Excavation Services in Sewanee, TN

Building or improving property in Sewanee comes with unique challenges, from rocky plateau soil to dense woods and steep terrain. That’s where Clark Cumberland Contracting comes in. We provide professional excavation services in Sewanee and the surrounding areas.

Homeowners, builders, and university property managers rely on our crew for dependable site work that’s done right the first time. Whether you’re preparing land for a new home in the Domain, replacing an aging septic system on a rural lot, or improving access to a wooded property near the Perimeter Trail, we bring the local knowledge, equipment, and craftsmanship needed to handle Sewanee’s toughest ground conditions.

excavation services in sewanee

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Our Services in Sewanee, TN

Excavation & Site Prep – Every successful build begins with proper excavation. We handle all aspects of site prep, including grading for drainage, foundation and basement digging, and trenching for utilities or footings. Our operators work with precision to ensure each cut and slope is engineered for stability and long-term performance, especially important in Sewanee’s rocky, uneven soil.

Septic & Utility Work – Rural homes and cabins across the plateau often depend on private septic systems and independent utility access. We install and replace complete septic systems, including tank placement, drainage field excavation, and all necessary trenching. Our crew also digs safe, code-compliant trenches for water, power, and communication lines, making sure every connection is laid out for easy maintenance and long-term reliability.

Land Clearing & Forestry – Much of Sewanee’s landscape is heavily wooded, which makes lot clearing and grading a crucial first step before construction. We remove trees, stumps, and thick brush, leaving the site ready for building or landscaping without unnecessary environmental disruption. Whether you’re opening up a wooded cabin site or expanding a residential property, we clear efficiently and responsibly.

Driveway Repair & Parking Pads – We build and repair gravel driveways and parking areas designed for durability in mountain conditions. From steep hillside access to rural lanes that see heavy rain runoff, our team grades, compacts, and surfaces gravel to maintain safe, reliable access year-round. We also install solid parking pads for vehicles, trailers, or equipment, built to last and prevent erosion or washout.

What Our Customers Say

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Brent Ballow profile picture
Brent Ballow
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My experience with Clark Cumberland Contracting was not only incredible, but very pleasant in that it it was quick, easy, and affordable. When I sent an email inquiring about some work on my driveway, Dustin called me in less than 5 minutes and was at my house evaluating the job just as fast. He is a great advisor for anyone's need. I could not be happier and look forward to using Clark Cumberland Contracting again. Thanks for all you did. It looks great and the slope is great.
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Chuck Cook profile picture
Chuck Cook
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If I could, id give Clark Cumberland Contracting 10 stars !! Dustin, the owner, was very easy to work with, kept me informed every step of the way, and is extremely fair with his estimates. He provided me with an estimate within days of me contacting him, started the job as planned, and finished early. He did the agreed upon work, and even more. The finished product is beyond my expectations and he will definitely be the one I'll be using for my future landscaping and clearing needs.
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Dan Staudt profile picture
Dan Staudt
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From my first call to the final handshake with Dustin Clark at Clark Cumberland Contracting my experience was outstanding in every detail. I needed someone to come and fix my gravel driveway which is a little over 700 feet. After reading the reviews on their website, which were all excellent I gave Dustin a call and I am so glad I did. Very thorough, professional and kept me updated throughout the entire process. If you are in need of someone to repair your gravel driveway I Highly recommend Clark Cumberland Contracting.
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Keith D profile picture
Keith D
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Went above and beyond to help me out of a nightmare situation. He was more than fair, honest, and transparent all the way through the project. The project even ran over and he agreed to hold his price. I did give him a extra for the effort. Spent an entire day just cleaning up before he left. Highly recommend. Will use again.
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milisa adams profile picture
milisa adams
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Dustin is truly an expert in his industry! I highly recommend choosing him for your excavation projects!!
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Carl Nunley profile picture
Carl Nunley
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Dustin came out and put in a great new gravel pad for my home. My wife was sick of the mud and I need more parking space for vehicles. Won't use anyone else for future ground work projects
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michelle willows profile picture
michelle willows
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Dustin is so great! Came out to my property and marked out septic system, explained everything in detail and made the experience easy. I highly recommend using him for your project!
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Jim Hale profile picture
Jim Hale
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Dustin at Clark-Cumberland is simply, outstanding. He is one of the most conscientious and talented contractors that we have worked with. He took a vacant area on our church property and turned it into the well laid out parking lot that we envisioned. Dustin has excellent attention to detail and had great suggestions for add ons that made sense for the overall project. He did the work 100% on budget and was also diligent about finishing the job on schedule despite weather challenges. For this type of work, look no further than Clark-Cumberland Contracting.
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Susan Stevens profile picture
Susan Stevens
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My gravel driveway was scraped by another company but I was not satisfied with the results. Contacted Clark Cumberland Contracting and spoke with Dustin. Dustin came to the house, reviewed, the situation and said he could fix it. He did! The driveway is solid and the runoff works. He actually followed up on a rainy day to make sure it was good. I would hire him again for any work I need done. Professional and knowledgeable.
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Tony Burns profile picture
Tony Burns
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I hired Dustin for some slope grading so I could seed & straw a property for one of my customers. He and his worker showed up early and knocked it out of the park! I was impressed with his work and will be hiring him for future projects.

