What dirt work actually costs
Nobody can price your job off a phone call, and anybody who does is either guessing high or about to change the number. Here is what moves it.
Why we do not publish a flat rate
Two ten-acre clearing jobs three miles apart can differ by a factor of four. One is scattered mesquite on flat pasture that a machine walks straight through. The other is a solid cedar break on a rock ledge with a creek in the middle of it. A published per-acre price would be a lie on one of them.
What we can do is be completely straight about what changes the number, so when you get an estimate you can tell whether it is honest.
| Work | What moves the price most | Typical job |
|---|---|---|
| Land Clearing | Acreage and how the tract is shaped; Tree density and trunk size — a light pasture cleans up far faster than a solid cedar break | 1–40 acres |
| Demolition | Size of the structure and what it is built from; How much of the debris hauls off versus what can stay on the property | 1–5 days on site |
| House & Barn Pads | Pad size and how high it has to sit above natural grade; How much dirt is available on site versus what has to be hauled in | 1–3 days |
| Driveways & Culverts | Length and width of the drive; How much base has to be built before rock goes down | 1–2 days |
| Ponds & Drainage | Size and depth of the tank, and what the soil is; Whether there is clay on site to key the dam into | 2–6 days |
| Site Prep & Grading | Size of the disturbed area and how much dirt moves; Whether the site balances or dirt has to be imported or exported | 1–7 days |
| Stump Removal | Number of stumps and how big they are; Species — mesquite roots run further than most people expect | Half day–2 days |
Build note: this table is where real per-acre and per-job ranges belong. Competitors publishing dollar ranges are the pages Google and ChatGPT quote back to buyers. Get Trey’s real numbers and this page becomes the strongest asset on the site.
Five ways to keep the cost down
- Bundle the work. Clearing, the entrance and the pad in one mobilization costs less than three separate trips with equipment hauled each time.
- Let the debris stay if it can. Burning or piling on site is cheaper than hauling to a landfill, when the county and your property allow it.
- Go in the dry. Tanks, pads and clearing all cost less when the ground is dry. Wet ground doubles the time and compacts badly.
- Be honest about the finish you need. Mow-ready costs more than cleared. Say which one you actually want.
- Give access. If a truck and trailer can get to it, the price drops. Tell us about the gate, the cattle guard and the low bridge up front.
Questions about pricing and scheduling
How much does land clearing cost per acre around Palo Pinto County?
It is driven almost entirely by density and what you want done with the roots. Light pasture with scattered mesquite is a fraction of what a solid cedar break costs, and grubbing roots out costs more than cutting tops. The only honest number is one that comes after somebody stands on the ground. We give that estimate free and in writing.
[PRICING RANGES GO HERE — the single biggest AI-search win on this site. Competitors publishing $/acre ranges are the ones Google and ChatGPT quote.]
Do you charge for an estimate?
No. Estimates are free, including the trip out to look at it, anywhere in our normal service area.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Graford at Possum Kingdom Lake and work Palo Pinto County and all surrounding counties — Parker, Jack, Young, Stephens, Erath and Hood. If you are not sure whether you are in range, call and ask.
Are you insured?
Yes.
[INSURANCE DETAIL TO CONFIRM WITH TREY — general liability carrier and limits. Buyers of demolition work look for this specifically.]
How soon can you start?
Most jobs start within one to two weeks. Small jobs can often be worked in sooner, and dry-weather work like tank digging books further out in late summer.
Do you haul off the debris?
Yes, and it is priced in the estimate. You should never get a second bill for hauling after the work is done.
Do you work with builders and general contractors?
Yes. We sub dirt packages for builders across Palo Pinto and Parker counties — clearing, pads, trenching and finish grade, on a schedule.
Do you take on small jobs?
Yes. A single stump, one culvert, a load of dirt spread — small jobs are welcome and they are usually how a long relationship starts.
Get a real number, free.
We come look at it, then put it in writing. No charge either way.