When to brushhog unused field?

[JimS]

I have a few acres of grass that I put in a conservation plan (less taxes). The plan just calls for elimination of invasive plants (like tree of heaven). I haven't mowed it yet this year except for a path near the edge. Had some turkeys nesting in it earlier in the year and deer, etc.

Wondering what is best or easiest for mowing? I want to keep the junk trees and weeds from taking over so probably need to do it at least once a year. I have been pulling thistles and other obvious problem plants. I plan to mark the walnut and other "good" tree starts before I mow to save them.

I am thinking a fall mowing would be good to avoid the fire danger of tall dead grass but it would take away the protection the tall grass provides for animals. There are lots of woods around though so I'm not sure that is much of an issue.

Before I put this in conservation I mowed it 3 or 4 times a year for a year or two. I think the conservation plan would allow that but it seems like a lot more work and probably not best for trees and wildlife.

 

[sandman2234]

I purchased a part of an estate that was already in a Ga conservation plan, and called to ask them about mowing it. They didn't have a problem, but I was advised that I couldn't use any "groundbreaking" equipment on it. Check your area's plan to see what the rules are before you do anything, because if I violate the rules here, all back tax "savings" will become immediately due if the rules are violated.
David from jax

 

[Thomas]

Folks in our area brush hog least couple year..after fawns/young able to scoot,than again after first heavy frost.

Not sure of your state conservation plan..yes and no's,maybe wise to contact first.

 

[Wooddust]

If it is in CRP ask about those "good" trees, you may be required to keep it tree and brush free. Brushhogging is probably the worst possible way to manage invading or encroaching woody species since all you do is bandaid it, the trees dont die, they spread, they develop huge root system to top ratios and are the devil to kill when you finally decide to kill them.

 

[jfh0jfh]

Call and find out plan requirements. Here they are specific by program and terrain.

 

[Western]

Maybe a controlled burn in say March or April would do the job. I'd check first as suggested,

Fire does a good job of cleaning this up and stimulating native growth.

 

[Diamondpilot]

We Bush Hog 3 times a year. I usually do it to coincide with the cutting of the hay.

Chris

 

[rekees4300]

Mow it annually in the Fall. Annually will prevent the junk trees from getting so big that the stumps could puncture your tires. Fall is after all the plants have reseeded themselves. October is a good month.

 

[Will_C]

Once a year will be enough if all you are looking to do is keep saplings from taking root. Like chris, we bush hog the odd unfarmed small pieces 3 times a year- around Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.

Will

 

[buckeyefarmer]

while the weeds and grass are still green. Once they dry up, your fan screen and air filter really gets a lot of junk.
I was mowing a field one year, every pass I had to stop and clean my screen, it was so bad.