Why us?

Why Choose Clark Cumberland Contracting?

Complete Site Solutions

From excavation and septic installs to land clearing and driveway grading, we handle every stage of site preparation in-house. That means fewer subcontractors, tighter scheduling, and projects that stay on track from start to finish.

Local Expertise You Can Count On

We know Sewanee’s terrain, from the rocky ground near the University Domain to the wooded slopes around Breakfield Road. Our crew understands how to work with local soil, elevation, and drainage challenges so your project lasts for decades.

Professional, Licensed, and Insured

Homeowners, contractors, and property managers across Marion and Franklin Counties trust our team because we’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship that meets or exceeds local codes.

Dependable Service from Start to Finish

We show up when we say we will, keep your property clean and safe during work, and make sure the job is done right before we leave. Reliability is the reason most of our projects come from repeat clients and referrals.

WHY US?

Why Choose Clark Cumberland Contracting?

Complete Site Solutions

From excavation and septic installs to land clearing and driveway grading, we handle every stage of site preparation in-house. That means fewer subcontractors, tighter scheduling, and projects that stay on track from start to finish.

Local Expertise You Can Count On

We know Sewanee’s terrain, from the rocky ground near the University Domain to the wooded slopes around Breakfield Road. Our crew understands how to work with local soil, elevation, and drainage challenges so your project lasts for decades.

Professional, Licensed, and Insured

Homeowners, contractors, and property managers across Marion and Franklin Counties trust our team because we’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship that meets or exceeds local codes.

Dependable Service from Start to Finish

We show up when we say we will, keep your property clean and safe during work, and make sure the job is done right before we leave. Reliability is the reason most of our projects come from repeat clients and referrals.

Common Challenges in Sewanee and How We Solve Them

  • Heavily Wooded Lots Around the Domain – Many properties near Lake Cheston and the Perimeter Trail are densely wooded, which makes construction access and grading difficult. Our crew clears trees, brush, and stumps efficiently, preparing safe and usable building sites.
  • Rocky Terrain Across the Plateau – Excavating through Sewanee’s rocky subsurface requires precision and the right equipment. We use heavy-duty machinery and controlled digging to create stable foundations for homes, basements, and utilities.
  • Septic System Limitations in Rural Areas – Homes outside the city sewer network rely on septic systems that often need repair or replacement. We design and install complete septic systems, including properly graded drainage fields suited to local soil conditions.
  • Erosion and Runoff on Sloped Properties – Slopes near Breakfield Road and rural outskirts are prone to erosion after heavy rain. Our grading and drainage solutions control water flow, preventing damage to driveways and septic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We handle excavation and site prep for homes and facilities on University property and surrounding areas.

Absolutely. We remove trees, stumps, and brush while preparing the site for grading and construction.

Yes. We install and replace septic systems for homes and cabins that aren’t connected to city sewer.

We install and maintain gravel driveways and parking pads, built for durability on sloped or rocky ground.

Yes, we’re equipped for challenging soils and terrain, using grading and drainage solutions to stabilize your property.

Contact us today

Get a Free Estimate in South Pittsburg

Need excavation, septic, or driveway work on the South Pittsburg Mountain? Call Clark Cumberland Contracting today or request a free estimate online. Our team provides dependable service backed by local experience to solve the challenges unique to South Pittsburg Mountain properties.