Brush Clearing & Forestry Mulching Rates
2025 rates for land clearing, mulching, and vegetation management
Forestry mulching in Canada costs $100-$400 per hour or $500-$3,000 per acre depending on vegetation density. Light brush clearing (no major trees) runs $330-$630/acre. Dense forest with standing timber scales to $2,500-$5,000/acre. Rates are largely consistent across regions since most jobs are rural or acreage-based.
Hourly Rates by Region
| Region | Hourly (Low) | Hourly (High) | Per Acre | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $150/hr | $400/hr | $1,500-$3,000 | High |
| Saskatchewan | $140/hr | $185/hr | ~$350 (light poplar) | Medium |
| Ontario | $150/hr | $250/hr | $500-$2,500 | Medium |
| British Columbia | $150/hr | $300/hr | $500-$2,500 | Medium |
| Quebec/Atlantic | $100/hr | $200/hr | $800-$4,000 | Low-Medium |
Rates vary based on vegetation density, terrain, and tree diameter. Most operators quote per-acre for large jobs. Source: Pevach Corp (AB/SK), industry forums, HomeGuide/Angi benchmarks.
Per-Acre Pricing by Vegetation Type
Light Brush / Overgrown Fields
$330-$630/acreGrass, weeds, saplings under 2" diameter. Brush hog attachment works fine. Fast work - experienced operator clears 2-4 acres per day.
Medium Brush / Young Forest
$900-$2,000/acreMixed brush and trees 2-6" diameter. Requires forestry mulcher head. Typical clearing rate: 1-2 acres per day depending on density.
Dense Forest / Large Trees
$2,500-$5,000/acreStanding timber 6-12"+ diameter, dense undergrowth. Heavy-duty mulcher required. May need felling first. 0.5-1 acre per day typical.
Light Poplar (Prairies)
~$350/acreYoung poplar stands common on Prairie farmland. Relatively fast clearing. Often quoted at lower rates for large acreage jobs.
Attachment Rental Costs
If you own a skid steer but need to rent the mulching attachment, here's what to expect:
| Attachment | Daily Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brush Hog / Rotary Cutter (72") | $295/day | Light brush only (Dirty Deeds LLC, AB) |
| Forestry Mulcher (mid-duty) | $450-$650/day | Up to 6" trees |
| Forestry Mulcher (heavy-duty) | $700-$900/day | 8-12"+ capacity |
Forestry mulcher attachments cost $15,000-$40,000 to purchase. Many operators rent rather than own due to specialized use and maintenance costs.
What Affects the Price
Tree Diameter
Mulching 3" saplings is 5x faster than 10" trees. Large trees may need felling first, then mulching - effectively doubling labor.
Terrain
Steep slopes, wet ground, or rocky terrain slow progress significantly. CTLs handle rough terrain better than wheeled skid steers.
Debris Removal
Mulching leaves material on-site (decomposes into soil). Traditional clearing with hauling costs 50-100% more due to trucking and disposal fees.
Access & Mobilization
Remote sites add mobilization cost ($200-$500+ depending on distance). Minimum job size is typically 1/2 acre to justify setup.
Mulching vs Traditional Land Clearing
Forestry Mulching
- + One-pass operation
- + No burning or hauling
- + Mulch protects soil
- + Less erosion risk
- - Limited by tree size
- - Higher hourly rate
Traditional Clearing
- + Handles any tree size
- + Lower hourly equipment rate
- - Requires burn pile or hauling
- - Multiple equipment passes
- - Permit requirements (burning)
- - Higher total cost usually
Brush Clearing Guides by Province
Equipment for Brush Clearing
Forestry mulching requires high-flow hydraulics and heavy-duty undercarriage. Large-frame CTLs are preferred for this work:
Bobcat T770
High-flow capable
$38K-$58K
Cat 289D3
Strong hydraulics
$40K-$60K
John Deere 333G
Large frame CTL
$42K-$62K
Kubota SVL95-2S
Heavy-duty option
$45K-$65K
Prices are for used equipment with moderate hours. Check TrackCheck for current market values.
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