I Hate Green Briars!

[babsbag]

On our land it is poison oak that rules the world. But my goats took care of that for me. They also limbed every tree to about 6' which is awesome. When the fire prevention people come to inspect they look at the goats, scratch a note on their papers and move on. Fortunately we were not blessed with wild blackberries as many in my area are, but the goats would keep those in control too. And how do I know that...they ate my domesticated vines one year right before berry season.

I didn't know that sheep were so good at clearing brushing woody land, but I know you welcome their help. Go sheep!!!

 

[Baymule]

We have poison oak too. The sheep will eat it but they like the briars better.

 

[Devonviolet]

Being an hour north of Bay, we have allthe same miserable trip hazards. . . bramble, blackberries & poison ivy (UGH!).

Last year we were happy to finally get the grass mowed.

Clearing the 1/2 acre pasture behind the goats & chickens was a major undertaking, as we only had a couple gas powered weed whips. The brambles got out of hand very quickly. It seemed like they were intent on grabbing ankles & hanging on, once you got in the midst of the bramble.

This year the riding mower has allowed us to garner control over the pasture.

One time, when DH was working to clear the perimeter fence line, a strand of wild blackberry wrapped itself across his back, sinking its nasty thorns in. It took him a while to get loose.

Last summer, we didnt have time or energy to stay on top of the brambles, blackberries & poison ivy, in the 10 foot green space between our property & the farmers field next to us. We have permission, from the owner to use it. This year we have been able to cut it with the riding mower - to keep the bramble & poison ivy under control. The farmer never cuts the rye all the way, so we are able to cut what he leaves for the goats. They don't complain a bit.

Here it is, freshly mowed. We are able to cut about 5 feet of the grass (Rye) to the left of the mowed area, for goat browse, since the farmer never cuts that far over.

As hard as we try, we have still not been able to get help putting in fencing, so the goats can get at the woods. We still have projects (like getting in a vegetable garden) close to the house. Our plan (per encouragement from Bay) is to start getting fence posts dug (one at a time) so eventually we can stretch fencing ourselves - without help.

 

[Latestarter]

The 1/2 acre pasture that you do have cleared looks great. You have an awesome farmer neighbor as well to leave a swath of rye for you A lawn tractor is a God send when trying to keep acreage clear... It is just too much to do with a push mower unless you want to be mowing 5 days a week (at our age)... Even as a "kid" teenager, mowing ~1.5 acres of lawn at my folks place because of terrain and obstacles would take an entire day and often more. Then in wet weather, it would grow so fast, it would need to be mowed again in 3-4 days.

Sorry, I wish I was closer... I'd come help you with the fence.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

It does look great! But, isn't fencing a pain in the patootey....necessary - but a pain!

 

[Baymule]

Sorry, I wish I was closer... I'd come help you with the fence.

Well, you COULD move to TEXAS!!!

 

[Baymule]

@Devonviolet your place is looking so good!!! Your lawn tractor is a blessing!

 

[Baymule]

Yesterday we were totally worthless. Exhausted, all we did was lay up in our recliners and drift in and out of sleep. It was 3:00 before I even went outside. I fed all the animals and went back inside. This morning we got rid of a burn pile in the back, then stopped for lunch and to cool off. This afternoon we chopped green briars again and made another load. We dumped it on the burn pile. Another victory.

 

[Devonviolet]

Well, you COULD move to TEXAS!!!

. . . and a LOT closer than Southeast East Texas, out in the middle of no where!

And, I must say, that was awfully sweet of you to at least offer to help with the fencing!

 

[Devonviolet]

It does look great! But, isn't fencing a pain in the patootey....necessary - but a pain!

Thanks earthmom! It is a lot of work. But oh so nice when you stop to take a look at the results.

Fencing IS a pain, but a necessary evil!