Land clearing in Denver: local operators and what it costs
Clearing land in Denver and its suburbs usually means opening an overgrown lot or backyard, removing volunteer trees and shrubs along a fence line, or clearing a site ahead of building. Denver's rules here are mostly about trees, with a separate set for street trees and trees near the front and sides of a lot during construction. This page covers those rules, the ground and the weather, and a typical local cost.
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What land clearing costs in Denver
$1,600 to $3,700 an acre for moderate brush and small trees
Based on Pro Operator Network's national land clearing cost guide, checked against published cost guides, and adjusted to the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metro area using its 2024 price level from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (105.8, where the U.S. average is 100).
A typical range, not a quote. Your own price depends on your property and is set by whoever takes on your project.
Which trees need a permit
The Office of the City Forester says it is illegal to remove a tree in the public right-of-way without a permit from the City Forester; street tree permits are free and reviewed within about five business days. Most trees on private property may be removed at the owner's discretion without a permit. The exception is trees in the front and side setbacks during demolition or construction, which need a Forester permit. Anyone doing tree work for hire in Denver must be licensed as a tree service company.
Clearing ahead of building
Construction that disturbs an acre or more needs a construction stormwater discharge permit from the city, and a drainage report may be required once grading changes cover more than half an acre. Clearing a typical residential lot falls well below that, but a larger site should be measured before work starts.
Expansive clay and bare ground
The Colorado Geological Survey describes the bentonite clays common around Denver as swelling when wet, and CSU Extension advises grading a site so water drains away from the house before landscaping. Clearing that leaves bare ground sloping toward a foundation sets up that swelling. Rough grading the cleared area away from buildings is worth including in the project.
Weather and Colorado 811
The Colorado Climate Center notes that most precipitation on the plains falls in the growing season, often in heavy afternoon thunderstorms, so a cleared site is most exposed in summer. Grubbing roots and stumps is digging, and Colorado 811 requires at least two business days of notice first.
What to describe in your post
Give the size of the area, what is growing there, which trees stay, whether any are street or setback trees, whether stumps are ground or pulled, and what happens to the debris.
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