My suggestion will differ a bit. I hunt some areas of heavy pine and hemlock but not as low as what you describ. You do NOT want to make a large (100x100) clearing, or if you do you have to realize that it will most likely take a year or two before you have any significant use of it by the deer and even then keep it well toward the center to maintain the feel of seclusion. What I would suggest is to look for "paths" thru the trees and take advantage of them by opening them up a little at a time to clear lanes to allow spoting and firing and any areas you doo clear out should only be a few trees and done as though a natural clearing. (1,2,3 trees cut down and felled so they look like a area where weather has dropped them and if possible leave themand position them to steer any movement into one of your lanes.A limb here and there, a small tree or three here and there. It will take a while to scout thru the whole area for the best combo of usage by the deer and naturally formed paths and lanes but once you find it, you should be able to get a decent hunting area with little noticable change to the area. Also remember to keep one "blind-tree" inthe area you pick to provide cover for your stand sincethe trees areso low there.

Just my advice.