Lot Clearing
in Massachusetts
Complete lot clearing, brush removal, and land preparation for construction, landscaping, and property improvement. Serving 18 towns across Middlesex County — from Billerica to Lexington, Lowell to Woburn.
What We Do
Lot clearing is the complete removal of trees, stumps, brush, and undergrowth from a parcel of land to prepare it for construction, landscaping, or property improvement. In Massachusetts, lot clearing typically costs $1,500–$15,000+ depending on acreage, tree density, and terrain. At McDonald Tree Service, lot clearing includes tree felling, stump grinding below grade, brush chipping, debris hauling, and site cleanup — no add-on charges. We handle permits required under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 (Shade Tree Act) and local conservation bylaws, including wetland buffer zone restrictions. Our equipment includes bucket trucks, cranes, commercial chippers, and stump grinders. We work with homeowners, builders, and developers across 18 towns in Middlesex County. Call (978) 375-2272 for a free on-site estimate.
When you've got a lot full of trees, brush, and undergrowth that needs to become buildable land or a usable yard, that's our kind of job. We've been clearing lots across Middlesex County for three decades — residential lots for new construction, overgrown properties that need to be reclaimed, and everything in between.
Lot clearing isn't just cutting trees and walking away. We take down every tree, grind every stump below grade, chip and haul all the brush, and leave you with clean, workable ground. Whether you're building a house, putting in a driveway, or just want an open yard where there used to be woods, we handle the whole process from first cut to final cleanup.
We work with builders, homeowners, and developers across all 18 towns in our service area. Small residential lots, larger parcels for subdivision — the scale doesn't matter. We bring the right equipment for the job: bucket trucks, cranes for the big stuff, commercial chippers, and stump grinders. One crew, one call.
Permits are part of the deal in Massachusetts. Many towns have tree bylaws, wetland buffer zones, and conservation restrictions that apply to lot clearing under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 (Shade Tree Act). We know the rules in every town we serve — Lexington's scenic road tree bylaw, Carlisle's conservation requirements, Concord's historic district regulations. We handle the permit research and filing so you don't have to figure it out yourself.
Lot Clearing
Service Areas
We provide professional lot clearing in every town listed below. Click your town to see local details, pricing, and project examples specific to your area.
Common Lot Clearing
Projects
Residential lot clearing for new construction
Brush and undergrowth removal
Overgrown property clearing
Construction site preparation
Fence line and boundary clearing
Trail and path clearing
What It
Costs
$1,500 - $15,000+ — typical range for lot clearing in our service area.
Lot clearing pricing depends on acreage, tree density, and what needs to happen to the land afterward. A quarter-acre residential lot with brush and small trees typically runs $1,500–$4,000. Larger lots with mature hardwoods, stump grinding, and full debris removal are $5,000–$15,000+. We walk every site before quoting — no ballpark numbers from a truck window.
We include everything in our lot clearing price: tree felling, stump grinding below grade, brush chipping, and debris hauling. No surprise add-ons for "extra stumps" or "more brush than expected." The number we quote is the number on the invoice. Free on-site estimates anywhere in our Middlesex County service area.
How It
Works
01
Call Us
Call (978) 375-2272 and tell us what you need. We’ll ask a few questions and schedule a time to come look at it. No phone tag, no automated menus — a real person answers.
02
Free Estimate
We come to your property anywhere in our Middlesex County service area, look at the job, and give you an honest price on the spot. No pressure, no follow-up sales calls. Just a number.
03
We Do the Work
We show up on time, do the job right, and clean up when we’re done. Your property looks better when we leave than when we arrived. That’s the standard.
Why Us
30+
Years in Business
18
Towns We Serve
24/7
Emergency Response
Family-owned and operated out of Billerica since 1995 — not a franchise, not a side hustle
Fully licensed and insured for tree work in Massachusetts with workers’ compensation coverage
Professional equipment including bucket trucks, cranes, and commercial stump grinders
Decades of experience with every tree species common to Middlesex County — oak, maple, pine, ash, birch, and more
Free, honest estimates with no pressure — we’ll tell you what the tree actually needs, even if the answer is “nothing right now”
FAQ
How much does lot clearing cost?
Lot clearing costs depend on acreage, tree density, and what you need done. A small residential lot (quarter acre) with brush and small trees typically runs $1,500-$4,000. Larger lots with mature trees are $5,000-$15,000+. We give free estimates after walking the site.
What does lot clearing include?
We remove all trees, stumps, brush, and undergrowth down to bare soil. We can also grind stumps below grade if you're building. Debris is chipped on-site or hauled away. We leave the lot clean and ready for whatever comes next — construction, landscaping, or just an open yard.
Do I need a permit for lot clearing?
It depends on your town and the scope of work. Most Massachusetts towns require permits if you're clearing near wetlands, in a flood zone, or removing public shade trees. Some towns like Lexington have tree bylaws that apply to large-scale clearing. We handle the permit research and filing for every job.
What is the best time of year for lot clearing?
Late fall through early spring is ideal. The ground is firmer (especially after a freeze), there's less undergrowth to deal with, and you can see the full extent of what needs to come down without leaves in the way. But we clear lots year-round.
Ready to get
it done?
Call us for a free estimate on lot clearing anywhere in our Middlesex County service area. We answer the phone, show up on time, and clean up when we leave.
24/7 Emergency Available