Getting Rid of Prickly Pear in Central Texas

DrRick · Feb 14, 2012

An old rancher told me to pile up what i could in this field, seperate the piles for burning later, and then he said to disc and plant haygrazer in the field for 2 years . He said the pear would be almost completely gone. I did that to a 20 acre field and he was right. I am now having to fight the regrowth of mesquite in the last 5 years as I have not maintained the field properly. It does seem to really suppress the regrowth of the pear. Not sure if that is cost effective, but it worked in this instance. In areas that you will regularly disc or plant this is a no chemical method.

foreman Etexas · Feb 15, 2012

Prickly Pear-Surmount....
Mesquite-Remedy&Reclaim mix....

Western · Feb 18, 2012

I dig it with the FEL, even if I have to use a rake to get any loose leafs in the bucket, then I will put it on old pallets to dry out, then burn when it is almost like "paper".

I had a deer lease once, that had a good amount of Pear, the new owner rented a small dozer and pushed it all into piles with mixed mesquite for burning. The following Spring he had almost a full stand of young pear plants where he had been pushing and apparently left leaf pieces everywhere. Like the others have said, get it all and move to a place you can burn it.

Tim Tucker · Feb 18, 2012

So you dig it with a front end loader, then pick up any loose pads? That's what I was leaning toward doing. Chemicals seem kind of hit and miss. Have good soil in most areas so getting under the pear to the root shouldn't be to hard, then come either come back and get the pads or have someone pick them up as I dig them. If you don't get the root will the pear grow back? Thanks for the post.

foreman Etexas · Feb 18, 2012

Tim Tucker said:
So you dig it with a front end loader, then pick up any loose pads? That's what I was leaning toward doing. Chemicals seem kind of hit and miss. Have good soil in most areas so getting under the pear to the root shouldn't be to hard, then come either come back and get the pads or have someone pick them up as I dig them. If you don't get the root will the pear grow back? Thanks for the post.

I believe aslong as you get the main root out/or cut down deep,and dont leave any part of the pad on the ground you will be good. We dont have many here,so spraying then removing(after dead)is was we done,just to be sure...

yellowdogsvc · Feb 18, 2012

I would add that cactus has its place both for forage and for erosion control. If you get a bobcat with tooth bucket (tilt tatch preferable), you will be able to lift entire plants up even if they are 6' wide. I "transplant" entire cactus that looks pretty. The flowers attract bees which are in short supply in central TX and like I said, the pear provides forage for a lot of animals including deer. If you have an area that has a wash or needs erosion control, put pear there. By being cautious in the removal process, you can pick up most of the ears that fall off even if you are clearing out large areas. Unfortunately, when you have a rocky property and 1000's of small plants that are low to the ground, it's more labor intensive but it is doable. Pear grows slowly and though it's hard to eradicate, a good plan will get you where you want to be. It's never a good idea, in my opinion, to completely wipe out anything on your property unless it's invasive.

If you can accomplish all this chemical-free, then kudos to your plan.

Carykong · Feb 18, 2012

just wondering,Tim, what is the ultimate goal for your 90 acres after you clear the prickly pear?

Tim Tucker · Feb 19, 2012

Good question, not sure I have an answer. This will be a weekend place until we build on it in a few years. Still working in Austin, and it's to far to commute, so until I retire or decide to make the commute it's a weekend place for family and friends. Hope to put a pole barn and small cabin on it in the next 12 months. Got to put in a well, septic and electricity at some point. Eventually want to run a few head of cattle and some goats to help keep it cleared. Just want to get a handle on the pear and cedar before they take it over. Just something to keep me busy and out of trouble for now!

Tim Tucker · Feb 19, 2012

I agree with your comments, I don't plan on taking it all of, but if I don't get it under control I won't be able to do anything with the place. I'll let everyone know how it goes.