Newbie Land Clearing Questions

[danielread]

It is sounding like you just need a dozer to come in and scrape off an inch or so and start over! With such a history, anyone use a metal detector in there and see if any goodies were left over? Sudan grass or lately the teff hay seem to be dandy competitors for weeds. Or any of the annual hay crops.

I like the sound of this advice. It doesn't sound cheap, but it sounds like the way to go. There's a place near us that rents tractors and bulldozers, but I would imagine they prefer to rent to experienced operators.

Thanks for the suggestion on the grass replacements. Do you think there's any sense in spreading seed now amongst all the existing recently mowed down weeds? Or better to wait until a bulldoze?

Thanks again!

Dan

 

[MarkV]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum. I am in NW Georgia about 20 miles N of I-20 on Hwy 27 so we share some of the same problem plants. If you keep things mowed down for several years you will be able to improve the pasture areas. Native grasses will begin to dominate and choke out the weeds. It will be a lot of work with a walk behind mower though.

In addition to mowing you can help the native grasses reestablish if you are willing to add some soil amendments. Our Georgia soil almost always acidic and needs lime to balance the PH in the soil. That and some fertilizer will jump start the grasses you want to take over. A soil test would be a good place to start.

In my opinion your biggest problem is Kudzu. It is almost uncontrollable and will continue to spread no matter how much you mow. If you can bring yourself to use chemicals on the Kudzu there has been some success eliminating it with herbicides and a multi year spraying schedule. Have a chat with your county extension agent about your goals and problems. They are a great resource and will often come to your property to evaluate the situation for free. They are also the ones who can handle a soil test for you.

MarkV

 

[crazyal]

The dozer idea would work, I bought one and it's the one toy that's even more fun than a tractor. I can tell you that it's just like a tractor, you need seat time to perfect your skills. Rental companies don't care who you are, as long as you have money they will rent it to you. If do decide to rent plan on doing it at a week at a time (hopefully you have the vacation time). Between the costs of delivery/ pick-up and time lost learning a week will go by quickly.

With a 6-way blade you can easily scrape the top inch or two off. When you hit a rock the blade will lift and make a grinding sound. Just back up, tilt the blade and while using the edge to push the rock lift the blade up. If it doesn't come chances are you don't want or have the equipment to move it. The end result will be a nice pile of rocks with a much smoother yard.


If it was me I would look for treasures before I started.