Make Way for the Fencing

We've reached the point in our rotational browsing project that requires some trees be removed. After surveying the lay of the land, Ralph pointed out that there were LOTS of trees that needed removal, many of which were dead or dying pines. So instead of him slogging away with the 8N and a chain saw, we hired a local heavy equipment contractor to clear out pathways where the fencing will be installed. Ralph explained to the operator that only pathways were to be cleared...not the entire area as he thought we wanted done. We had to explain to him that all the briers and vines were what we wanted to grow. We just needed to get fencing down through certain areas.

The path for another 16' alleyways is cleared.

A former grove of dead pines once blocked the path of a future fence row.

This was another fence row that needed clearing, only this time the operator got into deep mud caused by the recent rains. Fortunately, he made it back up the hill. We had to hold off on two areas that were slated for clearing due to the recent heavy rains. At least the wet ground make it much easier for pushing over the shallow-rooted pines.

We were left with three very large piles. I was in favor of turning the goats loose on them to clean up all the green, but Ralph feared that as high as the piles are, the goats would clime on them and get caught in the unconsolidated branches. I know what he's thinking..."I need a can of gasoline & a flair gun!"