Transform Wooded Land Into Premium Horse Pasture

Why Horse Owners Choose Subsoil Mulching

Traditional land clearing leaves stumps, compacted soil, and poor growing conditions. Subsoil mulching is different. Our process transforms overgrown wooded areas into premium horse pasture by:

• Clearing vegetation completely — trees, brush, and invasive plants removed in one pass

• Burying root systems up to 10″ deep — eliminates regrowth of toxic plants and weeds

• Aerating and enriching soil — organic matter mixed deep into soil profile

• Creating seed-ready surfaces — level, loose soil perfect for establishing quality forage

• Preventing soil compaction — no heavy equipment ruts or damage to soil structure

Result: Healthier soil = better forage = healthier horses

The Horse Pasture Problem: Poor Soil = Poor Health

Horse owners know that pasture quality directly impacts horse health. Wooded land cleared with traditional methods often results in:

• Compacted soil that prevents root growth

• Poor drainage leading to muddy conditions

• Toxic plant regrowth (wild cherry, red maple, locust)

• Thin, nutrient-poor forage

• Increased parasite loads from overgrazed, stressed pastures

Horses need quality forage. Quality forage starts with quality soil.

Ideal for Rotational Grazing Systems

Subsoil mulching creates the perfect foundation for rotational grazing — the gold standard for horse pasture management. With improved soil and no toxic plant regrowth, you can:

• Establish multiple paddocks for rotation

• Allow proper rest periods for grass recovery

• Reduce overgrazing and bare spots

• Minimize parasite exposure

• Maximize forage production per acre

Horses need 1.5–2 acres of quality pasture per horse. Our process helps you maximize every acre.

How Subsoil Mulching Creates Superior Horse Pasture

Our subsoil mulching process is specifically designed to create the soil conditions horses need:

Step 1: Complete Vegetation Removal

We grind and mulch all surface vegetation — trees up to 6–8″ diameter, brush, invasive plants, and undergrowth. No burn piles. No leftover stumps.

Step 2: Deep Root Burial

Unlike forestry mulching that only works the surface, subsoil mulching grinds and buries root systems up to 10″ deep. This eliminates regrowth of toxic plants like:

• Wild cherry (causes cyanide poisoning)

• Red maple (causes kidney failure)

• Black locust (toxic to horses)

• Poison hemlock and other invasive species

Step 3: Soil Aeration & Organic Matter Integration

As we bury vegetation, we’re simultaneously:

• Breaking up compacted soil layers

• Mixing organic matter throughout the soil profile

• Improving drainage and water infiltration

• Creating air pockets for healthy root development

Step 4: Seed-Ready Surface

We leave your land level, loose, and ready for seeding with premium horse pasture grasses and legumes.

Better Soil = Better Forage = Healthier Horses

Soil Health Benefits:

• Improved organic matter content (3–5% increase over time)

• Better water retention during dry periods

• Enhanced drainage preventing muddy conditions

• Increased microbial activity for nutrient cycling

• Reduced soil compaction allowing deeper root systems

Forage Quality Benefits:

• Denser, more vigorous grass growth

• Higher protein and nutrient content

• Better palatability — horses prefer quality forage

• Longer grazing season with healthier plants

• Reduced need for supplemental hay

Horse Health Benefits:

• Better nutrition from quality forage

• Reduced colic risk from improved digestion

• Lower parasite loads in well-managed pastures

• Fewer hoof problems from better drainage

• Improved body condition and coat quality

From Woods to Pasture: The Complete Process

1. Free On-Site AssessmentWe evaluate your wooded land, discuss your grazing goals, identify any toxic plants, and provide a written quote.

2. Complete Land ClearingUsing our specialized subsoil mulching equipment, we clear all vegetation and bury root systems deep below the surface.

3. Soil PreparationLand is left level, loose, and seed-ready with improved soil structure and organic matter.

4. Seeding Services (Optional)We can seed up to 2 acres with premium horse pasture mixes customized for your needs:

• Cool-season grasses (orchardgrass, timothy, tall fescue)

• Warm-season grasses (bermudagrass, bahiagrass)

• Legumes (white clover, alfalfa) for nitrogen fixation

5. Ongoing Pasture Management GuidanceWe provide recommendations for fertilization, mowing, and rotational grazing to maximize your investment.

Cost Comparison: One Contractor vs. Multiple

Traditional Approach:

• Forestry mulching: $2,500–$4,000

• Stump grinding: $3,000–$5,000

• Grading and soil prep: $2,000–$3,000

• Seeding: $1,300–$1,500

• Total: $8,800–$13,500+

• Timeline: 3–4 weeks with multiple contractors

BillyGoat Subsoil Mulching:

• Complete clearing, root burial, and soil prep: One price

• Timeline: 1–2 days for most projects

• Result: Better soil quality, no regrowth, seed-ready surface

How long before horses can graze on new pasture?

After seeding, wait until grass reaches 6–8 inches before first grazing (typically 60–90 days). Graze lightly at first, removing horses when grass is grazed down to 3–4 inches. This allows roots to establish deeply.

What We’ll Evaluate:

• Current vegetation and toxic plant identification

• Soil conditions and drainage

• Acreage and terrain considerations

• Your grazing goals and horse needs

• Recommended grass seed mixes

What Horse Pasture Grass Grows Best?

The right grass mix depends on your climate, soil type, and management goals. For North Carolina horse pastures, we recommend:

Cool-Season Grasses (Primary Growth: Spring & Fall):

• Orchardgrass — highly palatable, high protein, drought-tolerant

• Timothy — excellent for horses prone to laminitis, low sugar content

• Tall Fescue (endophyte-free) — durable, heat-tolerant, avoid toxic varieties

• Kentucky Bluegrass — forms dense sod, good for high-traffic areas

Warm-Season Grasses (Primary Growth: Summer):

• Bermudagrass — extremely durable, handles heavy grazing

• Bahiagrass — low maintenance, good for sandy soils

Legumes (Nitrogen Fixation & Protein):

• White Clover — improves soil fertility, high protein

• Alfalfa — premium nutrition, requires good drainage

We’ll help you select the right mix for your property and horses’ needs.

Why Horse Owners Trust BillyGoat

• NC’s first subsoil mulching company — a process no one else offers

• Horse owner focused — we understand pasture quality = horse health

• Fully insured — general liability coverage for all projects

• No toxic plant regrowth — root systems buried deep below the surface

• Seed-ready results — level, loose soil perfect for establishing forage

• Fast turnaround — most projects completed in 1–2 days

• Free on-site assessments — written quotes before any work begins

Serving North Carolina Horse Farms

BillyGoat Mulching serves horse farms and equestrian properties throughout North Carolina, including:

• Cleveland County (Shelby, Casar, Lawndale, Fallston, Polkville)

• Lincoln County

• Gaston County

• Rutherford County

• Burke County

We travel up to 35–50 miles from Casar, NC for horse pasture development projects.