Mechanical clearing is a way to remove woody plants using tools such as chainsaws, skid steers, tree shredders, and mulchers. Depending on which practice is selected, mechanical control can be labor-intensive and expensive. It is also often used in conjunction with other practices. Additional treatments to prevent reinfestation, especially prescribed fire, are excellent methods to keep grasslands clear and healthy.
Selecting the right practice at the right time for the species of concern will significantly increase your success. Many woody plants are best controlled at the earliest stage possible, so it is helpful to be knowledgeable about how to identify young plants and be on the lookout for them. Removing them earlier will save considerable labor and expense in the long run.
Hand Cutting Smaller Saplings
There are many options for controlling saplings in grasslands. One option is hand-cutting with loppers or a chainsaw. Hand-cutting is an excellent option if the woody plants are small and not very dense. Being persistent in looking for these juvenile plants is crucial for maintaining grasslands that are already predominantly clear and stopping encroachment.
Landowners who have established a habit of removing woody plants at first sight always bring loppers or a chainsaw when they are out in the pasture. Having the equipment needed readily available makes it more likely they will remove the invasive woody plant at the first sight.
Mechanical Options for Clearing
Selecting the right equipment for an affected area depends on tree size and density of the stand. For smaller infestations, options include skid steers, brush hogs, mulchers, and tree saws.
As the level of infestation and encroachment change and become heavier, the equipment needed and the associated cost also changes. For large-scale or dense infestations, equipment options include bulldozers, hydraulic saws, clippers, and the ball and chain method. Costs can vary drastically, anywhere from $20 to $100 per acre, depending on the size and density of the trees.
No matter what equipment is chosen for mechanical removal, following it with a prescribed burn will help combat regrowth in the area. Combining mechanical clearing with other practices, like a prescribed burn, has been known to be the most effective.
Hiring Help
In some areas, contractors are available to conduct spray applications (spot, aerial, etc.). Finding a contractor that has done work in your area, possibly for a neighbor, is a great way to find a contractor. You can also search our contractor list. Below are some topics, with a few example questions, to discuss with a potential contractor.
References
- Is there anyone locally you’ve worked with who is willing to provide a recommendation or discuss their experience with you?
Experience
- How long have you been doing this work?
- Do you have experience with projects similar to this one (e.g., removing similar species, utilizing similar machinery, etc. )?
- Have you worked on jobs that involved this assistance program and its specific requirements, or something similar, in the past?
Work Plan
- What is your plan for completing the project?
- What equipment will be used?
License and Insurance
- Are you or your company licensed?
- Do you carry liability coverage for any damage that may happen while on my property?
Cost Estimate
- Can you provide an estimated cost or cost range for this project?
- Please be specific about what is and is not included within the estimate.
- Please include information about required deposits and when all payments are due.
Timeline
- When will you be available to work on this project?
- How long do you anticipate the project will take to complete?