Clearing a driveway or access road on rural property in Mississippi costs $500–$3,000 depending on length, width, vegetation density, and terrain. A typical 200-foot driveway clearing through light brush costs $500–$1,000, while a 1/4-mile access road through heavy timber can cost $2,000–$4,000.
Whether you've purchased raw land, inherited a property with an overgrown driveway, or need to create a new access road to a back portion of your property, driveway and access road clearing is one of the most practical land clearing projects in rural Mississippi.
Driveway Clearing Costs by Project Type
| Project | Typical Cost | Details |
|---|
| Overgrown existing driveway (200 ft) | $500–$1,200 | Clearing brush that's reclaimed an old driveway |
| New driveway through light brush (200 ft) | $800–$1,500 | Creating a new path through saplings and brush |
| New driveway through timber (200 ft) | $1,500–$3,000 | Clearing trees and brush for a new driveway |
| Access road to back acreage (1/4 mile) | $2,000–$4,000 | Longer clearing through mixed vegetation |
| ATV/UTV trail (1/4 mile) | $800–$1,500 | Narrower path for recreational access |
What's Included in Driveway Clearing
Professional driveway clearing typically includes: removing all brush, saplings, and small trees from the path; grinding stumps flush with the ground; clearing a width of 12–16 feet for vehicle access (wider at curves); creating turnout areas on longer driveways; and leaving a mulch surface that can be driven on immediately or topped with gravel.
Factors That Affect Cost
*Length and Width*: Longer and wider driveways cost more. A standard single-lane driveway is 10–12 feet wide; a two-lane driveway is 16–20 feet. Add 4–6 feet of shoulder clearing on each side for a finished look.
*Vegetation*: Light brush and saplings are cheapest to clear. Mixed vegetation with trees up to 8 inches costs more. Heavy timber with large trees may require chainsaw work before mulching.
*Terrain*: Flat terrain is straightforward. Hilly or sloped terrain requires more careful grading and may need drainage considerations. Creek crossings add complexity and cost.
*Gravel or Surface*: Clearing alone leaves a mulch surface that works for light traffic. Most property owners add gravel ($15–25 per ton delivered and spread) for a permanent driving surface. A 200-foot driveway typically needs 20–40 tons of gravel.
Why Forestry Mulching for Driveways
Forestry mulching is ideal for driveway clearing because the machine can create a smooth, even path while grinding stumps below the surface. The mulch left behind provides a temporary driving surface and prevents erosion until gravel is added. It's faster and cheaper than using a bulldozer, and it preserves the natural look of the surrounding property.
Planning Your Driveway
Before clearing, consider: property line setbacks and easements, drainage patterns (don't block natural water flow), utility line locations, future plans (will you need to widen later?), and county road department requirements for the entrance onto a public road.
Get Your Free Estimate
Mallard's View Land Management clears driveways and access roads throughout DeSoto County, MS and the Memphis metro area. Call (901) 282-4235 for a free on-site estimate. We'll walk the proposed route with you and provide a detailed quote.
