Stick Removal

TimberXX · Mar 26, 2024

I have a bunch of old growth trees that drop hundreds of sticks every wind Storm. I've been picking them up manually with the kids. It's a 4 hour job.

I need a better solution, but can't figure the right tool. I'm thinking:

Take a used walk behind leaf blower and build an adapter for my Deere quick hitch. I have no idea how many horse power is needed.

PTO blower, which at $4000 plus isn't an alternative

Front mount sweeper, but I havent heard they can removal small sticks

Any other thoughts?

jyoutz · Mar 26, 2024

Research 3ph pine straw rake.

jfsawatzky · Mar 27, 2024

Have you considered a landscape rake?

jaxs · Mar 27, 2024

Circumstances surrounding trees, what tools you already own and how much you can afford to spend will help determine "best"solution.
Have you determined why sticks fall? Have you checked for twig girdlers?

jeff9366 · Mar 27, 2024

Consider a Rotary Cutter / Bush Hog to turn twigs into mulch.

dieselscout80 · Mar 27, 2024

jeff9366 said:
Consider a Rotary Cutter / Bush Hog to turn twigs into mulch.

I use my flail mower and it works too.

oosik · Mar 27, 2024

I use my JD 750 riding mower. Sticks, twigs & pine needles. All blown together into rows. Gathered up with a manual lawn rake - put in a wheelbarrow - then to the trash pile.

TimberXX · Mar 27, 2024

Thanks for the response guys.

I don't think its a bug, it happens all winter. But I never knew that was a thing!
I have a landscape rake, but it tears up the lawn
I have a flail mower, but the twings are pretty low to the ground, but I like that idea!
Maybe the pinestraw rake is a good solution. the only issue is that I have a limited 1 pt, so it only comes up only 22 inches. those rakes look big!

Carl_NH · Mar 27, 2024

I pick up the big ones 1" and up in early spring then thatch the yard with this the pick up the few piles with a 48: dethacher behind my cub cadet then vacuum with the trac vac

During the mowing season I mulch them if they are small.