There’s a certain kind of optimism that comes with farming: the belief that with enough sweat, know-how, and horsepower, you can turn any patch of dirt into something productive. That back corner overgrown with brush? Those scraggly trees along the fence line? It’s tempting to fire up the dozer and “make it useful.” But clearing land isn’t cheap and it’s not always worth it.
Before you drop thousands on excavation, burn piles, and seed, it’s worth asking: Is that land really worth clearing? Here’s how to make a smarter decision using your experience and a little help from AcreValue.
Step 1: Get the Lay of the Land
It’s easy to look at a stand of trees and imagine a lush green field in its place. But under that canopy could be steep slopes, rocky ground, or soil that’s all but useless for crops. Start by pulling up your land on AcreValue’s interactive map. You can get a bird’s-eye view of your parcel and compare:
- Slope and elevation: If you’ve got severe slopes or weird dips, you may be looking at erosion headaches or pooling water.
- Soil type: Not all dirt is created equal. Some soils hold water too long; others barely hold anything at all. AcreValue’s soil data lets you check what kind of ground you’re working with before you sink money into it.
If the terrain looks rough on the map, it’s probably worse on foot.
Step 2: Check What the Neighbors Are Growing
A good crop plan doesn’t stop at the fence line. If you’re wondering what that back 10 acres could grow, zoom out a bit and look at what’s already working nearby.
Using AcreValue, you can:
- View crop history on surrounding parcels: If the ground across the road has grown soybeans or hay for the last five years, that’s a sign the land may be similar—and productive.
- Compare ownership boundaries: If someone cleared similar terrain next door, you can get a sense of what it took—and whether it’s working out.
This gives you more than a gut feeling. It gives you context.
Step 3: Estimate the Value Before You Touch the Trees
Clearing land is rarely just about making things “look better.” More often, it’s about increasing the land’s value or generating more income. So, the real question is: Will the cleared land be worth more than what you put into it?
Here’s how AcreValue can help with that:
- Land value estimates by parcel: Get a sense of your property’s per-acre value now—and compare it to neighboring parcels that are already in crop production. Are they worth significantly more? That gap is your upside.
- Rental income potential: If you’re thinking about leasing the cleared land instead of farming it yourself, see what cropland rents for in your county or ZIP code. That’ll help you run the numbers on long-term payback.
If the numbers don’t pan out, they definitely won’t after you start moving dirt.
Step 4: Know What You’re Losing
Clearing land isn’t just about what you gain. It’s about what you give up. Trees, thickets, and brushy edges might seem useless, but they often serve a purpose:
- Wildlife habitat: Deer, turkey, and pollinators need cover. Lose that, and you may lose your best hunting or hayfield edge.
- Buffer zones: Trees can reduce wind erosion, block runoff, and soak up excess water. Clearing them might cause more long-term management problems than it solves.
- Tax breaks: Some wooded land qualifies for lower property taxes under conservation or forestry programs. Remove the trees, and you could lose that benefit.
Use AcreValue to weigh the tradeoffs. Switching from forested to farmed land could affect more than just aesthetics; it could affect your bottom line.
Step 5: Make a Plan
If, after all that, you’re still ready to clear it, make sure you’ve got a plan.
Use AcreValue to:
- Map access paths and equipment lanes: Plan ahead for where trucks, tractors, and tillage equipment will go so you don’t paint yourself into a corner.
- Mark new boundaries: If clearing shifts how you use your parcel, make sure you’re not encroaching on a neighbor—or crossing into protected areas or easements.
And most importantly, document your improvements. Updated maps and land records make it easier to reflect the new value of the property down the line, whether you’re refinancing, leasing, or looking to sell.
Final Thoughts
Clearing land can feel like progress. But not every patch of ground is worth the diesel, time, or backache. By taking an hour to run the numbers and map it out on AcreValue, you’ll get a clearer picture—before you ever pick up a chainsaw.
And sometimes, the best thing to do with a brushy backfield is leave it be.