Brush Clearing in Fresno, CA

The City of Fresno requires vacant parcels within city limits to be cleared and mowed by April 15 each year under its weed abatement program, and keeps enforcing through fire season. Lots that aren't cleared can draw citations of $250 to $1,000, and the city can hire its own contractor to clear the lot and bill the owner for the work plus administrative fees. If a fire starts on an uncleared lot, the owner can also be charged for firefighting costs. Clearing early in spring, while growth is still green and easy to cut, is usually cheaper than waiting until it's dry, and a follow-up cut may be needed if rains bring a second flush of growth.

Most jobs are quoted per job after a look at the property, though some contractors price by the hour or by the acre for larger lots. The main factors are the size of the area, how dense and tall the growth is, whether it's grass and weeds or woody brush and small trees, the slope and access for equipment, and whether the debris is hauled away, chipped or mulched on site. Hauling usually adds the most cost. Ask whether a quote includes haul-off and disposal, and for regular maintenance like spring weed abatement, ask about pricing for repeat visits.