Types of clearing
- Underbrush clearing / forestry mulching: grinds brush, palmetto, and small trees in place and leaves larger trees standing. Popular on wooded lots in Pace, Milton, and north Escambia.
- Selective clearing: removing specific trees for a house pad, driveway, septic drain field, or view.
- Clearing and grubbing: removing everything, including stumps and roots, so the site can be graded. Usually needed for slabs and foundations.
- Fence line and trail clearing: narrow strips for surveying, fencing, or access.
Check the rules first
- Santa Rosa County (Pace, Navarre, Milton area): tree protection and land-clearing rules mainly apply to land being developed. Check the Santa Rosa County Land Development Code or call county planning before clearing.
- Unincorporated Escambia County: ask Escambia County Development Services whether your parcel needs a land-disturbance or tree permit.
- City limits: the City of Pensacola and the City of Gulf Breeze have their own tree rules. See the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze guides.
- Wetlands are common in low areas. Clearing them can require state or federal permits.
- Gopher tortoises are protected. If you see burrows, read the FWC gopher tortoise guidance before any work.
- Contact Sunshine 811 before grubbing or digging.
- Burning debris is regulated. See the Florida Forest Service burning rules.
What drives the price
Acreage, how dense the growth is, tree sizes, whether stumps must come out, wet ground, and whether debris is mulched on site or hauled away. Hauling is often the biggest variable. Ask for quotes that itemize each piece.
Common questions
Is forestry mulching enough for a house pad?
Usually not. Mulching leaves stumps and roots in the ground. Foundations generally need clearing and grubbing so the site can be graded and compacted.
Get a free quote
Free for homeowners. Only your phone number is required. Your request is passed to independent local tree service provider(s), who contact you directly.