Process for making pasture out of timberland

[meadowlarkponds]

I've been on a project now for about 9 months trying to turn 70 acres of 5 year old clear-cut timberland into pasture. I've got most of the brush down and am working on raking and stump removal now. My question to the forum is: is it necessary and beneficial to "shave" the land with the dozer to remove small roots that are still present in the soil and that may re-sprout?....or is it easier to just mow or treat the sprouts when they show up in the future? Thanks for any responses.

 

[meadowlarkponds]

I've been on a project now for about 9 months trying to turn 70 acres of 5 year old clear-cut timberland into pasture. I've got most of the brush down and am working on raking and stump removal now. My question to the forum is: is it necessary and beneficial to "shave" the land with the dozer to remove small roots that are still present in the soil and that may re-sprout?....or is it easier to just mow or treat the sprouts when they show up in the future? Thanks for any responses.

 

[beenthere]

Mow and treat with spray only if needed. But mowing regularly will hold most broadleaved brush in check.

 

[beenthere]

Mow and treat with spray only if needed. But mowing regularly will hold most broadleaved brush in check.

 

[Highbeam]

I agree, the shaving will remove your topsoil. Following stump removal, a nice heavy discing will chop the remaining roots up into little bits as it smooths out the surface. Regular mowing (of 70 acres!) will keep undesirable regrowth from happening. Even if you did remove every last little root from the soil, the natural regenerative process of trees will regenerate brush if you don't mow it. I don't see a need to spray anything so long as you can mow it.

The conversion is a common project. I am slowly getting my smaller piece converted too. In the photo, you can see roots still sticking up every now and then. I removed only what rooty stuff came up while grading. I had just finished planting fescue which is now a couple of inches tall.

We would all love to see pictures.

 

[Highbeam]

I agree, the shaving will remove your topsoil. Following stump removal, a nice heavy discing will chop the remaining roots up into little bits as it smooths out the surface. Regular mowing (of 70 acres!) will keep undesirable regrowth from happening. Even if you did remove every last little root from the soil, the natural regenerative process of trees will regenerate brush if you don't mow it. I don't see a need to spray anything so long as you can mow it.

The conversion is a common project. I am slowly getting my smaller piece converted too. In the photo, you can see roots still sticking up every now and then. I removed only what rooty stuff came up while grading. I had just finished planting fescue which is now a couple of inches tall.

We would all love to see pictures.

 

[meadowlarkponds]

Highbeam, Only in my dreams can I see mine looking that good.

It is in very rough shape right now, but I will try to post some pictures next Monday or so...if only it can turn out half as nice as yours, I'll be happy.

 

[meadowlarkponds]

Highbeam, Only in my dreams can I see mine looking that good.

It is in very rough shape right now, but I will try to post some pictures next Monday or so...if only it can turn out half as nice as yours, I'll be happy.

 

[Highbeam]

It only takes time. Mine started off as nonwalkable jungle. Over time using a small dozer, and with a little help from a logger I was left with something that a tractor could put into shape.

Here's the before.

 

[Highbeam]

It only takes time. Mine started off as nonwalkable jungle. Over time using a small dozer, and with a little help from a logger I was left with something that a tractor could put into shape.

Here's the before.