Question about Clearing Land

[kentuckysteader]

We would like to clear about 8 acres of land to allow us to expand our small pasture. There does not appear to be a lot of marketable timber. There is some but I don't think it's enough to amount being worth very much. Some areas consist of smaller pines and sapplings ..

The problem is our soil type is a silt loam that is prone to erosion and the areas we want to clear are a little bit hilly. We already have a few areas that already have some erosion and we want to avoid adding to this problem. Because of this, we would really like to avoid using a dozer wherever possible.

Question: How much would it cost to hire someone to help clear the land using chainsaws? Where would I look to find such help?


Thanks !!!

[ericjeeper]

Up on local freepapers, craigslist/. Let some one take what they want for free.
Then just work with them and pile and burn the brush.
Might want to broadcast oats this time of year or wheat to ease soil erosion.

[ceresone]

You might look into what my SIL had done--I think its called a land shear, but not sure. its like a back hoe machine, but with huge shears (nippers?) on the front, cuts trees off at the ground, really neat to watch--but I think it only goes to a 12"tree, but thats pretty large. We sat with him, and figured we could do our back 20 acres for about 2500. and leave the scattered big trees.

[Beeman]

First check to see what you have in trees, some varities are worth a lot for logs. Go to a local sawmill and see if he knows someone logging small time that can be trusted. Cutting the trees is only a small part of clearing for pasture. You still have stumps and no one is going to do anything besides bulldoze them for you.

[big rockpile]

Any way you can put Goats on it?

big rockpile

[agmantoo]

Clear the land progressively by using a track hoe and start at the top of the hills. Starting at the top will minimize the amount of exposed erodible area. Use the trash trees as windrow material and have the windrow follow the contour in the fashion of a terrace. The windrow will slow the water and will hold back the dirt that does erode. Do only a swath that is a 100 to 125 feet wide initially, establishing grass seasonally. Once you have the area sodded thoroughly repeat the sequence and slowly move down the hill. In so doing you will have a manageable situation and will have a quality pasture over the entire area in a few years. Here is my most recent project. As you can see this is a rather hilly area

[sros990]

I would check with your state/county forester before cutting all your trees. The forester should be able to help you plan and execute the clearing and avoid soil errosion.

Steve

[Alex]

What we do up north with raw land, FYI

• CAT to push over trees so roots come out, or CAT with cutter blade if small second growth.
• CAT Pile good trees in area for wood pile or selling.
• CAT Windrow others as needed, could be erosion control as stated, but 8 acres is small.
• Burn, repile, burn etc small and limbs of non market trees to get out of way
• Big tractor or CAT Break land with plow or disc, depending on philosophy and likely re growth ( I would break with plow if lots of willows or other type of invasive tree.)
• Disc up and root pick, harrow, etc, pick roots and or rocks.
• Plant oats this year.
• Work up next year, pick roots rocks, plant to oats, or barley, and grass mix or alfalfa if you want that and soil is good.

Good luck,

Alex

[kentuckysteader]

Originally Posted by Beeman

First check to see what you have in trees, some varities are worth a lot for logs. Go to a local sawmill and see if he knows someone logging small time that can be trusted. Cutting the trees is only a small part of clearing for pasture. You still have stumps and no one is going to do anything besides bulldoze them for you.

What are the varieties that are worthwhile to harvest for timber? What are the requirements (height, straightness, diameter, etc ... )


Thanks!!!

[uncle Will in In.]

What you plan to do may be covered by the 1985 Gov Sod Buster, Swamp Buster Laws. Be sure to check into that before you do anything that could get you in trouble.

[Alex]

Better move to Canada.

[Beeman]

Originally Posted by kentuckysteader

What are the varieties that are worthwhile to harvest for timber? What are the requirements (height, straightness, diameter, etc ... )


Thanks!!!

Maples&Oaks(especially chestnut oak) are worth money along with walnut and cherry. For general building lumber pines,poplars and sycamore are worth it for logs. If you have any large cedars they are worth sawing. Also any locust are good for fence posts and pole shed poles.
They just cleared off a large piece of land near me and ground every bit of it.

[highlands]

Consider just fencing it and turning in livestock. Pigs, sheep and cattle will clear it in a few years. Cut the larger trees for firewood or bonfires.

Cheers

-Walter
Sugar Mountain Farm
in the mountains of Vermont
http://SugarMtnFarm.com/blog/
http://HollyGraphicArt.com/
http://NoNAIS.org

[EasyDay]

Definitely check with your local agri extension office. Ours offers much help in creating/improving pasture, woodland management, erosion control, timber cutting, etc. It's free to have them come out, tell them what you want to do, and listen to their suggestions. They have even contributed to the cost of building some ponds in our area.

So much logging going on around here that they're talking about paying people to NOT cut their trees. Uh... Okay!

It's worth a shot... and it's free advice from hands-on kind of people.