Hiring someone to plant a pasture in NC - fescue

[MPLV]

I've got 2 fields that total about 20 acres that I want to have grass in. I recently sold off the trees and have someone out grubbing the land for stumps and branches and is set to burn this week.

What kind of money am I looking at from here to have a big grassy field in the spring.

I have received one ballpark quote of 4.5 cents a sqft which is honestly about triple what I'd thought this would cost to have done but it sounds like he covers all the bases with fertilizer and lime and screening and turning all the soil as well as hay and a hydro seed coat to make it all stick.

Any advise Is appreciated. I don't need anything specific except grass that'll grow without water and will look nice when I get around to building my home in a few years.

If 4.5 is the going rate I'll just have to live in a dirt field I suppose

 

[murphy1244]

Does that come out to 39 grand for 20 acres?

 

[MPLV]

Aka, about 30 grand more than id anticipated

 

[nc redneck]

Check around up in the Statesville area. My sister bought 30 to 50 acres ( not sure of exact size ) got it cleared leveled and planted for what I would call Stupid Cheap Money. Around 20 K turn key. It was mainly wooded but not valuable timber at all. I know they ran a big dozer and one other machine for a week clearing. I am sure it would have cost at least 40 to 50 K in Wake County. Not even considering Soil Erosion control plan.
Good Luck
Scott

 

[MPLV]

Bud id love to get that fellas info

 

[stuckmotor]

My brother clear cut pines, had the land bull dozed and root raked then planted in fescue. Now, over a decade later, stump holes and roughness in general have returned. He's disking up the fescue a few acres at a time and allowing the fescue to regrow. If I ever turn a clear cut into a field I think I might smooth it out with multiple passes of a field cultivator and drag harrow, then let it sit a year or two to in the hope that any roughness and holes that are going to reappear will do so before I seed it. Rough ground is a pain to drive over.
Good luck,
Stuck

 

[J35]

Get your soil tests done then you will know what you need $ wise per acre for lime and N,P, and K. Then get a price with it spread. Get a quote from Southern states or any other fertilizer company that services your area.

Price your seed.

Then see what is available locally for a seeder and tractor for rent with and without a operator.

Check your tractor dealerships some do rental's.

Make sure who ever is doing your clearing understands your plans and situation and leaves it ready for the seeder.

---------J

 

[MPLV]

I'm looking to hire someone to do this turn key if anyone is interested or can provide a referral

 

[smstonypoint]

I have received one ballpark quote of 4.5 cents a sqft which is honestly about triple what I'd thought this would cost to have done but it sounds like he covers all the bases with fertilizer and lime and screening and turning all the soil as well as hay and a hydro seed coat to make it all stick.

Any advise Is appreciated. I don't need anything specific except grass that'll grow without water and will look nice when I get around to building my home in a few years.

If 4.5 is the going rate I'll just have to live in a dirt field I suppose

Based on your quote (cents/square foot), screening (?), hydro seeding, and mulching with straw, it sounds like you obtained your quote from a company that specializes in landscaping residential and commercial lots. There are alternatives, but common field operations associated with establishing a pasture would include plowing, spreading fertilizer and lime, discing/harrowing, and seeding with a grain drill. Farmers who provide custom services typically give quotes on a per acre or a per hour basis.

Here's a prototype fescue establishment budget from Clemson: http://www.clemson.edu/extension/aes/budgets/files/fescue-estab.pdf This will give you a "ballpark" estimate of establishment costs if you owned the required equipment. You can expect to pay considerably more for custom work due to transportation costs, higher labor rates, and profit for the custom operator.

You say that it is going to be several years before you build. Keep in mind that the "pasture"will require frequent mowing in order to control broadleaf weeds.

Get your soil tests done then you will know what you need $ wise per acre for lime and N,P, and K. Then get a price with it spread. Get a quote from Southern States or any other fertilizer company that services your area.

I'm looking to hire someone to do this turn key if anyone is interested or can provide a referral

Pick up soil testing kits from your local Cooperative Extension office. In addition to Southern States, you can contact Crop Production Services for fertilizer and lime sales and custom spreading -- they have a facility in Monroe.

While you are at the Extension office, ask the ag. agent if he/she knows of any farmers who provide custom farming services. I have my doubts about Mecklenburg County, so you could try the offices in adjoining NC and SC counties. Are there any farms in the area? If so, ask the farmers if they know of anyone who might be interested in establishing your pasture on a custom basis.

Steve