You know you need to clear your brush.
You know your home’s safety — and legal compliance — depends on it.

But how much does brush clearance actually cost for Southern California homeowners?

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs, key factors, and smart tips to get the best value — without cutting corners.

---

🔹 Note: While many of our examples reference La Habra Heights, the cost realities are similar across Southern California’s wildfire-prone zones — including Malibu, Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica Mountains, and hillside communities throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.

We focus on La Habra Heights for a reason:
LHH is a wildfire-resilient city with an excellent reputation for proactive fire safety.

• The La Habra Heights Fire Department (LHHFD) is highly regarded and is a hands-on training ground for fire science students from Rio Hondo College, many of whom go on to become firefighters throughout OC and LA Counties.
• LHHFD’s experience, training, and brush clearance enforcement are respected across the region, making their 2024 standards an ideal model for best practices.

---

💰 Typical Brush Clearance Costs

Type of Property	Average Cost Range
Small lot (under 1/4 acre)	$500 – $1,200
Medium lot (1/4 – 1 acre)	$1,000 – $3,000
Large lot (1–5 acres)	$2,500 – $10,000+
Very steep/sloped lots	Add 20–50% more

✅ See how large lots need special clearance strategies.

---

📋 Factors That Affect Brush Clearance Pricing

---

1. Terrain and Slope

Steep, rocky, or uneven ground increases labor time and danger — and cost.

✅ Learn why sloped land needs special handling here.

---

2. Density of Vegetation

The thicker and taller the growth:

• The more hauling
• The more disposal fees
• The higher the final invoice

✅ Get tips on maintaining brush throughout the year to lower annual costs.

---

3. Access to Property

If crews can’t easily reach work areas:

• They may need special equipment (ATVs, bobcats)
• Labor costs go up

---

4. Disposal and Green Waste Fees

Green waste disposal isn’t free:

• Cities may charge per ton
• Special hauling permits may be needed

✅ Understand timing to avoid peak demand for brush clearing crews.

---

🛡️ Smart Ways to Manage Brush Clearance Costs

---

✅ 1. Start Early

Hiring during spring (January–March) is often cheaper than rushing before inspections begin.

✅ Timing really matters — here’s why.

---

✅ 2. Get Multiple Quotes

Not all clearance contractors are equal:

• Ask about insurance
• Ask about city familiarity (compliance expertise)

✅ Questions to ask before hiring a clearance crew.

---

✅ 3. Phase Large Projects

If you can’t afford clearing your entire lot at once:

• Start with 100 feet of defensible space around structures.
• Tackle farther distances in stages.

---

✅ 4. Maintain Between Seasons

Light maintenance (mowing, minor trimming) throughout the year keeps major costs down next season.

✅ Maintaining your zones can cut costs in half.

---

🌟 Final Thought

Brush clearance isn’t just a cost —
It’s an investment in survival, property value, and peace of mind.

A few thousand dollars today could save:

• Your home
• Your neighbors’ homes
• Your family’s safety

✅ Visit our full Brush Clearance Resource Center for planning tools, checklists, and vetted clearance crews.
✅ Ready for a quote or help with your brush clearance? Contact us today.