CEDAR & BRUSH REMOVAL
Cedar and brush overtake Hill Country land fast. We specialize in aggressive clearing that reclaims usable acreage, improves water flow to springs and creeks, and opens up sight lines across your property. This is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to Texas ranch land.
WHAT WE DO
- Selective cedar removal preserving oaks and native trees
- Full brush clearing for pasture reclamation
- Mulching in place for natural ground cover
- Improved water table and spring flow
The Cedar Problem on Hill Country Land
Ashe juniper — what we call cedar — is the single biggest threat to Hill Country ranch productivity. A mature cedar tree pulls 30+ gallons of water from the ground every day, shades out grass, drops allelopathic needles that prevent other plants from growing, and spreads aggressively from seed. Left unchecked, an open pasture becomes a closed cedar brake in 20 years. Removing it brings back grass, water, wildlife, and property value.
OUR PROCESS
- 01
Land Walk & Tree Marking
We walk the brake with you, identify oaks and other natives to preserve, and mark the boundaries of the clearing zone. Selective work or wholesale — your call.
- 02
Clearing Strategy
Heavy continuous brake gets a forestry mulcher. Scattered cedar with valuable oaks calls for shears and selective work. We match the method to the situation.
- 03
Mulching or Removal
Most Hill Country jobs we mulch in place — leaves a protective ground cover that controls erosion and breaks down into soil. For sale-prep work, we can shear and stack.
- 04
Oak & Native Protection
Operators are trained to work around live oaks, post oaks, and other hardwoods without root or trunk damage. Flagged trees stay flagged.
- 05
Cleanup & Final Pass
After the heavy work, we clean up edges, knock down any missed brush, and leave a finished result you can graze, mow, or list for sale.
MULCH IN PLACE VS. CUT & HAUL
Two main approaches to cedar removal. The right one depends on your goals and budget.
| Option | Cost / Acre | Result | Erosion Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch in Place | $1,200–$2,800 | Cedar ground to chips, left as 2–4" mulch layer | Excellent — mulch holds soil during regrowth | Pasture restoration, slopes, most ranch work |
| Cut & Stack (Burn) | $900–$2,000 | Cedar piled, ready to burn when conditions allow | Moderate — bare ground until grass returns | Properties wanting clean look, burn-friendly counties |
| Cut & Haul Off | $2,500–$4,500 | Cedar removed entirely from property | Lower — bare ground, but full clean finish | Sale prep, building sites, areas near homes |
* 2024–2025 estimates. Cedar density and acreage size affect final pricing.
WHAT DRIVES THE COST
Every Hill Country property is different. Here's what affects pricing on this kind of work — and what we look at when we walk your land.
Cedar Density
Scattered cedars on open pasture clear fast. Continuous mature cedar brakes — 100+ trees/acre — take significantly longer per acre.
Terrain & Slope
Flat pasture is fastest. Steep canyon walls and rocky breaks slow equipment and may require specialized machines.
Selective vs. Total
Marking and working around oaks adds operator time. Wholesale clearing is faster and cheaper per acre.
Debris Method
Mulching in place is the most economical. Stacking for burn is middle-cost. Hauling off adds disposal and trucking.
Acreage
Larger jobs are cheaper per acre because mobilization is spread over more work. Small jobs (under 5 acres) carry higher per-acre cost.
Property Access
Remote properties in Real, Edwards, or Bandera counties carry higher mobilization than properties closer to Boerne or Kerrville.
EQUIPMENT USED
WHO IT'S FOR
- Ranchers losing pasture to cedar encroachment
- Property owners improving water resources
- Land brokers making properties more appealing
- Hunters improving wildlife habitat
COMMON QUESTIONS
READY TO GET STARTED?
Call or text us for a free estimate on your cedar & brush removal project.
Serving Boerne, Kerrville, Mountain Home, Fredericksburg & the Texas Hill Country.
RELATED SERVICES
Land Clearing
Full acreage clearing for ranch improvements, development prep, and property cleanup.
Tree Trimming
Clearing overgrowth, trimming oaks, and managing canopy for better land use.
Property Maintenance
Large-scale ongoing maintenance for ranches, estates, and acreage properties.