Lot Clearing · Brush Hauling · Site Prep
Bobcat Work & Lot Clearing in Clearwater & Pinellas County, FL
$1,500–$10,000+ for residential and commercial lot clearing. Brush, stumps, grading, and disposal all in one job. Wetland-aware permitting handled.
Clear it once, clear it right
Builders, remodelers, and homeowners in Pinellas County call us when they need a lot taken from overgrown to ready-to-build. Tree Impressions of Florida Environmental Services LLC has been doing residential and commercial lot clearing across Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, and the rest of the county since 2004 — full-service from the first chainsaw cut to the final grade.
Most lot clearing jobs run $1,500 to $10,000+ depending on lot size, vegetation density, and what disposal looks like. A quarter-acre overgrown residential lot runs $1,500–$3,500. Half-acre lots run $3,500–$6,500. Commercial sites scale up from there. Below is what's included, what triggers permitting, and how we handle Pinellas County's wetland and tree-protection rules.
Last Updated: May 2026From overgrown lot to build-ready
Most clearing jobs follow the same sequence. First we walk the lot with you, mark trees that stay (sometimes regulated, sometimes specimen heritage trees worth keeping), confirm property boundaries, and identify any wetland or environmental concerns. We pull permits if needed before any cutting starts.
On clearing day the crew runs chainsaws and the bobcat together — trees come down, brush gets pushed into staging piles, the bobcat moves debris to the chipper or directly into haul trucks. Stumps get ground in the same visit while equipment is on site. Once the lot is clear, the bobcat does a rough grade so the surface is workable for whatever comes next.
Optional add-ons: final grade with topsoil, mulch over cleared zones to suppress weed regrowth, removal of small outbuildings, fence demolition.
Cost, Permits & Common Questions
How much does lot clearing cost in Clearwater?
Small overgrown residential lot (under 1/4 acre): $1,500–$3,500.
Quarter to half acre: $3,500–$6,500.
Half to one acre: $6,500–$10,000+.
Commercial sites (1+ acre): Custom quote — typically $8,000+/acre depending on density.
Stump grinding, special disposal (tree-protection mitigation fees), and any required permits are itemized separately so you see the breakdown.
Do I need a permit to clear my lot in Pinellas County?
Often yes — especially for clearing protected trees, work near wetlands or designated environmental zones, or any significant clearing within Clearwater city limits. Pinellas County and individual municipalities have varying rules on tree removal on private property; protected species and trees above certain DBH thresholds usually require permits even on cleared building lots. We're familiar with the local rules and walk you through the permitting process before any cutting begins.
How long does lot clearing take?
A small residential lot usually clears in 1 day. Quarter-to-half-acre lots take 1–2 days. Larger commercial sites run 3–7 days depending on density and disposal logistics. Permitting is the variable — a permit-free clearing can start within a week of the quote, while permitted work can take 2–4 weeks for the application to clear before we can start.
Single-crew, single-quote clearing
Build-Ready Surface
Trees, brush, and stumps removed; rough grading done. Ready for foundation contractors to take over.
Permit-Aware
We know which trees trigger Clearwater protection rules and which lots fall under wetland review. Permitting handled before cutting.
Disposal Included
Brush goes through the chipper, trunks haul to recycling, no debris piles left for the property owner to deal with.
Often part of clearing jobs
Lot clearing questions we hear most
Can you clear a lot with protected oak trees on it?
Often yes, but it requires permitting and sometimes mitigation (planting replacement trees or paying into a tree fund). The City of Clearwater protects certain mature oaks above specified DBH thresholds. We assess what's regulated during the walkthrough and either work around protected trees or guide you through the permit-and-mitigation process.
What about wetland zones?
Wetlands within Pinellas County are regulated by SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) and the Florida DEP in addition to local rules. Any clearing within or adjacent to a designated wetland requires environmental review. We won't start work in a wetland zone until permits are in hand — penalties for non-compliance are significant.
Will the bobcat damage my existing lawn or driveway?
For partial clearing (where existing lawn or hardscape is being preserved), we use mats, plywood, and routing through the least-sensitive paths. Concrete driveways handle bobcat traffic without issue. For pavers or fragile asphalt, we lay down protection. Any preventable damage during access is on us.
Got a lot that needs clearing?
Free site assessment with permitting walkthrough, written quote, and timeline you can plan around.
Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Permit-aware · Licensed & insured