Site preparation and midstory removal for America's most important forest

Longleaf Pine Restoration

Per Project

Mechanical site preparation for longleaf pine planting and restoration. Longleaf once covered 90+ million acres across the Southeast — roughly 5.2 million remain. TreeShop provides the essential mechanical work that makes longleaf restoration possible.

4.8 on Google (97 reviews)
500+ Projects
Longleaf Pine Restoration project in progress

How Longleaf Pine Restoration Works

Longleaf pine once covered over 90 million acres across the Southeast. Today, roughly 5.2 million acres remain — but 870,000 acres have been restored on private lands since 2010, and the pace is accelerating. Longleaf restoration is a top NRCS priority with dedicated funding through the Longleaf Pine Initiative. TreeShop provides the essential mechanical site preparation that makes longleaf planting successful: removing competing hardwoods and midstory vegetation, mulching existing understory to prepare the seedbed, and creating the open, sunlit conditions that longleaf seedlings require. Longleaf is a keystone species — its open, fire-maintained ecosystem supports more than 900 plant species and is critical habitat for gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpecker, and dozens of other at-risk species. This work falls under NRCS Practice Codes 490 (Tree/Shrub Site Preparation) and 612 (Tree/Shrub Establishment).

We provide a free on-site estimate to confirm acreage and scope before any equipment rolls. No surprises, no hidden costs.

Ideal For

  • Site preparation before longleaf pine planting
  • Removing competing off-site hardwoods from pine stands
  • NRCS Longleaf Pine Initiative projects
  • Creating open conditions for native groundcover return
  • EQIP-funded restoration projects (Codes 490, 612)

Our Process

01

Free Estimate

We walk your property in person — evaluating terrain, vegetation density, and equipment access to deliver an accurate quote.

02

MSA Agreement

Clear scope, timeline, and expectations documented in our Master Service Agreement before any equipment rolls. No surprises.

03

Production

CAT large-frame track loader with forestry mulcher head mobilizes to your site. Most residential lots are completed in a single day.

04

Final Walkthrough

Owner Jeremiah Anderson walks the finished project with you to confirm every detail meets expectations before we close out.

Equipment

TreeShop deploys CAT large-frame track loaders equipped with high-flow hydraulics and purpose-built forestry mulcher heads including Fecon and Diamond attachments. This isn't a skid steer with a brush cutter bolted on — it's production-grade iron designed specifically for forestry mulching work.

Large-frame CTLs provide low ground pressure (critical for Florida's soft soils), serious pushing power for dense vegetation, and the hydraulic capacity to drive mulcher heads at full RPM through 8-inch hardwood. The result: faster clearing, finer mulch, and cleaner results than undersized equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is site preparation necessary for longleaf restoration?
Longleaf seedlings spend 2-7 years in a 'grass stage' where they look like a clump of grass and grow almost entirely below ground. During this critical phase, they cannot compete with shade from hardwoods or existing vegetation. Mechanical site prep removes competition and lets full sunlight reach the seedlings.
What EQIP practices apply to longleaf restoration?
Several: Code 490 (Tree/Shrub Site Preparation) for mechanical clearing, Code 612 (Tree/Shrub Establishment) for the actual planting, Code 666 (Forest Stand Improvement) for managing established stands, and Code 338 (Prescribed Burning) for maintenance burns. The Longleaf Pine Initiative often provides additional funding beyond standard EQIP rates.
How much does longleaf site preparation cost?
Costs vary based on existing vegetation density and site conditions. Standard forestry mulching rates apply. Many landowners cover 75-90% of costs through EQIP, making out-of-pocket expenses very manageable. We provide free estimates and can help you understand the cost-share math.
When should site prep be done before planting?
Ideally 6-12 months before planting season (November-February in Florida). This allows mulch to settle, gives time for any herbicide follow-up on regrowth, and lets the site stabilize before seedlings go in the ground.
Can you work on existing longleaf stands that need improvement?
Yes. Established longleaf stands often need midstory hardwood removal to maintain the open conditions longleaf requires. We selectively mulch competing stems while carefully working around existing longleaf. This work qualifies under NRCS Code 666.
Do I need a forester to plan my longleaf restoration?
Strongly recommended. A consulting forester can assess your site, develop a planting plan, and help you navigate the EQIP application process. Many Florida foresters specialize in longleaf and can maximize your cost-share funding. We work alongside foresters regularly.

Longleaf Pine Restoration

Free on-site estimate for properties across Central Florida. 500+ projects completed.

Get Free Estimate Call (386) 843-5266

4.8 out of 5 from 97 Google Reviews

500+ Projects Completed
Fully Licensed & Insured
Owner-Operated
CAT Equipment

Coverage

Longleaf Pine Restoration Across 32 Counties

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Fill out the form and we'll respond within 24 hours with a detailed estimate for your property. No pressure, no surprises.

(386) 843-5266

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New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Serving 32 counties across Central FL

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Longleaf Pine Restoration · Per Project

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