Professional Forestry Mulching
in Middle Tennessee
One machine. One pass. We grind standing trees, brush, and undergrowth directly into the soil — no burning, no hauling, no mess left behind.
Get Your Free EstimateWhat Is Forestry Mulching
Forestry mulching is the most efficient method of land clearing available in Middle Tennessee today. Using a specialized rotary drum mulching head mounted to heavy equipment, we convert standing trees, brush, saplings, and dense undergrowth into a fine mulch layer in a single pass. That mulch stays on the ground, protecting the soil from erosion and returning organic material back to the earth.
S and S Excavation and Hauling has built its reputation on forestry mulching across Coffee County, Bedford County, Franklin County, and the broader Middle Tennessee region. This is the service that started our company, and it remains our most-requested offering. Property owners in Manchester, Tullahoma, and Shelbyville rely on us when they need overgrown acreage cleared fast, clean, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional clearing methods.
Unlike conventional land clearing that requires multiple pieces of equipment, burn permits, and haul-off trucks, forestry mulching consolidates the entire process into one machine and one operator. There is no pile of debris to deal with afterward. No open flames to manage. No truck traffic tearing up your property. The mulched material acts as a natural ground cover that suppresses weed regrowth and prevents topsoil runoff during Tennessee’s heavy rain seasons.
What We Mulch
Underbrushing and Undergrowth
Dense thickets of privet, honeysuckle, autumn olive, and native undergrowth get processed down to ground level. We clear beneath existing timber stands so you can access your property, improve sightlines, and reduce wildfire fuel loads without removing mature trees you want to keep.
Small to Medium Trees
Our mulching heads handle trees up to 8 inches in diameter in a single pass. Cedars, pines, sweetgum, and other fast-growing species that have taken over pasture land or fence lines get reduced to ground-level mulch. Larger trees can be felled first and then processed through the mulcher.
Fence Line and Right-of-Way Clearing
Overgrown fence rows, power line easements, pipeline corridors, and property boundaries are ideal applications for forestry mulching. We run the mulching head along the boundary and restore clear access without the collateral damage that dozer clearing causes to adjacent trees and soil.
Full Acreage Clearing
When you need 5, 10, 50, or 100+ acres cleared for development, agriculture, or wildlife management, forestry mulching is the fastest path from overgrown timber to usable land. We clear large parcels across Middle Tennessee for homebuilders, farmers, hunting clubs, and commercial developers.
Homesite and Building Pad Preparation
Building a home on wooded property starts with forestry mulching. We clear the footprint for your house, driveway, septic field, and yard area while preserving the trees you want to keep. This targeted approach gives you a cleared building envelope without stripping the entire lot.
Invasive Species Management
Middle Tennessee properties face aggressive invasion from species like bush honeysuckle, Bradford pear, and autumn olive. Forestry mulching removes these invasive plants at or below ground level and the resulting mulch layer suppresses regrowth. Combined with follow-up land management, this approach restores native habitat.
Our Process
Site Walk and Assessment
We walk your property with you, identify the clearing boundaries, flag trees to preserve, and assess terrain conditions. You get a fixed-price quote based on actual acreage and vegetation density — no surprises.
Equipment Mobilization
We transport our mulching equipment to your site. Our rigs are sized for Middle Tennessee terrain — steep hills, creek bottoms, rocky ground. We plan entry routes that minimize impact on your existing roads and driveways.
Mulching Operations
The mulching head processes vegetation in systematic passes across your property. Trees, brush, and undergrowth get ground into a 2-4 inch mulch layer that stays in place. We work section by section to maintain precision.
Our Mulching Work






Why Choose S and S for Forestry Mulching
Veteran-Owned, Owner-Operated
When you call S and S Excavation, the owner answers the phone. The same person who quotes your job is the one running the equipment. No middlemen, no miscommunication, no excuses.
10+ Years of Mulching Experience
We have cleared thousands of acres across Middle Tennessee. From 1-acre homesites to 200-acre timber tracts, we have the seat time and terrain knowledge to handle any mulching project in the region.
No Hidden Costs
Our quotes are fixed-price based on the site walk. There are no haul-off fees because there is nothing to haul. No burn permit costs. No surprise charges for stumps or debris. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Eco-Friendly Results
Forestry mulching returns organic material to the soil instead of sending it to a landfill or burning it. The mulch layer prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health over time. Your land is better off after we finish.
Minimal Ground Disturbance
Unlike dozers that tear up topsoil and leave rutted, bare ground, our mulching equipment processes vegetation without excavating the soil surface. Your root structure and topsoil remain intact beneath the mulch layer.
Single-Machine Efficiency
One machine does the work of a tree crew, a chipper, and a haul-off truck combined. That means fewer days on your property, less fuel burned, lower cost, and a faster path to your finished clearing.
Forestry Mulching FAQs
How much does forestry mulching cost per acre?
Pricing depends on vegetation density, tree diameter, terrain slope, and accessibility. Light brush on flat ground costs less than dense hardwood on steep hills. We provide free on-site estimates so you get an accurate, fixed price before any work begins. Call us at (931) 636-7713 for a quote.
What size trees can you mulch?
Our mulching heads handle trees up to 8 inches in diameter in a single pass. Larger trees can be felled with a chainsaw first and then processed through the mulcher. For very large timber, we coordinate felling and mulching to keep the project moving efficiently.
Is forestry mulching better than dozer clearing?
For most residential and light commercial applications, yes. Forestry mulching preserves topsoil, eliminates haul-off costs, requires no burning, and leaves a clean mulch layer. Dozer clearing is faster for very large commercial sites where topsoil preservation is not a concern, but it destroys the soil structure and requires extensive restoration afterward.
How long does forestry mulching take?
A typical 1-2 acre homesite clearing takes one day. Larger projects of 10-50 acres may take a week or more depending on vegetation density. We provide a timeline estimate during our site walk so you can plan around the work.
Do I need a permit for forestry mulching?
In most cases, no. Because forestry mulching does not involve burning, you do not need a burn permit. There are no emissions or smoke concerns. Some municipalities may require a land disturbance permit for large-scale clearing, which we can help you navigate.
Can you mulch around trees I want to keep?
Absolutely. Selective clearing is one of the biggest advantages of forestry mulching over dozer work. We flag the trees you want to preserve and work around them with precision. You get a cleared lot with mature shade trees intact.
What happens to the mulch after clearing?
The mulched material stays on the ground as a 2-4 inch organic layer. It decomposes over 12-18 months, feeding the soil beneath. It suppresses weed regrowth, prevents erosion during rain, and gives you a clean, walkable surface immediately after clearing.
Ready to Clear Your Land
Whether you need 1 acre or 100 cleared, S and S Excavation and Hauling delivers fast, clean forestry mulching across Middle Tennessee. Veteran-owned, owner-operated, and priced right.