tiller or rake

[Bigshow]

I need to keep the dirt 'black' in and around my shelterbelt when its planted this spring. What would be better to use for this: rake or tiller?

no tractor yet...probably will be a BX2350.

thanks in advance for any insight....

 

[amigauser]

I assume you are talking about a fire brake area that needs to be kept clear of debris and plant material. I would think a 3 point landscape rake would work fine to keep it clear of debris, weeds, etc. Is that what you are asking??

Norm

 

[Bigshow]

well...the shelter belt will be brand new. A county deal where they bring in seedlings. And they told me i have to keep the dirt in and around the seedlings 'black'. Basically to not let grass or weeds get taller than the seedlings and over take them. Just wondering what the right tool to throw at that job is....

thanks.

 

[hsvhobbit]

Well, I'm kinda biased as I have a reverse rotation tiller. If it was me I'd probably till it up good and put down some weed killer like roundup or some such to take care of anything that wasn't turned under by the tiller. After that had a chance to degrade so it wouldn't kill the seedlings I could put them in with some confidence.

Turned under the grass will take awhile to grow back up, probably enough to give the seedlings a good head start.