Pasture Burning

[Buckles]

I want to burn a pasture of mine to clean it up before spring. I've done a lot of reading on the pros and cons and I have decided to do it and now I need some help on how to actually do it.

I realize I'll have to get a burn permit for it but how specifically do you burn it? How long do you let it burn? Does anyone so this routinely that can offer some advice and suggestions?

[sassafras manor]

We always mowed the perimeter to prevent it from jumping into areas we dint want burned off. When we lit the fire we lit it up-wind so that it was a controlled fire that had to work against the wind versus a wild wind-swept fire out of control. The ideal time to do it is well before the new grass emerges. In central IL we did it in early March.

[ksfarmer]

Since you are in Florida and I'm in Kansas, I hesitate to give any advice, but, here goes. We burn our native pastures in late march-April. Too early in the spring leaves the ground bare and subject to erosion for too long a time.
Generally we burn a backfire against the wind to make a stopping point, then the remainder can go with the wind for a quick burn. How long to burn is not a question here, it burns till it is done and all the old dead grass is consumed. The Flint Hills of Kansas can look like a desolate wasteland after burning,,,but in a week or two, the green hills are beautiful and can make a lot of beef.