hiring a pro.

Here are some costs that are waiting for you:

Equipment Rental and Purchases

The first major expense in DIY clearing comes from equipment. Basic land clearing requires, at minimum:

• A chainsaw or several (with spare chains and oil): $200-500
• Brush clearing equipment: $1,000-2,500 to purchase or $100-300 daily rental
• Small stump grinder rental: $150-300 per day
• Small bulldozer or excavator rental: $300-500 per day
• Trailer for hauling debris: $50-150 per day

These costs add up quickly. For a single acre of moderately dense vegetation, you’re looking at a minimum of $1,000 in equipment rental alone—assuming you finish in two days, which is rarely the case for inexperienced operators.

Time Investment

DIY land clearing is incredibly time-intensive, especially if you’ve never done it before. What professionals might accomplish in a day often takes DIY attempts:

• 2-3 weekends for small projects (under half an acre)
• Several weeks for larger projects (1+ acres)
• Months for projects with difficult terrain or large trees

This time commitment doesn’t just represent your personal labor. It’s also extended equipment rental costs and delayed project timelines. If you’re preparing land for building or other time-sensitive projects, these delays can cascade into much larger expenses.

Hidden Costs and Risks

Beyond the obvious expenses, DIY land clearing introduces several hidden costs:

Property Damage

Inexperienced equipment operation often leads to unintended damage, including:

• Soil compaction that causes drainage problems for years
• Damage to trees you wanted to keep
• Accidental utility line strikes (water, gas, electric)

Problems With Disposal

After clearing, you’re left with piles of debris to dispose of:

• Hauling costs to landfill: $300-600 depending on volume
• Burning permit costs (if permitted in your area): $25-75
• Potential fines for improper disposal: $500+

Injury Risk

The most significant potential cost comes from safety risks:

• Emergency room visits from chainsaw accidents
• Injuries from equipment rollovers on uneven terrain
• Medical expenses and potential lost income from recovery time

Value That Cannot Be Priced

Specialized Equipment Access

The equipment we bring to your property is significantly more advanced than rental options:

• Remote-controlled forestry mulchers that can safely operate on steep slopes
• High-capacity stump grinders that remove stumps in minutes, not hours
• Excavators with specialized attachments for selective clearing
• Equipment specifically designed to minimize soil disruption

This specialized machinery lets us complete in hours what would take days with rental equipment—with better results and less property damage.

Expert Assessment and Problem Prevention

The value of experience cannot be overstated in land clearing. Professional services provide:

• Pre-clearing assessment to identify potential issues
• Recognition of drainage patterns that should be preserved or improved
• Identification of invasive species requiring special removal techniques
• Knowledge of local regulations and permit requirements

These preventative insights help avoid costly mistakes and future problems with your property.

Long-Term Results and Warranties

Perhaps the most significant value differential comes in the quality and longevity of results:

• Professional clearing prevents rapid regrowth that often follows DIY attempts
• Proper stump and root removal prevents future structural issues for buildings
• Many services (including ARG) offer warranties and guarantees on their work

Correct clearing techniques minimize erosion and land degradation

When DIY Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)

DIY May Work When:

• You’re clearing a very small area (less than 1/4 acre)
• The vegetation is primarily small brush without significant trees
• You have genuine experience operating heavy equipment
• The terrain is flat and easily accessible
• You have plenty of time and no urgent deadline

Professional Services Make More Sense When:

• You’re clearing more than 1/4 acre
• Large trees or stumps need removal
• Your property has slopes or difficult terrain
• You have drainage concerns or erosion risks
• You have a timeline for building or other development
• There are trees you want to preserve near clearing areas

Making the Right Choice for Your Property

• What is my time really worth?
• Do I have the skills to operate equipment safely?
• What would be the cost of mistakes or property damage?
• How quickly do I need this project completed?

For most Tennessee property owners with significant clearing needs, professional services offer not just convenience, but genuine cost savings and superior results.

At ARG Outdoor Services, we provide free property assessments that include transparent pricing, which allows you to make an informed decision about the true costs and benefits of professional land clearing versus DIY attempts.

Get a Clear Picture of Your Land Clearing Costs – Request Your Free Estimate Now!

Contact ARG Outdoor Services at 931-628-4699 or email [email protected] to schedule your free consultation.