Eudy Excavating, Inc. is devoted to excellence on private timberlands in pine plantation establishment. Site Preparation involves the preparing of land for the reestablishment of pine plantations in the following manners: minimizing competition, controlling debris and maximizing nutrient translocation through tillage.

Site Preparation prescriptions are based on a stand by stand basis that evaluates existing competition, debris and soil.

Mechanical Site Preparation Explanations

Shearing
Shearing is usually preceded by a final harvest/timber sale. Shearing is where the V-blade moves over the ground surface and severs all residual stumps, saplings and brush. This process dually reduces debris and competition. Shearing is usually followed by raking, subsoiling, plowing or various combinations.

Raking
Raking is usually preceded by a shear. Raking confines the debris and leaves a pasture-like setting. Raking is recommended on tracts with an abundance of debris and past competing hardwood vegetation. Many people also include raking for aesthetical purposes. The remaining neatly rowed piles of debris can be burned following raking of left for wildlife benefits. Raking is usually followed by subsoiling or plowing.

Subsoiling
Subsoiling is usually preceded by a shear and/or rake. Subsoiling (ripping) loosens the soil and captures additional runoff. Subsoiling is performed by an 18 to 24 inch shank pulled behind a dozer and usually performed on tracts with greater topography, deep sands, or rocky sites.

Plowing
Plowing is preceded by a shear and/or raking. Plowing tills the soil to enhance nutrient translocation. Eudy Excavating uses multiple model 410 Savannah plows equipped with a ripper to loosen the soil 18 to 24 inches below the surface, and four disks (36 inches) to furrow the soil. Plowing is used to loosen heavy soils and to elevate the seedlings in wet sites. On elevated sites, plowing is performed on contour. A packer, when appropriate, follows the plow to remove air pockets and maintain custom bed heights.

Global Positioning Systems is utilized for mechanical site preparation acreage calculations or aerial photographs may be used.