Overgrown lots, blighted properties, and undeveloped parcels across New Orleans and the surrounding parishes need clearing before they can be built on, sold, or simply maintained. Big Easy Demolition provides residential and commercial land clearing in the New Orleans metro, including tree removal, stump grinding, grubbing, vegetation removal, and site grading prep. We have the equipment and the local experience to work on the full range of lot sizes and conditions you’ll find in South Louisiana.
The greater New Orleans area has thousands of vacant and semi-vacant lots that have sat untouched for years, some since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and others since Hurricane Ida in 2021. Over that time, invasive plant species have moved in. Chinese tallow tree is the most aggressive, growing 13 feet per year on the right soil and spreading into neighboring properties if left unchecked. Chinaberry and Chinese privet are also common across Orleans and Jefferson Parish vacant lots. These species have deep root systems and reseed aggressively, which means clearing them requires full grubbing, not just above-grade cutting.
Native vegetation, including live oak, southern magnolia, and cypress volunteers, is worth identifying before clearing begins. Louisiana has tree protection ordinances that apply in certain areas, and some species on private property may require permits before removal depending on trunk diameter and location. We’ll flag any concerns during the estimate.
New Orleans and the surrounding low-lying parishes sit at or below sea level in many neighborhoods. Grade and slope determine where water goes after it rains, and that matters enormously when clearing a lot. A poorly graded cleared lot can direct runoff toward a neighboring property or create standing water that attracts mosquitoes and delays construction.
Every land clearing job we do accounts for drainage. We assess the natural slope of the lot, the direction of existing drainage swales or street gutters, and whether rough grading is needed as part of the clearing scope. For lots in flood-prone zones, proper grading is not optional. We coordinate clearing and grading to leave the site in a condition that’s ready for the next phase of development.
Open burning of cleared vegetation is prohibited in Orleans Parish and restricted in Jefferson Parish. This is not just a preference. It’s a code requirement. That means vegetation, trees, stumps, and brush cannot be burned on-site to dispose of them, which eliminates the cheapest disposal method used in rural areas. All cleared material must be chipped, mulched, or hauled to an approved facility.
For jobs where the cleared volume is high, we chip woody material on-site where possible to reduce haul volume and disposal costs. Larger material, including root balls and stumps, is transported to a green waste facility. We handle all disposal coordination as part of our clearing scope.
For most residential lot clearing, no permit is required just to remove vegetation. Exceptions apply when:
We’ll identify any permit requirements during the estimate phase. For jobs that do require permits, we manage the application process as part of our service.
How much does lot clearing cost in New Orleans?
A standard residential lot in New Orleans (typically 25×100 to 50×150 feet) runs between $800 and $3,000 for clearing, depending on vegetation density, invasive species presence, and whether grading is included. Heavily overgrown lots with large trees and deep root systems are at the higher end of that range. We provide firm quotes after assessing the site.
Can land clearing help with drainage problems on my lot?
Yes, when combined with rough grading. Clearing removes vegetation that can block natural drainage flow, and grading adjusts the slope to direct water where you want it to go. We can incorporate basic drainage grading into the clearing scope for most residential lots.
What happens to the trees and stumps after clearing?
Stumps are ground to below grade. Woody material is chipped on-site or hauled for composting. Root balls from large trees are excavated and transported to an approved green waste facility. We do not leave stumps or debris on-site.
How long does it take to clear a residential lot in New Orleans?
Most residential lots are cleared in one to two days, depending on size and vegetation density. Heavily overgrown properties with large mature trees and deep invasive root systems may require three days. We’ll give you a realistic schedule during the estimate.
Can you clear land near a flood zone?
Yes. We work in and adjacent to flood zones throughout the metro. We’ll note any additional considerations related to FEMA flood zone designations, required setbacks, or drainage requirements that apply to your specific parcel.
Call 504-688-4399 or contact us online to describe your lot and what you need done. For most residential clearing jobs, we can schedule a site visit within 24 to 48 hours and provide a same-day estimate. We serve Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, and St. Charles parishes.
“Big Easy Demolition was very quick to respond and provided excellent demo services at very short notice. I recommend them to anyone in need of demolition service at a very reasonable rate.”
“Big Easy Demolition is the way to go! I had renovation debris and they cleaned everything up nicely. They were very professional and they showed great service and care.”
“We hired Big Easy Demolition for an interior demolition project. They started and completed the job on time and cleaned up at the end of each day. They are easy to deal will and go the extra mile for you.”
“They handled the demolition of our old commercial building efficiently and safely. Their team managed everything from obtaining permits to clearing the debris, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for complete demolition services!”
“We needed selective demolition and interior gutting for our historic home renovation, and they exceeded our expectations. They were meticulous in preserving the original features while removing the old materials. Their expertise made all the difference!”
“After some major landscaping changes, Big Easy Demolition came through with concrete removal and site cleanup. Their crew worked efficiently and left our yard looking pristine. Their attention to detail and quick turnaround time were impressive!”
“Big Easy Demolition did an excellent job clearing land and excavating for our new home construction. They worked with precision, ensuring all the stumps, rocks, and debris were completely removed. The site preparation was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for better service!”
“We called Big Easy Demolition for an emergency demolition after a storm severely damaged our garage. They responded promptly, securing the site and safely removing the structure in no time. Their professionalism and urgency made a stressful situation much easier to handle!”
