How Often Do I Need to Bush Hog?

[JohnPF]

We purchased 15 acres of land in western Kentucky back in September 2002. The land is bounded on three sides by thick woods. The western edge has mostly grasses and a few trees. There is also a row of trees that horizontally splits the property into two halves. Before we bought the land, it was used for crops--I think they grew hay.

We will be moving there to retire in 2006 and build a house on that land. We have had the land bush hogged once at a cost of $400. That's a lot of money for us! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Our question is, do we need to regularly (once or twice a year) bush hog the property or would it be more economical to just let it grow up and cut it once when we're ready to build? My concern is that the land will grow up so thick and have so many new trees growing on it that it will be more expensive to cut it once in 2006 than to spend $300-$400 three or four times in the interim.

Thoughts? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Thanks!

 

[Darren]

I think you'd be safe to bush hog once a year. I'd look at it after the first year and see how heavy the brush is and go from there. I might even think about doing it every two years.

I'd look at the area for stuff like multiflora rose, and autumn olive that over time can make a mess of a pasture. Look along the fence lines or uncut areas. If you find that kind of stuff and you intend to continue to use the land for hay/pasture, I'd cut it at least once a year to limit the herbaceous growth.

If it was used for hay before, find some one locally to take the hay off each year and make some money. Even if you let them hay it for nothing, you're still money ahead keeping the brush from coming in.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I've found that cutting at least every 6 months pretty well keeps things in control. Some saplings grow very quickly and if I were to wait a year, I would have to dig a lot of them out. We have a lot of wax myrtle to contend with, and it grows very quickly. I think if you just wait and watch, you'll be able to tell when you should get it cut. Maybe a year won't be bad where you're located, but I suspect 6 months is better. John

 

[Bird]

Like KiotiJohn, where I lived, I, and most of my neighbors, wanted the pastures brush hogged twice a year, although there were a few people who only did it once a year.

 

[Skitch]

Darren has the right idea. If the land used to be pastures and you want to keep it clear until you begin building, try to find someone to cut it either for free or charge them per bale. It sounds like the land is in pretty good shape, so you shouldn't have trouble finding someone to cut it for hay.

The best way to find someone is to just start asking around. Drive by a few local farms and stop in. Advertise it in a local paper. Even if you have to pay for the ad, it's a small price compared to the cost of bush hogging.

 

[cowboydoc]

To keep the growth and weeds down to a minimum I'd do it at least twice/year. Do it once in the spring and once in the fall. The more you can control the weeds and prevent them from going to seed the better off you are going to be. Every weed that goes to seed you are going to multiply the problem ten fold the next year. We mow our pastures about every month to control the weeds.

 

[em14]

I try to do my farm in Alabama 3 times a year ... Spring (March), mid-Summer (July) and late Fall or early Winter (Nov.-Dec.) ... I will go up in about a week and start cutting.
Leo

 

[Boondox]

Well, speaking as a sheep guy...are there any local farmers with sheep or goats willing to use the land for grazing till you retire? They'd keep the shrubs down and fertilize to boot! And if the section used for hay is still in decent shape, you'd have no trouble finding someone willing to use/maintain it till then.

Pete

 

[JohnPF]

Thanks to all for your replies, comments and suggestions. They were all appreciated. I've also contacted my county extension office who also confirmed what some of you said about mowing more frequently. Now I'll just have to convince my wife! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[cisco]

I had a similar situation in S.C., with a 4 year interval to the first phase of building (garage/apartment so I can enjoy the country property on occasional weekends). Twice a year will keep rapidly growing brush in check, but every month or so in growing season will render even really rough property just grass/weed covered and ready for establishment of a lawn, if done for 2-3 years.
Let's see - goats, local farmers who might wish a bit more non-specific field grass/debris, controlled burning, or ---

TIME FOR A TRACTOR
Dear wife, at $400 a shot for brush-cutting, it would be cost effective if I could just buy a small tractor for such and could also help with a garden, a road, drainage ditches, fence line, and LOTS of things. Really.
P.S. good luck