Best way to make "land" a "yard"

[echoman]

Steve you are correct sorry for any confusion.

 

[PSDStu]

I don't think a tiller would be good, it will leave it too rough and clumpy and will destroy any grass that might be there. Lightly discing it may be better, if necessary. It all depends on how rough it is. If it's really rough, a power rake (Harley Rake, etc.) may be worthwhile.

Years ago we bought a lot that had 5 acres of really, really rough and rutted ground. I did a lot of smoothing with a disc and a box blade, and then final smoothing by dragging a section of chain link fence weighed down with some sections of telephone pole. That worked well but I got a lot of seat time in the process....and stirred up a lot of dust.

Ken

Ditto what Ken has said......disc.....drag it smooth, and put out some seed.

Good Luck!

Stu

 

[LazySusanFarms]

We have a farm in Lawrence but live in Kansas City. I'll be getting a tree spade to clear the trees. Let me know if you need any help.

 

[gilbertmsg]

If you are going to wait 2-3 years, I would spray to kill weeds in spring and fall. Take soil sample for sure, then add required feterlizer & lime. I would work a little each fall. It is tough to start grass in the spring and keep it alive all summer long. Spray weeds in Aug, plant your seed in Sep and do this for 2-3 years. You will have a nice lawn in a few years. I would also areate each fall just before planting seed. Need something to drag yard after areating to cover your seed to about 1/4 inch.

Good Luck

Eddie

 

[extrakt0r]

Thanks everyone. There are definitely some stumps out in the land. They are small, probably 2-3" in size, with maybe a few going up to 5". I dont have an accurate survey yet as I am just starting the process of clearing. They did a real "good" job of cutting the stumps at or below dirt level so they will be harder to find.

The next 4 days in KC call for 50-60 degree weather so I will be out in force. I plan on marking all the stumps with a flag and see how much drama it will be to get them all out.

I will have a 953C at my disposal in March when we dig out the foundation for the house, so we can pull up any stumps at that time.

If it helps any, in 2 years I want to be able to rip over the land with a Scag Cheetah at 10MPH+ and cut, and not kill my kidneys in the process, so that is the type of "smoothness" I will be striving for.

 

[Ken45101]

If it helps any, in 2 years I want to be able to rip over the land with a Scag Cheetah at 10MPH+ and cut, and not kill my kidneys in the process, so that is the type of "smoothness" I will be striving for.

If that's your goal, then I think you need to do the whole thing with a Harley Rake or something of that sort. AFTER you tear out all the stumps and re level and pack the ground.

Ken

 

[Shooter45]

The land in the picture you posted looks better than most "yards" around here like it is.

 

[KansasFarmer]

Works pretty well.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnEGPk6NQh0]Tree Spade Demo - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Combustix]

When I first got my tractor 8 years BTBN, I only had a box blade and a brush hog and a field like yours minus the christmas trees. In the middle of winter I just went out and started blading till it was nothing but dirt. Had the scarifires down at first. Let it grow and just mowed it that first year. Next winter I did the same thing and all I have ever done is mow since then. Now 5 months ATBN I have a tiller and a harrow, plan on tilling then smoothing (again) replanting with a cover crop or good orchard grass for my goats. Should have known I did it wrong the first time

 

[WilliamBos]

Works pretty well.

Tree Spade Demo - YouTube

I second that.