Smoothing out my rough pasture

newtattoobob · Sep 11, 2012

I have a pasture that is approximately 4 acres that I like to keep mowed. It has decent grass growing now and looks good when its mowed. My problem is how rough the ground is. It takes me a long time to mow it because I have to go so slow. I would like to smooth it out but I really do not want to make it into a lawn either. Would I have any luck tilling it then using a harley rake to smooth it out? Would any of the grass come back or would I have to reseed the whole thing? Thanks.

RDrancher · Sep 11, 2012

If you have a tiller that would be the easiest way. If you have to rent one I'd rip it with your box blade scarifiers and then use the harley rake. Front mounted harley rakes work better and faster for grading than 3 point versions since you can apply down pressure with the loader. Whether you have to re-seed or not depends on how deep you go.

Western · Sep 12, 2012

I would disc it one way then the opposite direction until it's where you like it. This wont be a deep disc so ruts wont re-occur, I have done this in my fields many times, and it works. The problem with tilling is the ground is so soft afterwords, that even walking can create a rut, that is if you tilled very deep. Discing is fast and easy. JMO

Chilly807 · Sep 12, 2012

I've got the same problem, I think I'm going to plow first since the ground is so hard I don't think the disc I have will penetrate far enough. After it's been disced I'm going to re-seed and then roll it to finish the surface.

Sean

tractorski · Sep 12, 2012

I also have the same problem. I am afraid to plow it as it has so many rocks. Right now most of the rocks are below the surface, if I plow it with a 2 bottom, it will turn them up right? I was also thinking a disc harrow.

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Danner · Sep 14, 2012

I have done this and learned a bit. We have black clay soil, so moisture content is a big factor. Basically, the soil needs to be fairly moist, but not muddy. At that time, I disced it in two direction. The moisture let the disc cut the soil without needing to add weigh to the disc, and also kept the dust under control. Then, I used a chain harrow to smooth it out, and this also took a few passes in crisscross directions. It made a big difference. If the weather is favorable, you could reseed as well.

PhilY · Sep 14, 2012

I don't know how this would work, but have you thought of a drag harrow. This don't penetrate very far and probably would leave enough grass behind while taking off the rough high spots.

foreman Etexas · Sep 14, 2012

I use a heavy 12ft drag you can turn it over several different ways to get a more aggressive side or less. I have had wild hog problems and found if I run the 74in Tiller across the fast and not deep to bust up the grass clods the drag is able to bust it up alot better. This photo is last year when we hadnt had any rain for over 100 days I went in with just the drag on the hog roots and gopher mounds on the flat side of drag...