Old Christmas Tree Farm Stumps

[GPintheMitten]

With drought and hillside erosion sure is a concern. Has he tried to use a blade or box blade? Does the loader pop them out? I dont know that a brudhhog would cut 5 in diameter stumps. Even then you are left with stumps sticking up maybe 3 inches. Plowing and discing on those would be a problem I think. It would lift a lot of root ball trash I think.

This sounds like a tough one. I think I would try to pop most of them out of the ground, maybe leaving only the smallest diameter, cutting those low to the ground. Then prepare the soil and plant pasture.

As to insurance you might indeed start another thread. I think your going to need a commercial farm policy and get hold harmless agreements from all clients and visitors. I would check with local ag advisory groups maybe USDA or university extension offices. See what other ranches in the state do for their insurance. Tell him to check for United States Pony Club presence in his area. Members of USPC may have similar needs for insurance and may be able to help.

 

[ultrarunner]

Still 45 days out on possession.

Just trying to come up with a plan that will in the short term make the place a little more presentable.

The owner passed away several years ago at age 98 and was born in 1912 on the ranch and passed away there.

Since then, everything has just sat and with no irrigation which contributed to number of dead trees due to the draught.

I think it great his plans and dreams are coming together... reminds me of a saying about all that's needed is a man with vision and ambition.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Good to hear your support for your brother.

98 years on the same patch of land. Thats pretty cool.

 

[edkemper]

This is another option (up to 4"):

DR Tree Chopper (ATV Attachment) | DR Power Equipment

While it's for ATVs only, I think I can modify it to attach it to a skid steer bucket. I'd have a better view than if it was on an ATV.

 

[ultrarunner]

^^^ Keep the ideas coming...

Thanks

 

[yellowdogsvc]

A tree terminator tree shear would nip them off at or below the ground.

 

[fishfactor]

We do work for several Christmas tree farms on the other side of the country. Most sites we just use the skid steer / fecon head. We mulch the cull trees, and stems where the branches were cut for wreaths and garland. They have been happy with the results.

 

[ultrarunner]

I think my brother is getting the tractor bug.

He's never really paid any attention and now he's sending my craigslist ads everyday....

Told him he should pobably hold out unless a really good deal comes along because I will bring the Deere 110 and leave it there for a couple of weeks.

Agree, a mulching head would be sweet!

 

[GPintheMitten]

He's got the fever.

 

[ultrarunner]

He's got the fever.

It's kind of funny because he got a job around age 10 working summers at Stateline Stables in South Lake Tahoe... he was the one running the old Ford 8N and using the posthole digger and moving bales with the loader...

Then he went University and joined the corporate ranks and now is coming back to his youth... 65 acres with parkland behind him and city limits in front...