10 Acres of Brush

Bird · Apr 11, 2003

( is it bad for the land to simply leave those bushes uncut? )

In my opinion, No. As far as I know, the only negatives are appearance and possible fire hazard. And of course, if brush grows to trees, you might need an even heavier duty mower when you do decide to mow. On the other hand, a possible positive might be that it could be better habitat for things like birds, rabbits, etc. if you do leave it uncut. Just depends on what you want, both now and in the future.

chrisjbell · Apr 11, 2003

Hi Martin,

First, welcome to TBN.

You have almost exactly the same situation I do, including the terrain and weed species. I'm in the foothills and have 10 acres as well - got about 6 acres or so of exactly the same kind of growth you have there.

I have to mow mine two or three times a year. I consider it to be *mandatory*. The lovely green grass you see now will turn into a 6' tall mass of dead brush, which will burn so fast it'll make your head swim. There was one year that I was working a *lot* and didn't get to mowing - it was so bad I had a crew come in and do it for me.

A couple of people have already suggested it, but let me tell you... You need to get a tractor. There are services that will come in and do the cleanup for you (as mentioned), but they are expensive. It cost me $1500 the year that I let the pasture go to have it done for me (I do it in stages, chipping away at all that has to be done - they came in and did it in 8 hours).

You really do need to mow it, or at least put in firebreaks. Either one will have to be repeated every year. Renting a tractor capable of doing the work will cost probably $200 - $300 / day. In my mind this justifies the cost of a tractor - I paid $12000 for mine six years ago and the tractor still works great - and I don't pay for it any more ('cept that expensive diesel /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif).

Bird's advice on sizing is pretty good. That is what I wish I had bought. But what I have is quite adequate for my needs - a Kubota B7300, 48" brush hog (and some other stuff that doesn't pertain to this thread). Going bigger would be nice - a 60" deck would sure be sweet. But if you're on a budget, sticking with a 15 - 20 HP tractor can save some cash.

Anyway, if you possibly can afford it, my advice is to go for it sooner, rather than later. Put the rental money (or what you'd spend to hire someone) towards the purchase now. That way you can save yourself a lot of grief by using it to help with your one-time work as well.

Let us know what you decide to do...

Bird · Apr 11, 2003

( Bird's advice on sizing is pretty good. That is what I wish I had bought. )
( But if you're on a budget )

Ah, yes, you know Bird had to make do with a B7100 and a 48" brush hog on his 10 acres for 4 years. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif And it made do pretty darned well, too. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Egon · Apr 11, 2003

Bird:
Egon has to make do with a 7100 too and he has no possible 2710 in his future.

Egon

Casimir · Apr 11, 2003

SLOBuds:

Judging from the photos and your general location, it looks like you are in what range managers call an Oak/Mediteranean Annual range type. Moderate grazing, mowing or frequent controlled buring will generally maintain the vegetation in it's current state. However, those annual grasses can grow pretty tall in good moisture years, and if they are not mowed or grazed, you have a real fire hazard.

I suggest you talk to someone from the California Division of Forestry or your County Extension Agent about what they recommend to reduce the fire hazard, especially if you do not have any grazing animals. If the grass is kept relatively short, then when a fire gets started, it will usually creep along the ground, rather than getting up into the crown of the oaks. However, if you have several years without mowing or without a fire, the material builds up and the brush gets thicker, so the fire ( when it comes, not if) will be a lot hotter and a lot harder to stop. Firebreaks around your buildings are a really good idea, and a tractor can be a good investment for creating and maintaining the fire breaks.

One last suggestion: Learn to recognize yellow starthistle, and if you find any of it on your property, do whatever it takes to get rid of it quick, or it will completely take over from the native plants. Again, your County Extension Agent or weed specialist is your best source of advice on treating infestations.

That really is pretty country. I enjoyed fishing in Lake Shasta when we lived out there. Good luck with your choice of a tractor.

chrisjbell · Apr 11, 2003

( Ah, yes, you know Bird had to make do with a B7100 and a 48" brush hog on his 10 acres for 4 years. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif And it made do pretty darned well, too. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )

Oh, I know exactly what you mean. My B7300 with 48" is just fine...but each time I get out there there comes a point that I think, "Boy, sure would like a 60" deck..." /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Hey, I've been using that thing for something like 5 or 6 years now - does that mean I get to upgrade /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif?

SLOBuds · Apr 11, 2003

Thanks everyone. As usual, some GREAT comments that are very helpful.

So here is a picture of what the property looked like in November when we bought it. Considering that this exact place now is full of brush that is 2' - 4' tall, doesn't it look like someone mowed it down last year???

Most of the comments to me were fire-control related. But it seems like brush cutting would leave just as much kindling on the ground as simply letting the weeks die on their own.

This work of brush hogging is no more than a big rotary mower that leaves cut brush on the ground. Right? It almost seems like fire would be better prevented by turning the soil under with a plow or cultivator or ???

Thanks again.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 12, 2003

Welcome to TBN Martin, thats a beautiful piece of property there. To answer your question, in my opinion, unless your going to cultivate the ground and plant some sort of crop, ( hay, corn, beans, vegetables, etc.) I wouldn't reccomend that you plow or otherwise disturb the ground. The grass that is growing there will hold the land and prevent erosion (even though it never rains in California /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif).

Mowing or bushhogging will protect the property by getting rid of the tall stems of the grass. Once cut the stems will rot and add compost to the soil. If fire is a big danger, talk to your local fire department and ask them about the type of firebreak they would reccomend for your property.

The picture you have from before you purchased the property, definitely looks as though either someone was cutting the grass or somthing real hungry was eating it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I also agree with many of the posters here and believe you should get the tractor sooner rather than later but will add a word of caution, Tractor projects have a way of multiplying like rabbits, so be ready for all the fun!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

cstocks · Apr 12, 2003

I agree with nailerguy. The weeds and brush would initially burn easily if a fire occurred, but will rot in a relatively short period of time and no longer pose a danger. After the first mowing the gameplan would be to mow a regular basis to insure that your land doesn't generate any more "kindling."

I agree with the other folks say about getting a tractor now. Don't put off until tomorrow buying a tractor you can be having fun on today. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Anonymous Poster · Apr 12, 2003

I live in southern Minnesota so I don't know about wildfires.

You don't want to till or plow the soil. That would lead to erosion & washing on your hills. And, something always grows up again. Usually something you don't want growing - weeds.

Cutting the grass with a brush hog is like putting the grass through a blender. It will be little tiny pieces that will quickly rot laying on the damp soil & return to the soil. If you leave it standing, it will stand there a whole year, dry in the wind - waiting for that spark I suppose?

Best thing is to graze it, but that migh not fit your plans.

--->Paul